The new look Development Squads are set to build on the immense amount of work that had already gone on in player development to prepare highly skilled young players who will benefit not only their county but also their clubs and schools.
Squad members will be supported by an effective, well-trained workforce of coaches and other personnel, ensuring young players from across the county will be afforded the optimum opportunity to maximise their undoubted potential.
A review of the Football Development Squad structure at Under 15, 16 and 17 levels has identified 11 recommendations. These promise to provide the county’s emerging footballers the best chance of making the transition from talented youngster to successful county minor and senior footballers.
These recommendations are as follows:
Recruit top class coaches
Integrate Development Squad coaching sessions into the Derry CCC’s programme of games
Introduce a code of conduct for both coaches and players
Development squad coaches across the age-groups to work as a team
Locate some sessions in south Derry to ensure cross-county participation
Inclusion of fitness tests, educational and motivational talks
Focus on reinforcement of skills
The Under 17 squad to have close links with the minor management as minor recruits
Assure proper attention to First Aid and Physiotherapy
Financial input from players and sponsors
Review the Development Squad structure annually for continuous improvement
On the hurling front there is be even more radical change with a complete overhaul of the structure from previous years.
There will two be Hurling Development squads of one at Under 14 and one at Under 16. Every final year Under 14 and Under 16 player will be invited along with their club coaches to take part in the coaching sessions. In co-ordination with National Hurling Director Paudie Butler, guest coaches will attend sessions throughout the year. A panel of players will be selected to test their new found skills at Ulster and National blitzes. This will ensure that Derry’s young hurlers are given the greatest opportunity to develop their talent.
With substantial financial input from both Club Derry and the Derry County board the new plans will endeavour to maintain Derry’s position at the forefront games and player development.
The Coaches Working with Development Squads this year are:
Under 15 Football
Seamus Doyle – Ballymaguigan
Níall Farren – Dungiven
Sean McGuinness – Craigbane
John Downey – Glen
John Deighan - Limavady
Under 16 Football
Karl Conlan – Ballinderry
Martin Boyle – Ballinascreen
Martin McWilliams – Kilrea
Jason Muldoon – Ballinderry
Under 17 Football
Richard Ferris – Drumsurn
Paul Simpson – Doire Trasna
Declan Toner – Limavady
Under 14 Hurling
Joe McGurk – Lavey
Martin Bradley – Dungiven
Geoffery McGonigle – Dungiven
Under 16 Hurling
Michael Glover – Slaughtneil
Mark Lowry – Slaughtneil
Stephen O’Kane – Slaughtneil
As well as the coaches mentioned above the following well respected coaches have agreed to attend during the season and take a session with our young players:
Kevin Kelly Ulster hurling officer, Paudie Butler National hurling director, Kevin Hinphey Derry and Ulster railway cup hurler, Ruairi Convery Derry and Ulster railway cup hurler, Tony Scullion Ulster football officer, Philip Kerr GAA master tutor, Eugene Young Provincial coaching and games director, Micky Lynch Banagher, Terence McWilliams Ulster games manager, Killian Conlan former Derry minor coach, Niall Conway current Antrim senior football coach, Enda Gormley Derry under 21 coach, Paul McIvor former Donegal coach, Charlie O’Kane former Derry minor coach and Danny Quinn Derry all-Ireland football winner.
Conán Loughrey and Mary Gormley will be providing the players with physiotherapy and first aid treatment.
Each player who makes the final squad and agrees to adhere to the players code of conduct will have to sell three £10 tickets. By the end of the year they will receive a Derry Kit Bag, Tracksuit, T-shirt and water bottle. See pictures below:
The first trials for the Under 15 and Under 16 Football squads will take place on Saturday 7th March in Owenbeg at 10am sharp.
To register for the first trial clubs must nominate 3 players at under 15 level and 3 players at under 16 level to attend. Could club under 16 coaches please have the players name, position and date of birth to Chris Collins before Wednesday 4th March at ccollins@derry.gaa.ie or 07843232208.
The Football development squads will have three trials during March. The Under 15 squad will keep a panel of 40 and the Under 16 squad a panel of 30.
The first training session for the Under 15 and Under 16 Football development squads will be on Saturday 4th April.
More details will follow in due course regarding the football and hurling development squads schedules.
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