Inaugural LGFA U17 Player Development Programme Festival Day is huge success!

The 2022 National U17 Player Development Programme (PDP) Festival Day took place in the impressive surroundings of the GAA National Development Centre in Abbotstown on Tuesday, 5^th July. The PDP is a new concept introduced by LGFA this year across three age cohorts; U13, U15 and U17. The PDP has clear aims and objectives; it is about equipping players with the knowledge, skills and attitude to be the best they can be. There is no selection or deselection of players, and every player that participates is exposed to a maximum of eight high quality coaching sessions and playing opportunities at County, Provincial and National levels.

Those in attendance at the National Under 17 Festival day were treated to a magnificent spectacle of skill, teamwork and camaraderie, with 16 teams representing 9 counties in attendance. The U17 PDP, in particular, is an important programme in the LGFA calendar as it assists with developing players in the age bracket that is most vulnerable to drop-out in our sport.

All teams took part in a series of games in the group stages and then progressed to knockout stages of the cup, shield and plate. While there is an element of competitiveness, development was to the forefront at all times as the games gave players an opportunity to measure their improvement over the last number of weeks. Many counties had multiple teams and providing maximum game time for players in attendance were key priorities for coaches throughout the day.

In the end, is was Meath’s Na Boinne that took home the Plate title after a titanic battle with their best friends, Meath Royals. Galway won the Shield Final against Kildare and Dublin North were crowned cup winners by beating a gallant Waterford in the Final.

We would like to congratulate all teams involved on the day and thank our volunteers, referees and coordinators, for ensuring that everything went to schedule. The skill level on display throughout the day was very evident and we look forward to seeing many of these players with their respective clubs and counties over the coming years.

Participating Teams:

• Meath Na Boinne, Royals, Taras and Tailteanns
• Dublin South, North and Fingal
• Tipperary Gold and Blue
• Cork Red and White
• Kildare
• Waterford
• Limerick
• Kerry
• Galway