Leinster launches summer coaching scheme for kids
TALENT spotting is not always easy but Leinster Golf hopes it can find some potential new stars and inspire clubs to provide more Junior coaching through its new Leinster Golf Development Coaching Programme.
Boys aged 12 and under who might be too young to join clubs but already have an interest in the game are being invited to sign up for what will be a three-phase coaching programme this summer.
Phase One will see golfers attend one of six coaching camps around Leinster for an initial four-hour coaching and assessment session that will cost €25.
The new scheme is designed to spot talent that might otherwise slip through the net.
Potential Paul Dunnes spotted at Phase One will be invited to take part in weekly coaching camps, funded by Leinster Golf, in July and August.
If there is enough interest in the scheme, those who aren’t selected for Phase Two will get another chance to show off their talents by signing up for a series of three or four-day, midweek coaching camps for boys at several locations in late July and August.
“We are trying to make sure we are capturing as much talent as possible,” said Leinster Golf Executive Officer, Teresa Thompson.
“When the new GUI High-Performance Programme was put in place in 2017, we recognised the gap between what the CGI’s role is in developing the club structure and High Performance.
“We wondered about those kids who are in golf clubs, who are just not good enough yet to make the High Performance programme. What are we doing for them? So we have put this in place and we are very excited about it.”
While the Leinster Golf Development Coaching Programme is not aimed at beginners, it will be open to both members and non-members of Leinster clubs.
Players seeking selection will be required to attend one of these Phase One coaching camps – at Tullamore and Enniscorthy on June 9, and Castlewarden, Co Louth, Kilkenny and Greystones on June 10 – to be assessed on their readiness to participate in the Development Coaching Programme.
Places are limited and are subject to availability and those interested should register at eventbrite.ie/o/leinster-golf before next Thursday, 24 May.