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www.ladiesgaelic.ie | WINTER 2021 | 53 LGFA PL AYER DEVELOPMENT PROGR AMME I n 2022, the LGFA will aim to bring player and coach development to a new level with the introduction of the Player Development Programme (PDP). Our aim is to have more players and better players playing longer in our game. For this to be achieved, we require more coaches, better coaches providing an enjoyable and stimulating coaching environment, hence the introduction of the player development programme. This programme will an inclusive programme for all clubs for players aged between 13 and 17 years of age, focusing on a wide range of ability levels. The programme will provide Counties with an opportunity to expose their club players to a higher standard of coaching, with the specific aim to develop and improve each player in a positive and safe environment. The programme will involve no selection, de-selection of players or trials and will be a regional programme to encourage participation. An open invitation will be provided to club players to participate based on coaching resources available within each County i.e., number of coaches available, number of locations etc. This programme will also aim to support the development of club coaches. Clubs PLAYER DEVELOPMENT & COACH EDUCATION TO FORE IN 2022 BENEFITS PLAYERS • Improve & Develop • Meet players from other clubs • Receive high quality coaching COACHES • Exposure to best practice coaching • Opportunity to learn develop as a coach • Coach with like minded People CLUBS • Opportunity for all clubs to be involved • Player & Coach development COUNTY • Opportunity to invest in wider membership • Strengthen club relationships • Upskill and identify coaches in the County OVERVIEW will be given an opportunity to nominate a coach or coaches to participate as a coach in the programme. During the programme, various coach education workshops or information sessions will be provided to the coaches on topics such as - how to create a positive coaching climate, how to be a development coach during your coaching session and how to be a development coach on game day. In addition, other club coaches are free to attend and observe any of the practical coaching sessions for their own learning if unable to fully participate in the programme itself as a coach. The programme will involve eight quality coaching sessions in total to ensure this programme does not impinge on club activity, with additional game opportunities provided (dependent on Government Guidelines) to allow players and coaches alike to put their learning into practice. The timing of the programme will be County specific to be in line with a County's underage fixtures programme. The benefits of the programme for the player, coach, club and the county are far- reaching, and we look forward to working with counties with its implementation over the coming months. As of 2022, titles such as 'LGFA Development Academy' or 'LGFA Academy Programme' are no longer being referred to and will be replaced by player development programme.