Please note below upcoming Award One Coaching Courses for youth and adult coaches – all clubs should ensure that all coaches at these age groups in 2026 have this course completed.

All attendees must have completed the Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games (or the old foundation course) in order to attend this course and must be actively coaching at youth or adult level (u12 and above).

2025/2026

Venue Code Dates Booking
Seneschalstown Football January 19th / 22nd / 24th / 26th / 29th / Feb 5th Buy Ticket

The Award 1 Coach Education course is the second award on the coaching pathway of Gaelic Games. The course is aimed at coaches that have progressed through the Foundation Award/Introduction to Gaelic Games Award and have experience as a coach. This Course is aimed at Coaches working with Youth or Adult Players. The course is 20 hours in duration and covers a number of key modules including:

  • Technical Proficiency
  • Tactical Prowess
  • Team Play
  • Physical Fitness
  • Playing Facts
  • Psychological Focus
  • Communication

The focus of the course is the further development of the ‘How to Coach’ skills by placing the participant in situations that they will face as coaches – the organisation of games activities, activities to develop skill and activities to develop the various aspects of physical fitness. ‘

Coaching Competencies to be developed:

By the end of this course participants will be able to:

  • Organise a programme of games and skill development activities appropriate to each participant’s needs and abilities
  • Organise progressive activities (drills and fun games) to develop five key skills
  • Organise progressive activities to develop movement skills appropriate to Gaelic Games
  • Organise and manage players for an effective practice session
  • Build Rapport, Observe, Analyse, Explain, Provide Demonstration and Provide Positive Feedback to Players
  • Understand the course philosophy

The GAA is committed to implementing an integrated Coach Education Programme with a view to maximising participation, optimising playing standards and ensuring that players’ needs are catered for in a balanced way. The course is designed to promote the development of the How to Coach skills through modelling of best practice, as demonstrated by the tutor, experiential learning and through the guided reflection on previous experiences – as a coach, player, official or parent – facilitated by the tutor.

Once you purchase your ticket, you will be emailed by Jenny Rispin within 48 hours with how to register and enrolment code. Any further questions please email jenny.rispin.gda.meath@gaa.ie