GAA Participation Officers – Apply Now

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael is Ireland’s leading sporting and cultural organisation with membership approaching one million people and in excess of 500,000 playing participants at all levels. Inspired by its amateur status and supported by the voluntary efforts of all its members, the GAA devotes its entire resources to the development of Gaelic Games and Culture nationally and in local communities.

The GAA, in conjunction with Leinster GAA, are now welcoming applications for the role of GAA Participation Officer for Meath.

Role Summary

The role holder will be responsible for the delivery of games development player participation and retention programmes within the club and school settings. The role will focus on    growing laying numbers and supporting coaches with the delivery of programmes in areas where our games need support and attention.

Reporting to the County Head of Games, the role holder shall be required to work 39 hours per week, which will include weekends and evenings when required, and the hours may vary depending on seasonal changes.

Principle Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

Operations

• Implement an annual work programme to support the delivery of the county games development plan focused on player and coach participation and retention within the club, community and school setting;
• Establish key relations with clubs and schools to support growth and engagement across all Gaelic Games; Camogie, LGFA, Handball and Rounder;
• Report on the implementation of the project(s) on a regular basis, and particularly ensure that data relating to the implementation of the project(s) is available on a monthly basis through the use of the GAA Games Development Information Management System (MIS);

Club Support

• Liaise with and advise clubs on the implementation of, and adherence, to all games development policies and programmes within the club;
• Assist the delivery of a club support programme in clubs to achieve the GAA’s goal of creating self-sufficiency and sustainability by building capacity and capability (Club Compass)
• Assist, support and provide as required on-going training and development opportunities to Club Coaching Officers;
• Liaise with Club Coaching and Children’s Officer ensure all coaches and volunteers meet the required coaching, vetting and safeguarding requirements;
• Support clubs with the development of player pathways and lead the delivery of participation and retention programmes to help transition as many players and as possible through child, youth and adult stages of the pathway to include assisting the delivery of:
  • Club Nursery Programme
  • Intra and inter-Club Go Games
  • Camps
  • Intra and Inter-Club Super Games
  • Diversity and Inclusion Programmes
  • Intra and Inter-Club Recreational Games for youths and adults
• Assist with the delivery of programmes in targeted areas to grow participation, retention and increase awareness of GAA in local communities

Schools Support

• Assist the delivery of the GAA 5 STAR Programme in primary schools introducing and engaging children in all Gaelic Games;
• Assist and support the delivery of participation and retention programmes in primary and post-primary schools to include:
  • Intra and inter-school Go Games
  • Intra and Inter-school Super Games
  • Diversity and Inclusion Programmes
• Assist with the delivery of Transition Year and GAA Future Leaders Programme
• Assist local clubs with establishment of Club School Links

Coach and Referee Development

• Identify coach development opportunities appropriate the needs of coaches within the Club – alongside the Club Coaching Officer –, Primary, or Post-Primary School
• Assist Coach Developers in the organisation of coach development opportunities for coaches within the Club, Primary, or Post-Primary School

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with the relevant Coaching and Games Development Committees at County level
• Work effectively with all key stakeholders (Province, County, Clubs, Schools, Third, etc) to grow participation and increase retention rates including LGFA, Camogie, GAA Handball and Rounders;

Other

• Complete any other duties as may reasonably be assigned by the County Head of Games

Essential Criteria:

• At least 3 years’ experience of working in the GAA or similar sporting organisation (Voluntary or Professional Capacity);
• Relevant third level qualification (minimum level 6 NFQ);
• Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills;
• Excellent administrative and IT skills with a strong working knowledge of IT related packages and systems;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (verbal and written);
• Excellent relationship and conflict management skills; ability to be flexible and handle challenging situations;
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and perform as part of a team;

• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines; hands-on approach to getting things done with a demonstrable ability to work well under pressure;
• Clear and detailed knowledge of the GAA’s coaching schemes and initiatives;

• Foundation Level or Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games Coaching Qualification.

Desirable Criteria:

·Award 1 GAA Coaching Qualification;

·Experience of coaching and development in Gaelic games.

Other Requirements:

• The role holder must have access to a form of transport which will enable them to fulfil their responsibilities in full.

• Ability to work and attend evening and weekend meetings/activities in addition to normal day to day activities.

Please note this role is subject to confirmation of Garda Vetting, Child Safeguarding and a Valid GAA Qualification. 

Candidates interested in the above role should apply by submitting an up to date cover letter and Curriculum Vitae toon or before 1pm, on Friday 9th August 2024.

Please indicate in your application as to which county / counties you wish to apply for.

The GAA is an equal opportunities employer.