Ballinrobe gaa club launch ambitious new plan

BALLINROBE GAA Club has launched an ambitious five-year coaching plan, which they hope will someday result in a county title adorning the trophy cabinet, writes Patrick Hennelly.

There was a large attendance at the launch, with former Mayo captain and national league winner Fergal Costello giving an excellent speech on his thoughts regarding coaching and the key structures that a club should have.

Some of the key actions of the presentation included the following: the establishment of a full coaching committee; expand the remit and make up of Bord na nÓg; the establishment of a Robe Rockets sub-committee of the club that will run the skills academy and all events pertaining to players up to Under 10s; develop a club-wide structure and approach for training sessions; the club embarks on a programme of year-round football (January to November) starting with a pilot programme for primary schools players; promote ladies football on an equal footing with men’s football; implement regular skills assessments for all players in the club (minimum four times per year); the development of a 60m x 40m pitch at the rear of the stand, including two target kicking walls at the back of the stand (with appropriate mural design); that the club should explore the possibility of organising a regular programme of games with other clubs who have a similar approach to the spirit of the GoGames format as Ballinrobe.

Fergal Costello was impressed with Ballinrobe GAA Club’s ambitious plans and said that at 13 years of age players should be able to kick with their right and left foot and also be able to hand-pass with both hands.

In the long-term, the club hopes to build a clubhouse at Flanagan Park, but, as Costello mentioned in his speech, good coaching is the key while facilities should be second in the list of priorities.

Overall, the coaching plan is impressive and is a vital stepping stone in the south Mayo club’s quest for a coveted county title.