Enrolment open for new OCN accredited ‘Athletic Development In Gaelic Games’ course
Ulster GAA, in partnership with Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI), will be running a Level 3 Diploma Course in Athletic Development for Gaelic Games.
The objective is to upskill GAA Coaches so that they are able to create more athletically developed players. In an age where most clubs have their own fitness suites, coaches require the knowledge and confidence to be able to physically develop their players at each stage of the player pathway. With so much mystery around the subject of strength and conditioning, there is a need to simplify the process of developing the physical attributes of the player.
In addition, Ulster GAA hope to reward the hard work already being undertaken by many volunteers in clubs, schools and county level and provide them with the opportunity to bring this into a formal qualification. In times of economic hardship and unemployment, the GAA Club environment can help people develop new skills and competencies that they can use when seeking employment.
Ulster GAA are offering this as a local qualification which is accredited through the Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI)
Target audience: GAA volunteers at clubs, schools and county level
Venue: Kildress GAC, Co. Tyrone
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/athletic-development-in-gaelic-games-tickets-192291919307
Course cost: £150
Units:
1. Athletic Development in the Fundamental Stage of Gaelic Games (4 – 8 years old)
Unit 1 – Sat 6th November 9.30am – 2.30pm
a. Understand how to incorporate functional movement into a physical literacy session
b. Be able to safely coach functional movement exercises to children
c. Demonstrate how to deliver an appropriate warm up session
d. Demonstrate how to assess players through functional movements
e. Be able to measure player development through the fundamental stage
Unit 2 – Sat 8th January 9.30am – 2.30pm
2. Athletic Development in the Learn to Train Stage of Gaelic Games (8 – 12 years old)
a. Apply the Learn to Train stage of the GAA Player
b. Demonstrate functional movement to players at the Learn to Train stage
c. Apply resistance training into daily coaching session
d. Analyse athletic development through the Learn to Train stage
Unit 3 – Sat 19th February 9.30am – 2.30pm
3. Athletic Development in the Train to Train Stage of Gaelic Games (12 – 16 years old)
a. Understand the Train to train stage of the Player Pathway
b. Be able to safely coach resistance exercises to young players
c. Demonstrate knowledge of warm ups, mobilisation and recovery strategies when promoting athletic development
d. Be able to development and implement a progressive resistance programme to athletes at the Train to train Stage.
Unit 4 – Sat 2nd April 9.30am – 2.30pm
4. Athletic Development in the Train to Compete Stage of Gaelic Games (16+ years)
a. Understand the Train to Compete stage of the Player Pathway
b. Be able to safely coach resistance exercises to players 16+
c. Demonstrate how to develop resistance training in the Train to train stage
d. Apply resistance training into daily coaching sessions
Review – Sat 7th May – Coursework submission date
Total Credit Value – 40
Guided learning Hours 400 (40 hours classroom based/360 distance learning).
Criteria for selection:
Essential:
GAA NGB Foundation Award
Current involvement with a GAA team in some type of coaching capacity
Preferred:
Other GAA Qualifications / GAA NGB Award 1
Coaching Experience club/county
Sports Specific Knowledge – Sports Science/Nutrition/Performance Analysis/Periodization
Sports Specific Workshops attended (GAA or Other)
Evidence of commitment to sport or any aspect of voluntary work
For further information contact Eoin McNicholl, Ulster GAA Sports Science Officer – eoin.mcnicholl.ulster@gaa.ie
