Introducing children aged four- to seven-years-old to gaelic games in a fun and safe environment, helping aid their physical and social development.

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The Annual Academy Membership Fee is €30 for the year and €2 every session.

Juvenile players who were born during 2016 and who will be moving from the Academy to Under 8 level on January 1, 2024, are covered until December 31, 2023, by their 2023 academy membership.

From January 1, 2024, they will need to be registered as juvenile players.

The Academy is, first and foremost, about fun and enjoyment for the children and provides them with an opportunity to make friends and get used to playing and sharing with other children.

 

They will learn the basic motor skills of Gaelic games and will participate in small sided matches.

The Academy is managed by Ken King, St Mark's GAA Club's Games Promotion Officer and Denise Paisley who is the Juvenile Chairperson.

 

Ken is ably assisted by a team of parents and young coaches who volunteer and help to run and co-ordinate the drills and the matches.

Focus on developing children's physical and social health through fun and participation with a key emphasis on physical literacy and core movement skills with the ball.

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Player Characteristics

∙ Children of this age focus on themselves and co-operation is largely absent

∙ At this age many think the ball is there own ‘toy', so they will try run with the ball and score rather than pass.

∙ A focus on partner work and skills practice over short periods of time helps introduce them to teamwork.

∙ They usually enjoy being asked questions and this should give the coach opportunities to check for understanding.

∙ When there team is not in possession they find it difficult to defend their goal. To them they are merely chasing a ball.

∙ They respond best to target games and races. (Hitting, Throwing & Running)

To ensure the continued growing success of the Academy it is essential that parents become involved and assist with the coaching of the children, and the development of their own child.

Very often parents may be worried that they may not have enough knowledge or experience of Gaelic Games.

This is not an issue as every year most of our coaches begin at the very same starting point, and there is plenty of opportunities for first time coaches to learn knew skills.

We would greatly appreciate any help. If you are interested in helping out, please contact

Ken King on 0876579987

Or email: ken.king.gpo.dublin@gaa.ie