Leinster title not far away
Smyth hopeful for future
WICKLOW GAA coaching officer Brendan Smyth says that the day when a Wicklow team wins a Leinster title or better is not that far away given the improvements that he sees in underage teams at county level.
Addressing delegates at Monday night’s County Convention in Aughrim, the Laragh man said that he would like to acknowledge the performance improvements in under-age teams at county level.
‘Firstly, I would like to thank and acknowledge all of the coaches throughout the county whose dedication at the clubs and county teams and county academy ensures the continued development and preparation of players. That is the bedrock on which to build future success at club and county level.
‘I would also like to acknowledge the performance improvements in our under-age teams at county level, as seen in our county Minor footballers, post primary schools, Celtic Challenge hurlers and academy squads at all age groups over the last two plus years.
‘While we have not yet won anything, and we will probably have some setbacks along the way, if we continue to improve and focus on the development of our players at club and county, the day when we win a Leinster and beyond will occur in the not-to-distant future.’
Smyth warned that this wouldn’t be achieved unless the Gaels in the county worked together in implementing the highest standards of skills coaching, player physical and mental development, player welfare and all aspects of sports science in a coordinated and structured manner between club and county.
‘We must not only strive to be as good as other counties, but we need to be better,’ he said. ‘All we need are inches, but we need them in every aspect of player development,’ he added.
The coaching officer then outlined good progress in terms of appointing GPOs to clubs in the county. He said that there are now five full-time GPOs in Wicklow dedicated to clubs who will focus almost exclusively on skills development at a young age.
‘Bray Emmets and AGB each have one full-time coach for a number of years. Recently, in the past couple of weeks, we’ve appointed one who will cover Kilmac, Enniskerry and Newtown, a second one will cover Carnew Emmets and St Pat’s, and a third will cover Kilcoole and Greystones.
‘This is a long-term investment by a club, and the clubs concerned need to be congratulated on this. But past experience shows in other counties that it is the most successful way to develop and retain under-age players,’ he said.
Smyth said that in 2020 his main focus will be on coach development at under-age.
Skills development at under-age, especially nursery to under-12, because that’s where the primary, where a kid learns or unlearns key skills. And then the club and schools link, continuing that through the GPOs. However, none of that will be achieved without the clubs. In fact, I’d like to see the clubs drive it. I want to help coordinate it and would welcome suggestions from the clubs but will plan on contacting clubs and schools, especially at primary level, some time in quarter one,’ he said.