Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1273037
34 | SUMMER 2020 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie GAELIC4MOTHERS &OTHERs GAELIC4MOTHERS &OTHERS O n June 29th, the LGFA hosted a first ever webinar for the Gaelic4Mothers&Others programme. Not only was this the first webinar aimed at G4M&O but it was also the first instalment of any specifically constructed Coach Education for the programme. The suspension of the Gaelic4Mothers&Others activity in early March brought with it as many negative implications for this particular programme as any other in our Association. In many clubs across the country G4M&O have become an integral part of club life. The programme provides a sporting and social outlet to so many who never previously experienced it in a club setting. The enforced suspension of the programme provided an opportunity to take a step back and acknowledge some further needs of the G4M&O programme. An extensive survey of all G4M&O participants carried out in 2018 & 2019 provided some clear information as to the needs of the participants. The evidence suggested that there was a desire for a coach education component to the G4M&O programme. This would provide a marriage of two strands of games development - Growth & Participation and Coach Education. A large online audience tuned in to participate in the webinar "Effective Coaching Practices for Gaelic4Mothers&Others". Participants were provided with a programme overview that reinforced the ethos and purpose of the programme as well as answering some key operational queries that arise on a regular basis. The session was provided & delivered by National Development Officers Vinny Whelan and William Harmon. The pair's vast experience of working with G4M&O groups coupled with expertise in Coach Education provided the attendees with some specific take away messages for all coaches and participants in relation to the uniqueness of coaching a G4M&O group. William spoke at length on approaches coaches should use when engaging with players and also how to meet each participant's needs. Vinny closed the session with topics on session structure and content to allow participants and coaches to implement aspects of fun, inclusion, skill development, and team building into their sessions as well as facilitating the empowerment of players to take ownership of aspects of a session. There was huge engagement from the extremely inquisitive audience with questions and comments in abundance. Covid 19 may have halted our physical presence with others, however, it provided LGFA with a far reaching medium to communicate messages and to interact with many. The Gaelic4Mothers&Others programme now has a new aspect to it. Specific G4M&O Coach education will allow us to improve the experience of participants in every club. Effective Coaching Practices for