Louth Gaa Performance/Talent Development Lead

Overview
Louth GAA Performance/Talent Development Lead
role at
GAA
Role/Purpose:
The role of the Louth GAA Performance Lead will be to operate within a national approach aligned to both the Gaelic Games Player and Coach Pathways.
This person will lead the delivery of a National Strategy to improve the quality, coherence and consistency of player and coach development in the county.
Reports/Accountable to:
The County Performance/Talent Development Lead reports to the County Head of Games Development.
They will work closely with the County Officers, including the County Chairman, Secretary/CEO and Games Development Committee to implement the games development programmes in the County.
Working Relationships
County, Provincial and National Staff
County Coaching Officer, the County Games Development Steering Committee and County Coaching and Games Development Committee
Club Coaching Officers
Primary and Post-Primary and 3rd level Schools
Club and Inter-County Coaches
Sports Science Providers and Medical Support
Principle Accountabilities
Strategic Management
With the County Head of Games and County Coaching and Games Committee lead, manage and monitor the delivery of the county's player development strategy to improve the quality, coherence and consistency for player and coach development and sports science supports to enhance player welfare; including recruitment of coaches/specialists, data collection, management and reporting, reviewing and feedback, annual reporting, and budget management; Strategy Development
Support the County Head of Games and the County Coaching and Games Development Committee in determining the allocation of resources and investment in relation to county participation and retention activities
In conjunction with the County Head of Games develop an annual plan to support the implementation of the county talent and elite player pathways in line with Association policies
Work with LGFA (Ladies Gaelic Football Association) and Camogie Associations on the alignment of Sports Science supports
Contribute as required to the development of GAA national coaching and games strategy and associated policies related to player and coach pathways
People Management
Identify, recruit, and train a team of coaches, coach developers and sports science support staff to ensure the goals of the county talent development strategy are achieved; provide guidance to the County Committee on appointment of people in high-performance/elite stages
Oversee and work with stakeholders to provision and monitor performance support for elite talent and high-performance teams in the county as per national guidelines
Coordinate and supervise other county personnel to formulate weekly/monthly work programmes with the County Head of Games
Liaise regularly with team coaches and mentors to ensure they receive the required support
Lead and support a team of Coach Developers in the County to deliver coach development
Leadership and Governance
Advise and assist the County Head of Games, the County Coaching and Games Committee and County Officers with the development and implementation of a multi-annual games development plan
Contribute to the development of national policies, standards and practices to include the Gaelic Games Player Pathway, and the Sports Science Framework for Gaelic Games
Evaluate outcomes and effectiveness of Talent and Performance strands using the Activity Management System, Learning Management System, Player Monitoring System and qualitative reviews; propose changes as necessary
Support clubs to become self-sufficient in sports science through coaching education, mentoring, communities of practice, and partnerships
Financial Management
With the County Head of Games and County Treasurer, support the preparation and management of the annual financial budget for the talent development pathway
Contribute to the allocation of resources in line with national funding framework
Player Development
Oversee healthy and holistic player development by supporting parents/guardians, coaches and players to apply best practice coaching principles in an integrated manner aligned with Gaelic games values
Monitor players' game and training load
Monitor and gather player injury data
Support County Officers and other personnel in developing, communicating, and implementing an appropriate talent identification and development programme
Lead county (club, school) in profiling players' technical and athletic qualities to ensure long-term development and opportunities
Engage with schools, clubs, 3rd level colleges and talent phase managers/coaches to maintain a player monitoring system for development and participation opportunities
Coaching and Coach Development
Recruit and support a team of Coaches and Coach Developers to deliver the coach pathway within the county for the Talent and Elite Pathways
Assist and advise the County Coaching Officer in the education and mentoring of Club Coaching Officers
Lead the provision of Coach Development and CPD programmes for the Talent and Performance stages of the player pathway and provide sport science learning opportunities to club coaches
Stakeholder Management
Work with relevant Coaching and Games Development Committees at County level and provide regular reports
Work with key stakeholders (National GAA, Province, County, Clubs, Schools, Third Level, etc)
Build and maintain partnerships with local internal and external stakeholders
Other
Attend evening and weekend meetings/activities as required; undertake other duties as assigned by the manager
Success Measures
Annual KPIs set in conjunction with the County Head of Games and the County CEO/Operations Manager, including operational metrics such as the Talent Development Plan, reporting, staff performance reviews, player load monitoring, and annual sports science curriculum delivery.
Person Specification
Third level degree in Exercise and Sports Science, Human Movement, Physical Education, or related area (Minimum Level 7 NFQ or pending)
Minimum Award 1 Coach Development qualification
Demonstrated leadership experience in sport, with managerial, organizational, communication and administrative skills
Knowledge of the Gaelic Games technical, physical, psychological, and tactical demands
Excellent coaching skills and at least 3 years coaching experience in the Gaelic Games pathway
Knowledge of player profiling and screening of athletic qualities
Passion for Gaelic Games and understanding of GAA structures and culture
High self-awareness and initiative
How to Apply
If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply with CV and cover letter.
Applications must be submitted before 3pm on 19th September 2025.
The GAA is an equal opportunities employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr