Cork clubs forum outlines coaching proposals

THE Cork GAA Clubs Forum has submitted proposals to the Cork County Board outlining how the board could help Cork senior intercounty players gain employment by hiring them as coaches.

The forum’s proposal focuses on increased promotion of the Cork GAA Clubs’ Draw which would allow suitable players to fill positions within Cork GAA as coaches for schools and clubs.

The proposal suggests all clubs increase sales for Cork GAA draw tickets by a total of 3,000 tickets (approximately 15 tickets per club), which would generate approx €150,000 in draw profits.

The forum points out that those profits would be divided €as follows – 47% per ticket to club as per present arrangement, and €53% per ticket ring-fenced for coaching, as those additional tickets constitute new revenue.

The forum estimates that with matching funding for coaches available from the Munster Council and Croke Park, Cork GAA could employ another seven or eight coaches to join the five current coaches.

Former chairman of the forum, Tomás Ryan, said yesterday: “The clubs, we are sure, will welcome and support this initiative as it follows on from ideas received from them last year, which were later incorporated into our October 2009 report.

“The current games development managers are doing an excellent job, but there is so much more we can do together.

“Higher numbers of coaches may well be achievable in the future, but we are mindful that in employing coaches Cork GAA is making a long-term commitment – we feel that the addition of seven or eight is realistic and sustainable for now.

“This proposal would, in these recessionary times, be a very positive move to help Cork GAA across the spectrum – our senior intercounty players, our Bord na nÓg players, our clubs, our schools.

“It will aid us in our ongoing twin aims – increased participation and enjoyment of GAA within Cork, and the future success of Cork clubs and Cork intercounty teams.”