The GAA and Gaelic Players Association today announced the first phase of development programmes for inter-county players.
The programmes, in the areas of education, career training and health and well-being are part of a new player welfare service which is being implemented following last November's interim agreement between the GPA and GAA.
The programmes are designed to assist players with their careers off the field to help support their commitment to Gaelic games at inter-county level.
This is the first stage in the new player welfare scheme with a number of further player development programmes coming on stream throughout 2010.
Funding for the programmes is being provided by the GAA as part of the provisions of the interim agreement with the GPA approved by Central Council last December. A motion to recognise the GPA as the official representative body for inter-county players will be discussed at the GAA's Annual Congress in Newcastle Co. Down in April.Speaking about the launch of the player development programmes, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Críostóír Ó Cuana said: "The interim provisions of our agreement with the GPA provided funding for Welfare Programmes for inter county players and we are delighted to be in a position to unveil the first phase of these programmes today.
"There is no doubting the commitment given and sacrifices made by our players, particularly at inter county level, and the initiatives being launched today should serve to complement the considerable investment made by our County boards in terms of player welfare in recent years. In many ways, it is an historic day for the Association and I believe it will be the beginning of a relationship which will help to copper fasten the principles of the Amateur Status and volunteerism in our games, through ensuring we provide in conjunction with the GPA, an unparalleled welfare service for our players."
GPA Chief Executive Officer, Dessie Farrell added: "Today marks a giant step forward for player welfare. The future of the inter-county game and the GAA in general will be well served by these programmes, designed as they are to assist players with their careers off the field. The contribution of amateur players as volunteers to the general wellbeing of the Association is enormous and it is vital for all of us that that commitment is nurtured and sustained into the future. The aim of the development programmes is to make sure that players are not losing out in their careers due to their involvement in inter-county football and hurling and we are confident that by following best practice in the area of player welfare, we will achieve that aim with our strategy."
Each programme, designed and administered by the GPA, is subject to an agreed evaluation process carried out by the GAA in advance of and subsequent to the expenditure of funds.
Funding for the programmes will be provided under the terms of the interim agreement.
