Mayo Football League launches new coaching programme

THE Mayo Football League have launched a coaching support programme to help clubs share coaching and management skillsets and experience.

Under the scheme, coaches from around the county would be available to travel clubs in Mayo to take individual sessions with their senior team which can help the respective club coaches and be a major benefit to club players also.

Some of the coaches involved in the programme include Joe Murray, Mark Togher, Joe Kelly, Chris McGauley and Simon Collins and speaking to The Connaught Telegraph, Collins believes the programme is a fantastic initiative and could be common around the country should it gain traction.

Collins, who has coaching experience with the Claremorris junior and Under 21 teams last season, the Mayo Under 18s, Mayo Under 14s with Michael English and Kennedy Cup teams, believes the programme will help the grassroots game and it will especially help rural clubs in the county who can be forgotten about.

An issue for many people looking to advance their coaching experience can be the cost, with a report last year in the Irish Examiner stating that grassroots coaches can expect to pay up to €3,000 for a UEFA A licence.

There is an opportunity for coaches in this programme to offer their experience and ideals to other coaches and in a more cost-effective way for clubs.

“There is more focus on players. Every coach has ideals they bring with them. Some coaches might have more coaching education that others. You can spend a lot of money on UEFA A and B licences and it takes time to earn the badges.

“if we have the tools to help local teams, we can help coaches and create good sessions.”

Coaches are paid per session. Any coaches interested in the programme can send their CV to Mayo Football League coaching officer Joe Faughnan via email at faughnanjoe@gmail.com or by contacting him on (087) 9245983.