our games a 32 county amateur sport gaelic games have been played in ireland for centuries and are...
TRANSCRIPT
OUR GAMES
A 32 COUNTY AMATEUR SPORT
Gaelic Games have been played in Ireland for centuries and are at the heart of communities all over this island
The social and cultural importance of Gaelic games is inextricably linked with the creation and development of modern Ireland
THE ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Gaelic Athletic Association was established in 1884.
Each county has a hurling and football team which competes in the All-Ireland
Championship.
Almost 1.5m supporters attended the 2012 Championship games
The Championship Finals are shown live all over the world connecting the Irish ex-pats
The GAA player is an amateur but is required to give a professional commitment to his sport while holding down a full-time job or attending college
PARTICIPATION IN GAELIC GAMES
Approx 1million members
550,000 active club players
2,600 clubs
2,300 County players; The elite level
The GAA is the largest sporting body on the island of Ireland
THE GPA – WHO WE ARE?
Who we are
Dedicated to county players throughout their lives and guided by the principles of excellence, commitment, compassion and transparency.
Our vision
To realise the full potential of our players and our games.
Our mission
Investing in a better and more sustainable future for county players.
Established in 1999
Over 2,300 Current playing members
Growing past playing membership
Official recognition agreement with Gaelic Athletic Association since 2010
Member of EU Athletes
MEMBERSHIP PROFILE – CURRENT PLAYERS*
5%
26%
28%
21%
14%
7%
< 20 20 - 22 23 - 25 26 - 28 29 - 31 > 31
AGE PROFILE
* SOURCE: Details provided on annual GPA membership registration
MEMBERSHIP PROFILE – CURRENT PLAYERS*
OCCUPATION STATUS
* SOURCE: Details provided on annual GPA membership registration
0100200300400500600700800900
MEMBERSHIP PROFILE – CURRENT PLAYERS*
TOP 10 EMPLOYMENTS
* SOURCE: Details provided on annual GPA membership registration
020406080
100120140160180200
MEMBERSHIP PROFILE – CURRENT PLAYERS*
OCCUPATION STATUS BY AGE
* SOURCE: Details provided on annual GPA membership registration
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%
100%
< 20 20 - 22 23 - 25 26 - 28 29 - 31 > 31
Student Full Time Employed Part Time Employed
Limited Work Self-Employed Unemployed
SEASON STRUCTURE FOR OUR ELITE PLAYERS
Club championships
Inter-varsity competitions
Inter-provincial competitions
International Rules series
Time of Year Competition Make Up
November - January Preseason Tournaments Provincial competitions/3rd level colleges
February - April National Leagues All inter-county teams various divisions
May - September Championship Competition Provincial competitions/All Ireland Series
Typical Season for Senior Inter-County Player
Additional Competitions
Senior county players are expected to train on average up to 5/6 times a week
CHALLENGES FACED BY STUDENT PLAYERS*
15%
46%10%
29%
* January 2013 GPA student survey
I find it easy to manage all of my commitments
I regularly feel overwhelmed by my commitments
My college provides great support for my academic needs whilst playing
My college does not support my academic needs whilst playing
Striking the balance between their on and off field careers
Managing time effectively
Future employment prospects – career earnings
Transition and associated problems
Athletic Identity
Physical and Mental Health Problems
CHALLENGES FACED BY PLAYERS – DUAL CAREERS
EU Guidelines on Dual Careers state
‘Athletes are disadvantaged in comparison to other workers in labour markets’
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
EDUCATION CAREER
HEALTH & WELLBEING LIFE FOCUS
Educational Advice 3rd Level Scholarships Education Support GPA MBA Programme Postgraduate Funding
Personal Counselling Addiction Treatment Cardiac Screening Dental protection Player Insurance
Personal Development Programme Benevolent Fund Finance and Tax Advice Government grants to Players Social Responsibility
Career Advice Service Career Development Programme Employment Searching Sales Training Business Mentoring Business Start Up Scheme Interview Skills Media Training Training and Development Strength and Conditioning Courses
THE EVOLUTION OF A PLAYER
Life Skills
EVOLUTION OF THE GPA
LA TROBE UNIVERSITY 2006 RESEARCH
CHALLENGES FACING THE GPA
Player Engagement
Educating players about the importance of ‘Dual Career’
Encouraging athlete responsibility- goal setting
Supporting athletes on potential career pathways
Continuously evolving to meet the needs of players
Further research
Funding increased demand for GPA services
FUTURE PLANS
EDUCATION
Leadership Development ProgrammeFurther Online- Distance LearningStudent Advocacy Programme Academic mentoringElite Level Entry- reduced entry requirements for students
CAREER
InternshipsMentoringEncourage and facilitate greater entrepreneurship
HEALTH
Publish Mental Health ToolkitResearch in prevalence of chronic injuriesExpanding insurance cover for players
VIDEO
QUESTIONS