Dublin City University and Leinster GAA Announce Innovative Joint Venture in Coach Development and Reflective Learning

DCU and Leinster GAA are delighted to unveil a ground-breaking collaboration designed to elevate and enhance coaching expertise in Gaelic Games and promote reflective learning among coaches. This initiative will provide coaches with a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and contribute to the advancement of Gaelic Games in their respective Counties.

The team of coaches from around the Province have been specially selected from those involved with Academy Squads and Underage Teams in Leinster Counties. This module enables students to examine the research and application of reflective practice, communities of practice and social learning in elite sport performance. Upon completition all participants will receive 10 ECTS credits towards a Level 9 degree.

This innovative collaboration between Dublin City University and Leinster GAA demonstrates a shared commitment to enhancing the knowledge and skills of Gaelic Games coaches, promoting ‘home grown’ coaches and future leaders within Counties.

Speaking about the course Leinster GAA Learning & Development Manager Jamie Queeney said “We believe in recognizing and rewarding the hard work and dedication of our coaches, and this joint venture with DCU is a testament to that commitment. Our coaches are the lifeblood of the Gaelic Games community, and investing in their development is crucial. Through collective learning and knowledge sharing, we have an incredible opportunity to elevate the standards of coaching within our counties. Leinster GAA remains steadfast in our commitment to improving standards, not just for our coaches but for the continued growth and excellence of Gaelic Games.”

 Also speaking on the announcement was Associate Professor in Elite Performance Áine MacNamara; “In the School of Health and Human Performance at DCU we are keenly aware of both the complexity of coaching and the rising standards of coaching across the GAA. We are delighted to collaborate with Leinster GAA on this exciting initiative and believe that it will act as the catalyst for driving coaching quality in the Province; Leinster GAA should be applauded for their investment in coaches and their development. Our Postgraduate and CPD offerings at DCU are built around developing expertise and supporting coaches interrogate their coaching practice. I believe this collaboration will act as the foundation for the next generation of high-level coaches in the GAA.”