A Five Year Plan for Wexford Football
In January 2017 the Football Advisory Committee (FAC) committed to the production of a five year plan for the development of Gaelic football within the county. The appointment of Anthony Masterson to the position of Football Development administrator in September is crucial to this plan. Over recent months our committee have reviewed the keys elements of football within the county namely:
- The club game
- Primary school
- Post primary School
- Talent Academies Structure
Any review of the activities across these sectors highlight the huge amount of positive voluntary work in each area. The aim of the review is to bring all parties together to ensure a joined up approach to the promotion of the game.
Clubs
Anthony and Diarmuid Byrne (GDA) will actively support clubs in their promotion of skill development throughout 2018. We have studied models of good practice in other counties with a view to making recommendations for our underage programme.
Primary Schools
The Rackard League committee have highlighted the need for pacing an emphasis on re-introducing the skills of the game. It is also proposed to organise a Rackard League district league with representational teams in each district. A club school link programme is also being developed.
Post Primary School
The success of St Peters College in reaching the All-Ireland A final in 2017 highlights the potential of the secondary school sector. The FAC will aim to place an emphasis on providing targeted support to our post primary schools with a view to assisting schools compete at the highest level of competition.
Talent Academy Structure
A full review of squads has been conducted with a view to improving the structures of how these squads can co-exist with clubs and schools. It has been identified that improvement in player tracking and athlete development can be achieved through small changes.
The football Advisory Committee aim to hold a “Forum on Football” on November 22nd with a view to getting feedback from clubs and stakeholders on an agreed long term future for the game in our county.
Ní neart go cur le chéile
Micheál Martin (Chair FAC)
