Bring the fun: GAA's new coaching officer role designed to keep kids involved

At last month's Congress, the motion for every club to appoint a coaching officer was met with widespread approval.

The motion came from the GAA's Games Development Committee seeking the creation of such a role in every club.

While several units already have such an officer in place, it was not considered an official role within the guide until it got approval from last month’s gathering.

The passing of this motion was one of the key proposals from a recent landmark survey undertaken by the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association involving over 10,400 coaches. The role will essentially be an unpaid Director of Coaching appointment and will differ from Games Development Administrators (GDAs).

And the role of this officer cannot be understated. It will oversee a pathway for coaches right through the age groups and ensure coaches have the correct qualifications.

It will drive inclusivity and diversity in what remains a male-dominated area, aiming to identify fun ways to keep children involved in GAA for as long as possible.

The 'fun’ element is something that can fade once a player progresses through the ranks.

Anyone in attendance at last Thursday’s Hogan Cup final between St Brendan’s, Killarney and Naas CBS will have left HQ absolutely heartened.

On the Naas side, breathtaking goals from Kevin Cummins, monster but strategic kickouts from David McPartlin enthralled us. Equally, dancing footwork from Kevin Shine as well as basketball skills from Luke Crowley brought the crowd to its feet on more than one occasion.

The game was man to man, wide open, end to end and involved a healthy mix of foot and hand-passing. Ultimately Naas got through after an enthralling battle, only decided in the closing minutes.

One spectator remarked on the way