Westmeath’s focus on player development highlighted

Just one per cent of young footballers and hurlers will eventually make it through at senior inter county level.

That was the surprising statistic from an information meeting for Westmeath academy squads (development squads) in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Thursday evening, May 11.

In what was a significant event, Westmeath GAA officially presented the new gear for the development squads at the information evening for players and parents.

There was a strong level of interest from all involved in Westmeath underage development and it proved a successful occasion, with a great attendance on the evening. Barry Kelly, Westmeath GAA's new Coiste na nÓg Chairman, spoke on the importance of cooperation among players, parents, clubs and the Westmeath coaching and games development committee, along with the various members of the coaching staff.

He thanked Kilbeggan natives Michael and James Stones for their support: their firm MJS Building And Development, based in New York, are sponsors of Westmeath underage competitions and the various development squads. The new sponsors have agreed a substantial package with Westmeath GAA over the next three years.

“It’s great to be here this evening and see so many young players, born in 2007, ‘08 and ‘09, togged out in the new Westmeath gear. It’s a great vantage point I have here looking down at all these young players and I want to thank the parents for all they give. They play a major role, not just in looking after these young people, but in linking them to their clubs and taking them around the county for games and training. I want to thank them, especially for their contribution,” said Mr Kelly.

The chairman spoke on the role of the County Committee and all those involved in administration and fixture planning. They are vital cogs in the wheel, he noted, before reserving special praise for all of the underage players in the county.

“I want to thank them for their commitment, time and interest,” he remarked.

The chairman acknowledged the support of MJS Building and Development, who he said are involved out of loyalty to Westmeath GAA.

“It’s purely out of love for their county that they have got involved and they have invested a considerable amount in Westmeath GAA. I want to thank them: I met Michael Stones in Mullingar at the under 15 final when New York were playing at home and it would have been more attractive to be there. It shows the level of interest they have,” he said.

He acknowledged the great work of the many underage coaches, who are also involved with their clubs.

Mr Kelly also referred to the challenge faced by both him and new Minor Board Secretary Peter Collins in dealing with underage fixtures. They will tweak fixtures to get the best possible schedule for the players, he said, noting that under 15 games could possibly be moved to a Wednesday evening to help those who have to play with Westmeath the following day.

There are challenges as under 17 games are on Monday and the committee likes to give young players adequate time to recover.

There is also a major challenge with dual players in Westmeath, he noted, but the committee will do its level best to ensure the schedule is player friendly.

Ronan Farrell, coaching officer, and Darren Magee, games manager, were others to address the gathering. It was stressed that Westmeath GAA is working hard to put in place the structures to enable the county to make progress in the years ahead.

Mr Farrell outlined how his committee will be working to help improve the standards in club coaching, which will help produce better players and ultimately improve Westmeath as a county.

“It’s important to have belief and high expectations to compete against the leading development squads,” he said.

He reminded players that even if they drop off a development panel for any reason, the option is there to return at a later date and just because players may be weaker at a younger age grade doesn’t mean they can’t catch up.

He said Westmeath is striving to have the best environment in place for the development squads to give players the best chance to progress. The target is to get them to be able to compete against the likes of Kerry at the elite level.

“I hope we can push on and achieve great things,” he added.

Potential

Darren Magee spoke on his own role and how he is working with the many coaches to improve standards all round. With approximately 250 players between under 14 and under 16, there is, he said, a colossal number to work with and Westmeath is facing a big challenge to ensure they have every chance to reach their true potential.

"We are not perfect, if we were we'd be the finished product. This is a work in progress and we have a colossal number of players from under 14 to under 16 which we are trying to develop. It's a journey and there will be a rocky road; some players will drop out and then return at a different stage. All of that is part of the development and we are here to give as much support as possible," he said.

The former Dublin senior footballer noted that only one per cent of players involved with development squads make it to senior level.

He said young players will be better people after their journey and acknowledged the role of the many coaches and the coaching staff in the county.

Mr Magee touched on a broad range of areas, including the protocol when players pick up injuries and referenced the importance of prompt action and good communication. He spoke on the player pathway and the importance of it and gave details on dates for various development squads.

Working on developing elite athletes is a major part of what’s involved and former Westmeath manager Jack Cooney is now working full-time with Croke Park in this area.

“We have a huge amount of resources and we will share the information with you, players and parents, to help us improve,” he said.

He addressed the importance of monitoring the workload on players and the significance of proper rest and nutrition.

Team building and bonding is also an area Westmeath will focus on, all of which is aimed at raising standards to the highest level.