Ladies Gaelic Football

GFP HEC CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS 58 | WINTER 2019 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie COACH EDUCATION T he Ladies Gaelic Football Association held their third Coaching Development Programme (CDP) for current or past Inter County players in November. The course facilitates players as they begin to take the first steps on the coaching ladder. The LGFA Inter County Level 1 Coaching Programme 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 Level 2 coaching 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. Some of the players that took part in the programme included former stars like Dublin's Denise Masterson, Mayo's Sinead Stagg as well as current stars like Galway's Shauna Molloy and Meath's Máire O'Shaunghnessy. Speaking about the new Coaching Development Programme, LGFA President, Marie Hickey, said: 'This LGFA Inter County Level 1 Coaching Programme 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 initiative, facilitator on the day 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. This programme will increase the number of ladies coaching in clubs and in time will improve participation and performance levels.' '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' LGFA encourage players onto coaching ladder

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