Secret GAA Coach: Too many back-room voices will lead to confusion on the field

Demands like ‘no mistakes’ send out the wrong message 

There is a lot to be said for establishing ground-rules and specific roles for each mentor. Pic: Stephen Shannon/iStock

In the space of 50 years, the role of the GAA coach has evolved beyond recognition. Since Kevin Heffernan took charge of the Dublin footballers in 1973 and the more recent advent of the ‘backroom team’.

If social-media posts are anything to go by, there is no shortage of capable people who profess to be deeply honoured at the opportunity to pledge their time to various county or even club set-ups. At juvenile club level, it can be a less glamourous but no less rewarding undertaking.