Last Saturday the Monaghan Coaching & Games Development Committee hosted a Football Coaching Conference for the first time since 2006. The Conference proved to be a huge success with over 150 coaches, presenters & staff contributing to the day. The purpose of the conference was to give coaches the opportunity to observe and learn from practical workshops and engage in theory based sessions. The conference was held at this time of the year, as it is gives interested and motivated coaches time to develop and improve their knowledge at a quiet time in the mainly non competitive period of the year. The presenters on the day inlcuded some of Monaghans finest up and coming coaches and also some of the country’s most innovative coaches, together share their thoughts on best coaching practice.
For me there was a number of key points that where highlighted on the day. Dr. Niall Moyna, John Morrison and Tony Scullion all referred to and talked about the importance of games to develop skill acquisition and decision making in players. They discussed the importance of playing small sided games and the benifits of playing these types of games with U8’s and U10’s. This is an area where we in Monaghan can really improve upon.
We need to ask ourselves in Monaghan two questions. Are our players at these age groups getting the opportunity to play enough games during the summer months? Are our clubs actively applying the Go Games concept during training sessions and when they organise their own blitzes and challenge matches? If not, why?
John Evans talked about the importance of structures within clubs which will result in better organisation and planning. He also illustrated the importance of having people involved with teams who have appropriate coaching qualifications. Again these are key areas that could be enhanced in Monaghan.
A key term used by a number of the presenters was for coaches and clubs to challenge themselves to improve. This is key if we want our players to develop, enjoy and stay playing our games. It must be noted here that in order for coaches and clubs to improve, innovative and lateral thinking will be needed. Remember “INSANITY is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results” (Bayli, 2002). It is now imperative, that all the coaches who attended the conference on Saturday, take 2 or 3 key points from the day and implement them, either when they coach on the field, or within the club. We must begin the process of changing the way our coaches think in order that they change their practices and meet new societal and physiological challenges.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the presenters for their preparation and professional delivery. I want to express our gratitude to St Macartans College Principal and staff for the use of their facilities. To Monaghan coaching staff and committee for there work and support to ensure the day was successful and to our sponsor, Pat Cassidy from Plantnium Tanks Ltd for his generous support. Finally I would like to thank all the coaches, clubs & schools who attended the conference and I look forward to working with you all in the New Year to continue to develop coaching and games within Monaghan.
