The GAA, in conjunction with Leinster GAA and Laois GAA, are now welcoming applications for the role of Games Development Coordinator (Performance).

Role Profile

The role holder is responsible for the implementation of specific GAA Games Development Policy within County Laois. The role holder will work as part of a team, in conjunction with other full time and voluntary personnel, to deliver set goals and objectives for all GAA sports. The holder of this position will report monthly to the County Coaching & Games Steering Committee through the County Coaching & Games Manager. The role holder will be required to work 39 hours per week, which will include weekends and evenings, and the hours may vary depending on workload and seasonal changes.

Key tasks

• Responsible for overseeing the implementation of agreed games development programmes in clubs, schools and other units of the GAA in County Laois;
• Organise, Develop & Monitor Programmes in Physical Fitness, Nutrition & Performance Analysis to be delivered to the Adult Inter-County Team, U20 team Talent Academies, Clubs & Post-Primary Schools. All activities will be approved and agreed by the County Coaching & Games Steering Committee through the County Coaching & Games Manager in accordance with best practice.

Other Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work with Clubs, schools and county team coaches in identifying potential players for the academy programme from Under 14 to Senior. Manage and develop the database of players in the system to include records of injuries and other recordable areas of player development;
• Build and maintain excellent working relationship with 3rd Level college(s) and to identify potential students as interns to support the Laois GAA high performance programme;
• Train and teach the other full-time staff in the latest strength and physical conditioning developments and techniques, nutrition information, data capture and analysis and support them in taking Strength and physical conditioning sessions;
• Committed to ongoing continued professional development by attending coach education courses, and keep abreast of new research in all aspects of physical literacy initiatives and high performance;
• Plan and coordinate the season schedule of activities with Team managers, Games Development Officers, Development Squad Coaches and Club managers, including team and individual plans;
• Liaise with medical staff and team management regarding injured player’s recovery protocols and implement injury rehabilitation prior to reintegration;
• Liaise with provincial and county games development staff and attend meetings and training as required to support the development of the function and the role;
• The role holder will also undertake any other such projects or responsibilities as deemed appropriate by their manager.

Essential Criteria:

• At least 3 years’ experience of working in the GAA or similar sporting organisation (Voluntary or Professional Capacity);
• Relevant Sports Science third level qualification (Higher Diploma in Sports Science, Physical Education or High Performance);
• A minimum of 2 years’ involvement in the delivery of physical development programmes for adolescent and adult GAA players and verifiable record of the design of such programmes;
• Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills;
• Strong ability to work in high pressure situations;
• Excellent administrative and IT skills with a strong working knowledge of IT related packages and systems;
• Excellent communication, presentation skills (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills with effective time management;
• Ability to build and sustain good relationships and manage conflict;
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines;
• Clear and detailed knowledge of the GAA’s coaching schemes, initiatives, roles and structures within the county;
• Award 1 GAA Coaching Qualification

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of coaching and development in Gaelic games;
• Master’s Degree in Sports Science, Exercise Science, Sports Performance, Strength & Conditioning or Equivalent (Minimum Level 9 NFQ);
• Completed a recognised professional certification in Physical Fitness (UKSCA, CSCS);
• Has an understanding and will work within the Policies, Procedures and Guidelines of the GAA, the Code of Ethics and Good Practice;
• A minimum of 2 years experience in the development of inter county players on a performance pathway;
• Recognised First Aid and CPR certification.

Other Requirements:

• Own car with a full clean driving licence;
• Child Protection in Sport Awareness Workshop (Safeguarding 1).

Please note the role is subject to Garda Vetting.

Candidates interested in the above role should apply by sending an up to date cover letter and Curriculum Vitae on or before 3pm on Tuesday 15th August 2023

The GAA is an equal opportunities employer.