Award One Child : Schedule

Award One - The Award 1 Coach course is the second award on the coaching pathway. The course is aimed at coaches that have completed the Foundation Award, have experience as a coach & takes into account the different playing capacities that exist between children (up to 12 years), youths (age 13–18) and Adults (age 19+). This course consists of 7/8 sessions.
Please refer to the image to the left for more details.
Kilmainhamwood GFC will fund this course for any member that is interested. The member must pay for the course up front, attend all sessions, achieve the certification and present receipts to club secretary for reimbursement.
Please contact Shane Russell, Kilmainhamwood GFC Juvenile Secretary for more details
Please refer to the image to the left for more details.
Kilmainhamwood GFC will fund this course for any member that is interested. The member must pay for the course up front, attend all sessions, achieve the certification and present receipts to club secretary for reimbursement.
Please contact Shane Russell, Kilmainhamwood GFC Juvenile Secretary for more details
Foundation Courses 2015

Please note the upcoming Foundation Courses around Meath over the next month.
Note: This is a beginner course for all age-groups. All coaches MUST complete the Child Protection Workshop (Code of Best Practice) to complete Foundation Award.
The Online Football Course requires the theory element to be completed online (learning.gaa.ie) before attending a practical session on the date given. Please get in contact for more details on registering and completing the course
Cost of attending the course is €10pp and participants receive certification from Coaching Ireland.
Note: This is a beginner course for all age-groups. All coaches MUST complete the Child Protection Workshop (Code of Best Practice) to complete Foundation Award.
The Online Football Course requires the theory element to be completed online (learning.gaa.ie) before attending a practical session on the date given. Please get in contact for more details on registering and completing the course
Cost of attending the course is €10pp and participants receive certification from Coaching Ireland.
Coach Education Menu

Foundation Award – The Foundation Award is the introductory course for coaches of Gaelic Games. The course is aimed at beginner coaches and will enable participants to teach the basic skills of the game through drills & fun activities. Participants must be aged 18+ to complete this course. This is course is usually held over 2 sessions – theory & practical.
Award One - The Award 1 Coach course is the second award on the coaching pathway. The course is aimed at coaches that have completed the Foundation Award, have experience as a coach & takes into account the different playing capacities that exist between children (up to 12 years), youths (age 13–18) and Adults (age 19+). This course consists of 7/8 sessions.
Award Two - The Award 2 course is the third award on the coaching pathway. The course is aimed at experienced coaches that have progressed through the Foundation and Award 1 programmes & like the Award 1 is divided into child, youth and adult.
GAA Child Protection Course – This course is for all in the GAA that work with underage players – up to age 18. The Code of Behaviour addresses the minimum appropriate levels of behaviour, practice and conduct required from our Young Players, Coaches, Supporters, Parents/Guardians, Referees and Clubs. This must now be completed alongside the Foundation Award
Teacher Training Workshop – This is a workshop is designed for teachers to cover the basic skills of football and hurling. Participants will gain confidence in delivering elements of the PE curriculum through Gaelic Games. It is ideal for teachers new to the games as well as introduce new ideas to those with experience. Can be ran in one school or a number of schools.
Award One - The Award 1 Coach course is the second award on the coaching pathway. The course is aimed at coaches that have completed the Foundation Award, have experience as a coach & takes into account the different playing capacities that exist between children (up to 12 years), youths (age 13–18) and Adults (age 19+). This course consists of 7/8 sessions.
Award Two - The Award 2 course is the third award on the coaching pathway. The course is aimed at experienced coaches that have progressed through the Foundation and Award 1 programmes & like the Award 1 is divided into child, youth and adult.
GAA Child Protection Course – This course is for all in the GAA that work with underage players – up to age 18. The Code of Behaviour addresses the minimum appropriate levels of behaviour, practice and conduct required from our Young Players, Coaches, Supporters, Parents/Guardians, Referees and Clubs. This must now be completed alongside the Foundation Award
Teacher Training Workshop – This is a workshop is designed for teachers to cover the basic skills of football and hurling. Participants will gain confidence in delivering elements of the PE curriculum through Gaelic Games. It is ideal for teachers new to the games as well as introduce new ideas to those with experience. Can be ran in one school or a number of schools.
The GAA Strategic Vision & Action Plan

The GAA Strategic Vision and Action Plan 2009-2015 identified the immediate need to prioritise and support the development of players and coaches as key to the long-term success and health of Gaelic Games.
To create a coaching system which produces and support the development of coaches and players, the GAA has developed a model of Coach Education has been reformatted to take account of the different playing capacities that exist between children (up to 12 years), youths (age 13 – 18) and adults (age 19+), and the competencies that a coach is required to display when working with each of the playing populations. These streams have been identified to cater for the diverse needs of children, of youths and of adults.
Quality Coaching – as part of an overall Games Development Plan – promotes fair play, builds social cohesion, self-esteem, and enhances health and well-being as well as supporting social and economic objectives.
Coaches should be committed to creating fun, safe playing environments for all of our players, regardless of age or ability level. To safeguard our players, coaches abide by the GAA Code of Conduct, have completed the GAA/ISC Child Protection in Sport Awareness Workshop and are vetted by An Garda Síochána/ Access NI.
Structure of the Coach Education Programme
The Coach Education Programme focuses on continuing education, so that coaches can improve by means of a series of specifically designed courses, workshops and conferences incorporating internationally recognised principles of best practice. These opportunities will include a combination of theoretical and practical inputs and allow for the use of digital and e-learning techniques.
The programme of Applied Lifelong Learning makes provision for coaches to continually develop their skills and to progress at a rate suited to their own development.
Coaching
The coach has a central role in the development of the GAA player. Coaches assist players in developing to their potential – whatever that maybe. The challenge for the coach is to create the right conditions for learning to happen and to empower the player to develop him/herself to reach their potential.
This section will cover topics for a range of people – from those who would like to become a coach to experienced coaches who are looking to develop their coaching and sports science knowledge.
Coaching information is provided for coaches of children, youths and adults. This is to recognise the many differences that coaches are faced with when coaching each of these age and development stages. Much of the information on the art of coaching will apply across the three stages, but differences in technical, tactical and team play development as well as physical and psychological areas are dealt with according to the stage of development.
Information is also provided on the GAA Coach Education Programme. For details of upcoming courses around the county please contact Coaching Officer Shane Russell on (086) 8030558
To create a coaching system which produces and support the development of coaches and players, the GAA has developed a model of Coach Education has been reformatted to take account of the different playing capacities that exist between children (up to 12 years), youths (age 13 – 18) and adults (age 19+), and the competencies that a coach is required to display when working with each of the playing populations. These streams have been identified to cater for the diverse needs of children, of youths and of adults.
Quality Coaching – as part of an overall Games Development Plan – promotes fair play, builds social cohesion, self-esteem, and enhances health and well-being as well as supporting social and economic objectives.
Coaches should be committed to creating fun, safe playing environments for all of our players, regardless of age or ability level. To safeguard our players, coaches abide by the GAA Code of Conduct, have completed the GAA/ISC Child Protection in Sport Awareness Workshop and are vetted by An Garda Síochána/ Access NI.
Structure of the Coach Education Programme
The Coach Education Programme focuses on continuing education, so that coaches can improve by means of a series of specifically designed courses, workshops and conferences incorporating internationally recognised principles of best practice. These opportunities will include a combination of theoretical and practical inputs and allow for the use of digital and e-learning techniques.
The programme of Applied Lifelong Learning makes provision for coaches to continually develop their skills and to progress at a rate suited to their own development.
Coaching
The coach has a central role in the development of the GAA player. Coaches assist players in developing to their potential – whatever that maybe. The challenge for the coach is to create the right conditions for learning to happen and to empower the player to develop him/herself to reach their potential.
This section will cover topics for a range of people – from those who would like to become a coach to experienced coaches who are looking to develop their coaching and sports science knowledge.
Coaching information is provided for coaches of children, youths and adults. This is to recognise the many differences that coaches are faced with when coaching each of these age and development stages. Much of the information on the art of coaching will apply across the three stages, but differences in technical, tactical and team play development as well as physical and psychological areas are dealt with according to the stage of development.
Information is also provided on the GAA Coach Education Programme. For details of upcoming courses around the county please contact Coaching Officer Shane Russell on (086) 8030558
Coaching in our club

The Club is the fundamental unit of the GAA. It is where members begin their involvement with the GAA, and where they continue their involvement long after playing careers have finished. The area of coaching and games development forms a large part of the activities that take place within the Club.
All Clubs should select a Club Coaching & Games Coordinator and a Club Coaching sub-committee to oversee coaching issues within the Club. The Club Coaching & Games Coordinator position is an exciting development in the organisation of the Club. The activities and influence of the Club coaches will ensure a smooth progression for all players through the Club teams.
This section will deal with the various structures and activities that can be promoted within each Club. Within this section, it will be possible to answer a number of questions:
All Clubs should select a Club Coaching & Games Coordinator and a Club Coaching sub-committee to oversee coaching issues within the Club. The Club Coaching & Games Coordinator position is an exciting development in the organisation of the Club. The activities and influence of the Club coaches will ensure a smooth progression for all players through the Club teams.
This section will deal with the various structures and activities that can be promoted within each Club. Within this section, it will be possible to answer a number of questions:
- What is the role of the Club Coaching & Games Coordinator?
- What is the Coach Education Programme and how to do we avail of assistance?
- What initiatives and activities can I role out in my Club?
- What type of links should the Club have with local schools?
- Who do I contact for coaching assistance within my Club?
Role of a Coaching Officer

The position of the Club Coaching Officer is a new and exciting position within the executive of your local GAA club. It will become one of the most prestigious and sought-after positions on the executive of ambitious and progressive GAA clubs over the next few years. The Club Coaching Officer will have at least a Level 1 Coaching Qualification.
Role
The officer will coordinate the activities of the club coaches and managers to provide a safe, smooth and rewarding progression for all its players from U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, Minor, U21, Junior and Senior through the Pathway to Elite Performance (PEP). To achieve this, the Club Coaching Officer will arrange periodic meetings of all coaches and managers as a sub-committee of the Club.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Coaching Officer and committee to nurture young coaches and to provide - but most importantly to ensure that - a consistent programme of games, supported and complimented by quality coaching sessions, is provided for all our players.
Role
The officer will coordinate the activities of the club coaches and managers to provide a safe, smooth and rewarding progression for all its players from U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, Minor, U21, Junior and Senior through the Pathway to Elite Performance (PEP). To achieve this, the Club Coaching Officer will arrange periodic meetings of all coaches and managers as a sub-committee of the Club.
Responsibilities
- Club School Link
- Player Welfare
- Vhi Cúl Camp Coordinator
- Best Practice
- Coach Education
- Facilities & Resources Management
It is the responsibility of the Coaching Officer and committee to nurture young coaches and to provide - but most importantly to ensure that - a consistent programme of games, supported and complimented by quality coaching sessions, is provided for all our players.
Club School Link Programme

It is natural for most children to be drawn towards outdoor sport. The obvious location where the introduction process commences is in the local primary school.
Clubs that are organised on a consistent basis in supporting their local primary school will be successful in the long term. The Club, school and the children will benefit mutually.
It is very important to initiate an excellent working relationship with the school principal and teachers. Courtesy and good communication is central to its success.
Steps to Establishing Club-School Links
1. Ensure that the Club has a dedicated School Liaison Officer (SLO). The SLO should be selected after considering availability to visit the school during school hours and communication skills. (If there is a club member teaching in the school he/she should not be asked to be SLO)
2. The SLO and Club Chairperson could arrange to meet the principal and teacher with responsibility for sport/games.
3. Agree points of contact for club and school.
4. Outline the club’s work at underage as well as the Go Games Programme, which promotes participation for all children.
5. Establish what support the school requires in terms of:
a) Equipment and gear
b) Facilities
c) Coaching assistance in the school setting
d) Support for Cumann na mBunscol activities
e) Assistance with organising Go Games Blitzes
f) Support for after school activities e.g. homework clubs
g) Information about coaching courses
h) Club membership for staff
6. Formalise arrangements regarding mutual use of each others facilities.
7. Establish (and keep up to date) a GAA notice-board in the school with information on Club Blitzes, Ú Can (Skill) Awards, GAA Cúl Camps, Cumann na mBunscol activities etc.
8. Provide a calendar of club events e.g. registration days, Go Games Blitzes etc. and keep up to date with school events.
9. Liaise with the County Games Manager and the school to keep up to date with school initiatives including the GAA Céim ar Aghaidh Education Resource, GAA Fun Do Coaching Pack, Cúl4kidz magazine and the Schools Coaching programme.
10. Circulate a club newsletter to the school children to encourage them to become involved in the club.
11. Host schools Go-Games blitzes at the club pitch and hold a follow up event on a Saturday or Sunday morning.
12. Build on the new partnership; both the club and school could link together on new projects and schemes that will encourage children to play and stay with the GAA.
Clubs that are organised on a consistent basis in supporting their local primary school will be successful in the long term. The Club, school and the children will benefit mutually.
It is very important to initiate an excellent working relationship with the school principal and teachers. Courtesy and good communication is central to its success.
Steps to Establishing Club-School Links
1. Ensure that the Club has a dedicated School Liaison Officer (SLO). The SLO should be selected after considering availability to visit the school during school hours and communication skills. (If there is a club member teaching in the school he/she should not be asked to be SLO)
2. The SLO and Club Chairperson could arrange to meet the principal and teacher with responsibility for sport/games.
3. Agree points of contact for club and school.
4. Outline the club’s work at underage as well as the Go Games Programme, which promotes participation for all children.
5. Establish what support the school requires in terms of:
a) Equipment and gear
b) Facilities
c) Coaching assistance in the school setting
d) Support for Cumann na mBunscol activities
e) Assistance with organising Go Games Blitzes
f) Support for after school activities e.g. homework clubs
g) Information about coaching courses
h) Club membership for staff
6. Formalise arrangements regarding mutual use of each others facilities.
7. Establish (and keep up to date) a GAA notice-board in the school with information on Club Blitzes, Ú Can (Skill) Awards, GAA Cúl Camps, Cumann na mBunscol activities etc.
8. Provide a calendar of club events e.g. registration days, Go Games Blitzes etc. and keep up to date with school events.
9. Liaise with the County Games Manager and the school to keep up to date with school initiatives including the GAA Céim ar Aghaidh Education Resource, GAA Fun Do Coaching Pack, Cúl4kidz magazine and the Schools Coaching programme.
10. Circulate a club newsletter to the school children to encourage them to become involved in the club.
11. Host schools Go-Games blitzes at the club pitch and hold a follow up event on a Saturday or Sunday morning.
12. Build on the new partnership; both the club and school could link together on new projects and schemes that will encourage children to play and stay with the GAA.