Thursday, 24th Jan 2019
GAA Handball is pleased to announce a new player pathway initiative for juvenile players aged U14 - U18 through a National Handball Academy. The aim is to ensure our next generations of players are adequately supported to make the breakthrough into elite senior players nationally & internationally.
Info:
- Initially 40x20 only until Academy is established
- Ages U14-U18, Boys & Girls
- 3/4 training days per year
- All aspects of the Academy will be coordinated by National Development Officer Darragh Daly
- Tactics / Nutrition / Fitness / Technical / Tournament Preparation / Recovery
Squad Selection:
- Small numbers on National Academy Squad to enable increased quality and time with elite Coaches/Tutors
- Participant selection based on player potential and not solely on current playing levels. A scouting committee will select the initial squad.
IMPORTANT:
- Academy will implement an open door policy with players, i.e. players will be released and called up when required. Scouting system will be in place, observing at juvenile seeding tournaments. NDO will oversee scouts and make selection call-ups.
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Initial Academy Squad:
- Mark Rodgers (Clare)
- Josh Kavanagh (Wexford)
- Mark Doyle (Wexford)
- Billy Drennan (Kilkenny)
- Mikey Kelly (Galway)
- Kyle Jordan (Kilkenny)
- Cahir Munroe (Tyrone)
- Leah Doyle (Kildare)
- Mollie Dagg (Kildare)
- Niamh Heffernan (Galway)
- Amy Brennan (Kilkenny)
- Clodagh Munroe (Tyrone)
- Chloe Philpott (Clare)
- Ema Kinane (Galway)