Weather fails to dampen spirits at LGFA U17 Player Development Programme National Festival Day!

The 2024 National U17 Player Development Programme (PDP) Festival Day took place in the impressive surroundings of the GAA National Development Games Development Centre on Tuesday, 9^th July. The PDP has clear aims and objectives, and is two-fold; it is an opportunity for players to be exposed to positive coaching experiences that will equip them with the skills and knowledge to become a better player while also it is an opportunity for coaches to improve and expand their coaching knowledge.

With the PDP, competing interests are removed i.e., selection/deselection, and every player that participates in the PDP is exposed to a maximum of 12 high quality coaching sessions and playing opportunities at county, provincial and national levels. The PDP is all about coaching and continuous improvement that includes coach education webinars, in-person coaching events as well as the festival days.

Despite the poor weather, those in attendance at the National Under 17 Festival Day were treated to a magnificent spectacle of skill, teamwork and camaraderie, with 15 teams representing 9 counties in attendance. The U17 PDP 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 always to the forefront 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.

Kerry took home the Plate title after a titanic battle with Galway City/East. Galway North/West won the Shield Final against Cork Buateoiri, while Cork Dearg were crowned cup winners after overcoming a gallant effort from their friends Cork Ultras 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 levels on display throughout the day were very evident and we look forward to seeing many of these players with their respective clubs and counties over the coming years.

Participating Teams:

• Cork Dearg, White, Buateoiri, Ultras and Red Devils
• Galway City/East and Galway North/West
• Kildare and Lilywhites
• Kerry
• Clare
• Limerick
• Roscommon
• Down
• Offaly