Players take centre stage at Leinster U15 Development Day
Players take centre stage at Leinster U15 Development Day
September 09, 2019
The 2019 Leinster U15 Development Day took place on Saturday 7 September at Carlow Town Hurling Club / O'Hanrahans GAA. 12 teams were in attendance from 4 Counties; Kilkenny, Laois (x 2), Louth (x 4) and Meath (x 5).
The main focus of the day was kept in perspective, of developing every player and ensuring that all players that participated were provided with plenty opportunities to play. At an age group where players are vulnerable to drop out, the aim of the Development Academy Programme is to allow players of mixed ability from Counties to participate in a 6-10 week programme to develop their skills, strengthen their confidence and have the opportunity to participate in a Provincial event. It was fantastic to see Counties with multiple teams entering the event, allowing more players the opportunity to participate.
No scores were recorded on the day, to ensure that the environment was not clouded by the pressure to win, and instead teams were encourage to think outside the box in order to empower their teenage players.
All teams had the opportunity to participate in 3 x 30minute games, during which coaches were encouraged to allow players the responsibility of conducting their own half time team talks, and even to adopt silent sidelines for their last game, all to develop players own decsion making, leadership and team work skills as well as their football.
We would like to congratulate all teams involved on the day and thank our volunteers, referees and coordinators, for ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Thank you to the mentors who have worked so hard with these teams over the past number of weeks, and for embracing the ethos of the Development Day. The skill level on display throughout the day was very evident and it was fantastic to see teams gel and players develop as the day went on. We look forward to seeing many of these players with their respective Clubs and County over the coming years.