A.B.I.L.I.T.Y Coaching Programme

A.B.I.L.I.T.Y Coaching Programme:

A-Accessible To All

B-Break Down Barriers

I-Increase Awareness

L-Listen And Learn

I-Inspire Future Generations

T-Transform The Pathways

Y-You Are The Key                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

• This programme is a comprehensive coaching program designed to give young adults who have a disability or are from a disadvantaged background the opportunity to become a future leader. These leaders will pave the way and show other children who have a disability or come from a disadvantaged background that anything is possible.
• Collaborating closely with community organizations, schools, and disability support groups will aid identifying future leaders. The young adults identified will have shown leadership potential and an interest in coaching.
• This programme will enhance participants skills, talents, and capabilities in becoming a coach through consulting with development officers from Longford GAA and the FAI Longford. Both sports are outdoor sports, coaching sessions and matches. Once participants are qualified to coach, they will link back to the GAA or Soccer Club in their community and assist coaches during training sessions. Participants will develop the tools and skills needed to achieve their goals and unlock their full potential.
• The participants identified will be a mix between male and females and capped at 10 participants per course. The aim would be to run two GAA Coaching Courses and two FAI Coaching courses over a six-month period.
• Both the GAA and FAI will run the Coaching Courses for these future leaders and through personalized coaching sessions, workshops, and resources will give them the tools to thrive. On top of the coaching courses Longford Sports Partnership will have participants take part in a Safeguarding Course and Disability Training giving them the tools to become the best coach possible.
• Prior to coaching courses, local clubs will be engaged to confirm their willingness to have a disability coach or a coach from a disadvantaged background join the coaching team. This ensures open communication and fosters an inclusive environment, addressing any concerns or barriers beforehand.
• Running the ability coaching course now allows us to promptly address the need for inclusivity in our clubs throughout Longford and I have no doubt it will have a positive impact on everyone involved.

The goal of the project is to promote inclusivity in coaching by implementing the A.B.I.L.T.Y. Coaching Programme. This involves training coaches to effectively support individuals with disabilities or those who come from a disadvantaged background, creating a more diverse and accessible coaching environment. By empowering coaches with the necessary skills and knowledge, the project aims to ensure that all individuals, regardless of ability or background, have the opportunity to participate in sports and receive quality coaching. 

In 2025 13 participants with additional needs and/or are from a disadvantaged background have completed a GAA Coaching Course and GAA Handball Coaching Course.