Coach Education

Is your club interested in running a coaching course, or are you looking to improve your own coaching skills? If so, please register your Club / School / Counties interest via the below link and one of our Development staff.  

GAA Handball provide a selection of Coaching Education options to assist the development of coaches, with courses led by National Tutors, qualified through Coaching Ireland. If so, please register your Club / School / Counties interest via the below links

School & GAA Club In-Service 

• A two-hour Inservice / Taster session targeting the growing number of Schools & GAA Clubs that are starting to develop Handball. 

• Content includes the basic rules, shots and mini games to help assist the growth of the game in the school/club.
• Expression of interest form:

Foundation Level Award

• The Foundation Level Coaching Award aims at introducing the Fundamentals of Handball.
• Key areas covered include; how to coach, the strokes, warm-ups, mini games, lesson planning and basic tactics.
• This comprises in a one day course and is open for anyone 16+ years old to attend.
• This course is fully certified by Sport Ireland, and delivered by a GAA Handball National Tutor. A minimum of 10 participants is required - Clubs can join up in order to achieve minimum numbers.

Level 1 Award

• The Level 1 Coaching Award delves deeper into the higher end coaching specificities of Handball. 
• Key areas covered include; the strokes, the serves, shot selection and execution, advanced tactics, fitness and speed.
• This is delivered over two days, and is the highest coaching qualification in GAA Handball, fully certified by Sport Ireland. Attendees must have completed a Foundation Level Coaching Award one year prior before becoming eligible for this course. 
• A minimum of 10 participants is required - Clubs can join up in order to achieve minimum numbers. 

TY Future Leaders

• The GAA “Future Leaders Transition Year Programme” is designed to be a support service for teachers and school leaders. This is an inclusive cross-curricular leadership programme comprising of a series of modules aimed at TY students to upskill in various roles, and organise evens in their schools, clubs and communities.

The programme has three strands:

1. Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games (ICGG)

• The ICGG is the GAA entry-level coaching qualification, designed for beginners across all Gaelic codes which covers the coaching skills, fundamental movement skills and preparations. Within Lesson 5 (coaching a skill), students will coach a skill in any of the GAA codes. Students can choose to coach handball within this module
• Students will receive accredited on completion (GAA or Sport Ireland depending on delivery method).
• The GAA Handball Foundation Course may also be delivered on request.

2. Intro to Handball Workshop

• 1-2 hour introduction workshop will cover the fundamentals of handball, including the strokes, mini games & fundamentals as well as the basic rules/how to play. Students can also learn how to develop facilities within their school, club or community within this module.
• Students will receive a certificate of completion.

3. Referee 

• GAA Handball currently have an online quiz for all members to take. Bronze level available here
• Playing rules can be viewed here
• Stay tuned for a referee introduction course aimed at new/beginner referees, in particular teachers & students for internal school events.

ALL STARS PROGRAMME 

Launched in March 2026, this workshop supports coaches delivering programmes for players with additional needs across all Gaelic games, including Handball. It includes: 

• A 90‑minute in‑person workshop 
• A 15‑minute online refresher 
• Safeguarding and Garda Vetting requirements 
• Practical inclusive games 
• Adaptation strategies for varying abilities 
• Access to an online resource hub 
• This forms part of a nationwide commitment to inclusive participation. 

Nursery Workshop

• The GAA Nursery Coaching Course is the official introductory coach‑education workshop designed for volunteers coaching children aged 4–6 in GAA clubs. It’s part of the F1 stage of the Gaelic Games Player Pathway and focuses on giving coaches the skills to deliver safe, fun, age‑appr  
• A 90‑minute in‑person practical workshop that teaches coaches how to run engaging nursery sessions for young beginners.  
• Followed by a 15‑minute online recap, reinforcing key learnings.  

• Designed for anyone coaching at Nursery level (F1 phase) — whether new to coaching or experienced.

Expression of interest form for completing coach education