GAA clubs need to put a stop to these “academies” and “little blues” and “little ballymac” asking for 4 year olds now to go down to organised training!!
It’s insane and goes against all sorts of normal development both motor and neurobiological.
They get enough at school. You are not qualified enough to be doing these sessions, I know that for an absolute fact. Because the GAA isn’t qualified for it. The GAA doesn’t deliver any course of scientific reliability for people dealing with small children like this.
In fact just doing it shows there is a lack of expertise involved. The answer is not to do it.
Usually what it’s for is to get ahead of the local soccer or rugby club. Or as a money maker.
But let those sports at it. They are ensuring that some kids are turned off those sports early.
My biggest concern is that some kids will be turned off organised sport and maybe even exercise for life. This is happening years.
I’m still hearing of coaches roaring at 5/6/7 year olds to “get stuck in” and “pull hard” and all this other adult led bullshit. Especially prevalent in hurling.
You are doing more damage than good, take a step back and think logically.
I’m not a nostalgic but I do believe in organic development. When we were growing up we started getting some bit formal around 8/9 in school. But really u12 was the first competition or formal team. It flowed well. It was obviously what fitted well for us as kids.
And while the horse has bolted and clubs now operate with younger kids and some of it is good, going down below 7 is madness.
For me this early race to the bottom has an awful lot to do with early drop out. Kids get sick of what being told to do everywhere, so they move away from it.
If you think you are in competition for members, it would be a good idea to step away and go do something else. It’s not for you, you have the wrong motives