LGFA Encourage Former Players onto Coaching Ladder

The Ladies Gaelic Football Association will hold the first Coaching Development Programme (CDP) for current or past intercounty players. The course will facilitate former players as they begin to take the first steps on the coaching ladder.  

 

The LGFA Level 1 Assimilation Course saw players that have a minimum of 3 years experience at adult intercounty level receive an objective assessment of their previous experience and qualifications that will see the players assimilated into the Level 1 Coaching qualification without having to do the FUNdamentals course that is mandatory for other aspiring coaches.

 

Following completion of the CDP these successful applicants are now able to proceed to the Coaching Level 2 course, the highest level of coaching qualification available within the LGFA.

 

The Introduction of the CDP is designed to attract players, who have gained a wealth of experience on the field, into a coaching career where up and coming stars can benefit from their knowledge as they aim to emulate these great stars.

 

Players taking part in the LGFA Assimilation Course have a minimum of 3 years experience of playing adult intercounty football, they are currently involved in a coaching capacity with a club, county, school or college, they are over the age 18 and they are registered members of the LGFA. Players did not need to have any previous coaching qualifications to be accepted onto the course. Some of the players taking part include former stars like Waterford’s Marie and Fiona Crotty along with current players including Monaghan sisters Sharon and Cora Courtney and Leitrim’s Aine Tighe.

Speaking about the new Coaching Development Programme LGFA President, Marie Hickey, said ‘This LGFA Level 1 Assimilation Course for Experienced Players provides players with a great opportunity to fast track their coaching careers. We want to see more of our great players progress through to the top level of coaching. They have amassed so much knowledge during their time as players that will be of enormous benefit to young players getting involved in the game. We hope to see players and former players take advantage of this opportunity to accelerate through the coaching grades and progress right to the top of our sport.’

Speaking about the new intiative Sport Ireland Coach Education Development Officer, Liam Moggan, said ‘Coaching is primarily about helping people. Experienced players are in a special place, as role models to fit that role. Experienced players need help to perfect coaching skills and to look and see the game and its players in a different light. LGFA are providing an excellent service by helping experienced players transfer to the coaching role. The assimilation process will increase the number of ladies coaching in clubs and in time will improve participation and performance levels. I wish them well.,