Ulster GAA to run OCN-accredited Athletic Development In Gaelic Games course

Ulster GAA in partnership with Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI) will be running a 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 need the knowledge and confidence to be able to physically develop their players at each stage of the player pathway. With so much complexity 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 would also like 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 endorsed through the Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI).

*** Book your place here ***

This course is aimed at GAA volunteers in clubs, schools and county. The course will be delivered through a blended approach of both theory & practical via online (Microsoft Teams) & in-person sessions at Antrim GAA Hi-Performance Training Centre (Springbank Industrial Estate, Pembroke Loop Road, Dunmurry, Belfast BT170QL).

• June 9th (Online)
• June 16th (Antrim GAA Hi-Performance Training Centre)
• July 21st (Online)
• July 28th (Antrim GAA Hi-Performance Training Centre)
• August 11th (Online)
• August 18th (Antrim GAA Hi-Performance Training Centre)
• September 8th (Online)
• September 15th (Antrim GAA Hi-Performance Training Centre)

To gain full completion of the course participants MUST have full attendance.

Unit 1 – Fri June 9th & June 16th – Athletic Development in the Fundamental Stage of Gaelic Games (4-8 years old)

1. Understand how to incorporate functional movement into a physical literacy session
2. Be able to safely coach functional movement exercises to children
3. Demonstrate how to deliver an appropriate warm up session
4. Demonstrate how to assess players through functional movements
5. Be able to measure player development through the fundamental stage

Unit 2 – Fri July 21st & July 28th – Athletic Development in the Learn to Train Stage of Gaelic Games (8 – 12 years old)

1. Apply the Learn to Train stage of the GAA Player
2. Demonstrate functional movement to players at the Learn to Train stage
3. Apply resistance training into daily coaching session
4. Analyse athletic development through the Learn to Train stage

Unit 3 – Fri Aug 11th & Aug 18th – Athletic Development in the Train to Train Stage of Gaelic Games (12 – 16 years old)

1. Understand the Train to train stage of the Player Pathway
2. Be able to safely coach resistance exercises to young players
3. Demonstrate knowledge of warm ups, mobilisation and recovery strategies when promoting athletic development
4. Be able to development and implement a progressive resistance programme to athletes at the Train to train Stage.

Unit 4 – Fri Sept 8th & Sept 18th – Athletic Development in the Train to Compete Stage of Gaelic Games (16+ years)

1. Understand the Train to Compete stage of the Player Pathway
2. Be able to safely coach resistance exercises to players 16+
3. Demonstrate how to develop resistance training in the Train to train stage
4. 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).

COURSE FEES: £150/€175 per coach.

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