OUR GAMES

A 32 COUNTY AMATEUR SPORT Gaelic Games have been played in Ireland for centuries and are at the heart of communities all over this island The social and cultural importance of Gaelic games is inextricably linked with the creation and development of modern Ireland

THE ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIPS The Gaelic Athletic Association was established in Each county has a hurling and football team which competes in the All-Ireland Championship. Almost 1.5m supporters attended the 2012 Championship games The Championship Finals are shown live all over the world connecting the Irish ex-pats The GAA player is an amateur but is required to give a professional commitment to his sport while holding down a full-time job or attending college

PARTICIPATION IN GAELIC GAMES Approx 1million members 550,000 active club players 2,600 clubs 2,300 County players; The elite level The GAA is the largest sporting body on the island of Ireland

THE GPA – WHO WE ARE? Who we are Dedicated to county players throughout their lives and guided by the principles of excellence, commitment, compassion and transparency. Our vision To realise the full potential of our players and our games. Our mission Investing in a better and more sustainable future for county players. Established in 1999 Over 2,300 Current playing members Growing past playing membership Official recognition agreement with Gaelic Athletic Association since 2010 Member of EU Athletes

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE – CURRENT PLAYERS* AGE PROFILE * SOURCE: Details provided on annual GPA membership registration

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE – CURRENT PLAYERS* OCCUPATION STATUS * SOURCE: Details provided on annual GPA membership registration

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE – CURRENT PLAYERS* TOP 10 EMPLOYMENTS * SOURCE: Details provided on annual GPA membership registration

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE – CURRENT PLAYERS* OCCUPATION STATUS BY AGE * SOURCE: Details provided on annual GPA membership registration

SEASON STRUCTURE FOR OUR ELITE PLAYERS Club championships Inter-varsity competitions Inter-provincial competitions International Rules series Typical Season for Senior Inter-County Player Additional Competitions Senior county players are expected to train on average up to 5/6 times a week

CHALLENGES FACED BY STUDENT PLAYERS* * January 2013 GPA student survey I find it easy to manage all of my commitments I regularly feel overwhelmed by my commitments My college provides great support for my academic needs whilst playing My college does not support my academic needs whilst playing

Striking the balance between their on and off field careers Managing time effectively Future employment prospects – career earnings Transition and associated problems Athletic Identity Physical and Mental Health Problems CHALLENGES FACED BY PLAYERS – DUAL CAREERS EU Guidelines on Dual Careers state Athletes are disadvantaged in comparison to other workers in labour markets

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME EDUCATIONCAREERHEALTH & WELLBEINGLIFE FOCUS Educational Advice 3rd Level Scholarships Education Support GPA MBA Programme Postgraduate Funding Personal Counselling Addiction Treatment Cardiac Screening Dental protection Player Insurance Personal Development Programme Benevolent Fund Finance and Tax Advice Government grants to Players Social Responsibility Career Advice Service Career Development Programme Employment Searching Sales Training Business Mentoring Business Start Up Scheme Interview Skills Media Training Training and Development Strength and Conditioning Courses

THE EVOLUTION OF A PLAYER Life Skills

EVOLUTION OF THE GPA LA TROBE UNIVERSITY 2006 RESEARCH

CHALLENGES FACING THE GPA Player Engagement Educating players about the importance of Dual Career Encouraging athlete responsibility- goal setting Supporting athletes on potential career pathways Continuously evolving to meet the needs of players Further research Funding increased demand for GPA services

FUTURE PLANS EDUCATION Leadership Development Programme Further Online- Distance Learning Student Advocacy Programme Academic mentoring Elite Level Entry- reduced entry requirements for students CAREER Internships Mentoring Encourage and facilitate greater entrepreneurship HEALTH Publish Mental Health Toolkit Research in prevalence of chronic injuries Expanding insurance cover for players

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