Research design in progress [Sep '24 to Apr '25] on how adult players can achieve the desired Foundation 3 (F3) outcome

Ideas Car Park

Ideas from player workshop held in March 2024 for ways to improve the GAA player's experience.

Proposed Ideas

Club exit strategy to track members leaving reasons to gain further insights on how to improve member experience
Player Liaison Officer to manage transition of minors coming through to adult sections*
Graduation event to recognise every player's participation within the club at dedicated milestones (U21 to adult, juvenile to minor...)
Internal club under 21 sevens / blitzes to promote engagement and increase participation
A 'what happens in Minor Year 2 and Adult Year 1' infographic
Player Pathway Rubric outlining needs and expectations for players in a chosen code and level
Principles and Standards mission statement guide from each section for transparency on vision, values, targets etc.

Sample drawings of early phase idea creation

*Player Liaison Officer (PLO) role definition outlined October 2024:

Go to PLO page

Player group chat: Enhancing player-to-player communication.
Add new players to the group chat: Ensuring new members are integrated into the team communication channels.
Have a WhatsApp group for new adult players (from minor) with coaches: Facilitating direct communication between new senior players and coaches.
Coaches need to learn people's names as soon as possible: Personalizing communication and fostering a welcoming environment.
Coaches to understand other commitments: Acknowledging and respecting players' external commitments to accommodate their needs and availability.

Playing up to senior when at minor level: Offering younger players the opportunity to experience senior level play.
Set up pods of 5-6 players with older player as pod leader: Creating small mentorship groups for focused development.
Have 5 minutes of fun drills/exercises at training: Introducing variety and enjoyment to training sessions.
Trial players in different playing positions: Encouraging versatility and broader skill development.
Gradual introduction by playing up to senior: Structuring the transition from minor to senior level to be supportive and incremental.

Team bonding: Initiating activities or strategies aimed at strengthening relationships within the team.
Have social events: Organizing non-sporting events to build camaraderie and team spirit.
Encourage older players to interact more: Fostering a culture of inclusivity and mentorship across age groups.

Have an information night for players, NOT parents: Providing players with direct access to information and resources relevant to their development and involvement.
Get funding for new gear/equipment/strength and conditioning: Securing financial or material resources to support player development and team performance.

Coach meets players before moving out of minor: Ensuring smooth transitions between team levels with personal introductions.
Make sure coaches communicate about individual players: Promoting a unified coaching approach by sharing insights and observations about players.
Be able to give feedback to pod leader: Establishing a feedback loop within the pod system for continuous improvement.

Contact players as soon as possible (in the new season year): Ensuring prompt and early communication to engage players from the outset.
Get personal feedback and expectations from each of the players: Gathering individual player insights to tailor coaching and support.
Have a Google form or questionnaire for players to give their aspirations: Structuring feedback and aspirations collection for more effective planning.
Have an introduction meeting with coaches and players: Establishing a formal setting for initial communication and expectations setting.
Have casual chat with senior players in 1-2-1 situations: Facilitating open and personal communication channels between coaches and senior players.

More senior coaches to attend minor training: Leveraging experience from senior coaches to enhance minor player training and motivation.
Have trials at the start of the year: Assessing player capabilities and fit early on for better team and role placement.
Casual puck about before training starts: Encouraging informal play to ease into more structured training sessions.

Know in advance about social occasions like mini marathon in June, blitzs, sevens, away-days: Planning and promoting social and team events well in advance for better participation and organisation.

Have team bonding: Initiating activities specifically designed to build trust and camaraderie among team members.
More social occasions: Enhancing team spirit through additional social events beyond the existing ones.
Have some nights out: Organizing informal outings to foster team unity and relaxation.
More small groups or pods to get to know each other better: Creating smaller, focused groups to encourage deeper personal connections within the team.
Have challenge games in other counties to socialise on bus journey and day out: Combining competition with social outings to strengthen team bonds and offer enjoyable experiences.