CLUBS ENCOURAGED TO START PLANNING FOR NEW SCHOOL YEAR
O Callaghan points out that "research all over the country indicates that clubs who have a club school link programme in place have more children coming to club training every week and notice a dramatic improvement in the skill level of players over clubs who do not have a link". Therefore, it is vital for clubs to maximise their player resources by ensuring there is a regular coaching programme in place in the local primary schools.
Coiste Oiliuna would encourage clubs to start planning ahead now for the start of the new school year by trying to have the programme in place so that when Principals return to work in mid august that a proposal can be put forward by the local club.
WHO CAN CLUBS GET TO BE THE COACH?
A local club coach is as good as any because he/she already knows some of the pupils from coming down to club training. A person may be on shift work and have an hour or two spare in the week and be willing to give of their time to help out in the local primary school. Also, with the economic downturn, unemployment is high, therefore there may be some one in the club who may be available during school hours to give some coaching time in the school.
MY CLUB HAS SOMEONE AVAILABLE BUT THEY DONT HAVE MUCH COACHING EXPERIENCE?
That is not an issue because the Games Development Administrator for your area can help this person plan sessions, oversee initial sessions in school with the volunteer and act as a mentor throughout the coaching programme until they feel comfortable to work independantly.
WHAT WILL SCHOOLS LOOK FOR IN THIS CLUB COACH?
A few basic things normally requested by schools are
- Completion of Garda Vetting Form
- Completion of a Foundation Level Coaching Course
- Commitment to be present consistently for an agreed number of sessions
- Take whole classes rather than just club players for the training if done during school time
The GDA for your region can help to advise on how to ensure all the above are in place should you have somebody available.
WHAT LEVEL OF COMMITMENT WILL SCHOOLS NEED FROM CLUBS?
Schools plan the PE curriculum on a term basis. Therefore, if going to a Principal with an offer of coaching, we would recommend that the duration would be 8-10 weeks.
WHAT CLASSES SHOULD BE TARGETED FOR COACHING?
If the club volunteer doing the coaching has enough time then you could offer to take all classes from 1st to 6th class. However, if the volunteer only has limited time available, then most benefit can be derived from taking 2nd, 3rd or 4th classes. The reason for this is because these children are at an age where they can be influenced to commence playing a sport if not already doing so. The 5th and 6th class pupils will, for the most part, have their minds made up about what sports they like and dislike and so there attitudes will be harder to change if already negative towards GAA. They will also be participating in the Sciath na Scol competitions and so will already be training with teachers in the school.
MY CLUB SEEM INTERESTED IN THIS INITIATIVE BUT NEED TO DISCUSS IT FURTHER, WHO CAN WE CONTACT?
Contact any of the GDA's and they will be delighted to help you out in whatever way they can.
The contact details are as follows
Martin Coleman Carrigdoun/Muskerry 086-7725372
Paudie Kissane Avondhu/Duhallow 087-7600658
Brian Murphy Imokilly 086-7725377
Paudie O Brien Seandun 086-7725411
Kevin O Donovan Carberry/Beara 086-7753567
Noel Crowley GPO 086-8375061