This has just come out from Croke Park – might interest some of our coaches: Liberty Insurance was today announced as the new title sponsor of the GAA National Games Development Conference. Their support for the annual conference is part of a wider commitment and partnership with the GAA in the areas of coaching and responsible sport. Some of the top names in Gaelic Games coaching will be involved in the Liberty Insurance GAA’s annual National Games Development Conference – “Inspiring Children: Fostering a Love of Gaelic Games” – which will take place on Friday and Saturday January 11th and 12th, 2014 in Croke Park. This is the 11th annual Conference, and aims to address issues related to the child player that are of most concern and interest to members of the GAA community. Run as a partnership between all of the Gaelic Games Association, the Conference will offer the 700 delegates attending an opportunity to access talks relating to key coaching issues in hurling/camogie, Gaelic football/Ladies Gaelic football, Handball and Rounders which are specifically related to the child player. A star studded line up of speakers will feature coaches from the world of Gaelic Games, players, teachers, coaches and international speakers, as well as speakers from all Gaelic games backgrounds, including Eamonn Ryan (Cork Ladies football team), Jody O’ Connor (Clare), Paudie Ó Néill (Dublin) and Joe Brolly (Derry) will present the final key note address at the conference. “Go Games” which has proved revolutionary in the development of players across all Gaelic games will be a key focus of the Conference. A dedicated forum will discuss the evolution of games and how the Go Games are the ideal opportunity to introduce young players to Gaelic Games. A special feature of the Conference will be the hosting of the first Games Development Research forum, which will feature a number of the leading young researchers who will present their findings related to Gaelic games. This will form the Friday night session of this two day event. Launching the Conference, Uachtarán, Liam Ó Néill said: “The GAA Games Development Conference has developed a very loyal following amongst coaches across the Association. It is a must attend event for anyone with an interest in how we promote our activities and the ongoing development of our children. “In the Irish sporting sphere this event is unrivalled, the range of speakers attending this year underlines the standard we have to come to expect from it year in, year out. “That it takes on a different focus every year – this Conference focuses on the development of children – adds further to its allure and usefulness and I commend the team charged with organising what is a thought provoking and thoroughly engaging event on an annual basis.” Speaking on behalf of Liberty Insurance at the launch, Annette Ní Dhathlaoi, Head of Marketing said, “We are delighted to build on our association with the GAA and Camogie Associations to become the title sponsor of the GAA National Games Development Conference. “Liberty Insurance has a significant heritage in responsible coaching in the US, and we look forward to working closely with the Games Development committee in adding value to the continued development of all those involved with coaching within the wider GAA.” Reflecting the partnership approach in the organisation of this year’s Conference, Joan O’Flynn (Árd Stiurthóir, Camogie), Walter O’Connor (President, GAA Handball, Paula Prunty (National Games Development Officer, Ladies Gaelic Football Association) and Joe O’Donoghue (President, Rounders Association) were also in attendance. For the second year Newstalk have come on board as official media partner to the conference. The cost of attending is €50 and further information on registering to attend the Conference can be obtained by phone at 01-8658625, by emailing gamesdevelopment or at www.learning.gaa.ie.
