It has been a busy few years for Killeshin FC, with lots of developments going on behind the scenes.
Recently they became the first club in Laois to be awarded the FAI Club Mark and the second club in the Carlow District League.
While so much has been done behind the scenes, the coaches at the club have not rested on their laurels. When we spoke to Ollie Brennan last March he highlight a key issue that the club is looking to improve on in the coming years.
“We would like to improve our coaching standards so that people are attracted to the club. This will give the players the opportunity to progress and move forward in their development as players.”
Only a few months later Brennan, along with fellow clubman Garry Walsh, have both been recently been awarded the UEFA C coaching diploma and grassroots leader cert, which is gauged towards working with the 13-17-year-old age bracket.
“If we can educate our coaches if we can help them progress on the pathway set out by the FAi and Uefa. Better coaches lead to better training sessions, which develops better players. It is not only good for the club but for Carlow soccer as well.”
With the ever-growing focus on player well-being and mental health, it is encouraging to know that UEFA, along with the FAI, doesn’t just focus on the practical side of football.
“We take about a player-centred approach. Where we put the welfare of the player at the centre.”
“You obviously want to develop competent soccer players, but you also want young people to develop as young people. It is part of the whole process.”
“It is not just about football. It is something you need to be aware of when your out on the pitch with the kids.”
Find out more on how to start your coaching career by going to the FAI website here.
If you want to listen to the full interview, click on Scoreline Extra below.
