Coaching & Games Update

Wexford Fittest Schools 2021

2021 saw the introduction of innovative new fundraiser for Coaching and Games in our County. Drawing on the popularity of Irelands Fittest Families, Micheál Martin, Davy Fitzgerald and co devised Wexford’s Fittest Schools. Wexford’s Fittest Schools was open to any school in Wexford. Each school nominated four people to represent the school in the competition. Teams were made up of teachers, SNA’s and parents. In total, 50 teams took on the challenge.

The competition itself comprised of three events; Step Up Challenge, Hang Tough and a timed Obstacle Course. The 50 teams competed the qualifying rounds on Friday and Saturday. The eight teams with the highest score progressed to the final, three weeks later.

The finals didn’t disappoint. Tremendous athleticism, teamwork and resilience was evident throughout. Ultimately, the Mercy NS came out on top by the smallest of margins from the Faythe NS and St. Josephs, Bree in second and third place, respectively.

Special thanks to our sponsors O’Neills, Fresh Today, MJ Reck and Easons. Thank you to everyone who helped in the construction of challenges and for the Coaching and Games Team for monitoring, refereeing and encouragement through the event.

The Wexford Way

  

Early this year, the Wexford Coaching and Games team produced the Wexford Way document. This document is a guide to mentors, players and parents as to what they might do as to help our players develop through each age group in their GAA playing career.

Its purpose is to aid and assist all concerned to maximise enjoyment and participation, with player welfare at the core of the plan. The desire is this will help in ensuring the development of all players to reach their full potential, from their first introduction to Gaelic games at nursery level, up to the adult teams and beyond.

James Donohoe was the lead on this project, and he outlined that the “the Wexford Way document includes 80 different games that we can all use as coaches”. He went on to say that “We also aim to address the needs and wants of our players at each age group for example outlaying what they like in training, etc.”. Throughout this document there are numerous tips for coaches and is well worth the read.

The Coaching and Games team plan to bring this document to life in the new year with workshops, sessions plans and instructional videos.

Kelloggs Cúl Camps 2021

 

This year brought with it a fantastic Cul Camp program. In total we had over 6,000 attendees over our 44 venues. The six-week program was spread across the months of July and August with 6-8 camps held each week. The camps are a special event each summer for primary school kids of all ages.

Each child, each day, experience a variety of hurling, football and fun Games in a safe controlled environment.

Finally, thank you again to all the Camp Co-ordinators and 100 coaches that were involved to fulfil the massive demand this year. A special thank you to all the individuals who acted as club liaison officer. These individuals ensured that the venue and facilities were safe and clean, and ensured that the carparks operated in a safe and efficient manner.

Model Óg Academy


The Halloween midterm in school saw the resurgence of our Development Squads. The U14s, U15s and U16s all resumed their training and match activities over a 6–8 week program.  

The U14 Development Squads consists of 150 hurlers and 130 footballers. These squads meet every second week with their training consisting of drills, small-sided games and internal matches. The U15 Development Squads consists of 60 hurlers and 56 footballers, with the U16 Development Squad consisting of 60 hurlers 35 footballers. These squads train on a weekly basis and compete in National Competition

The U16 Model Óg Academy finished at the end of November with trials for 2022 Minor teams will beginning in December. The U14s and U15s begin their Winter Athletic Development Program in December.

Schools Coaching

Primary Schools coaching is a big part of our Coaching and Games staff’s week. Between our ten GPOs and three CE Coaching staff we visit up to 62 schools on a weekly basis, coaching approximately 6,680 children each week.

Primary Schools coaching with Wexford GAA is something we pride ourselves on. The school children receive professional coaching in GAA skills and fundamental movements in an environment that caters for all level of experience and ability.

Specific programmes are delivered at times of the year to suit the needs of the school, the children and the Club associated with the school. These initiatives include Hurling 365, Peil4All, Camán Everybody and Lunch Time Leagues. Building sustainable club/school links is a key aim for Wexford Coaching and Games and this will be a priority for coaching in 2022.