A new coaching and sport science programme has been developed for GAA, LGFA and camogie players.
Launched in partnership with healthcare provider UPMC, the ‘Be Ready to Play’, programme will be delivered via webinars, website programmes, instructional videos, and live online sessions.
Developers say the programme will initially be tailored to help people be active in lockdown before progressing to a development phase and a prepare to play phase before culminating in a prepare to perform phase to help players be at their peak for important matches.
The programme, launched in partnership with healthcare providers UPMC, includes advice and direction from leaders in the field of coaching and performance.
One of those is former head of strength and conditioning at Connacht Rugby, and now head of sport medicine and athletic development at Arsenal FC Academy, Des Ryan, who believes this is a ground-breaking programme.
“We'll make it enjoyable, challenging, progressive and very user friendly," Ryan says. "It will be an evidence informed plan of returning to training and returning to play that will help avoid injury, maximise enjoyment, and reach peak performance when required.“
Ryan says there is nothing being done on its scale anywhere else in the world.
“Many topics will be covered, including injury prevention, game-based skills development, psychology and well-being, skill acquisition and biomechanics, performance analysis, rehabilitation, nutrition and athletic development.
“I can categorically say that the club players in Ireland who take part in our ‘Be Ready to Play’ programme will have the best management team in Gaelic games available online."
Other sporting advisors include Shayne Murphy, Annie McCarra, Michael Dempsey, Cathal Cregg, Aoife Lane, Niall Moyna, Bryan Cullen, Dr Liam Hennessy, Sharon Madigan, Phil Kearny, Denis Martin, Kate Kirby, Aidan O’Connell, Cairbre Ó Cairealláin, Martin McCarthy, David Kelly, and Louise Keane.
Areas covered will include games-based coaching, athletic development, psychology and wellbeing, nutrition, performance analysis, skill acquisition and biomechanics, physiotherapy, and injury prevention.
