Challenging times for GAA and soccer

Dundalk Schoolboys League will resume action in the next couple of weeks, while the juvenile club GAA season is also due to commence very shortly.

Both codes are facing challenging times and most of those involved or interested in either will tell you that it is particularly difficult in the town area.

Club facilities have never been as good, with good quality pitches, all-weather training facilities, floodlights and dressingrooms now common place. However young players are not as engaged as they should or motivated as they could be. Attendances at training sessions are poor and if a team is not winning and challenging for honours, attendances are even worse.

There are different levels to sport from elite to competitive to participation.

Participation is very strong at younger ages but it falls dramatically as teenage years advance. Fielding teams at club level for competitive league structures and competitions is getting more difficult, as teenage players want to play without putting in the time and effort to improve their skill and fitness.

Perhaps the trend of recent years towards GAA development squads and underage League of Ireland squads has taken the cream of the crop away from their clubs, which in turn has seen a reduction in the quality of local leagues and competition.

It is a topic informally discussed regularly by clubs, coaches and parents but is one that is worth closer scrutiny by leagues and associations.