Dividing young GAA players into teams based on their ability can be “very beneficial” if done correctly, a new study has found. 

PhD researcher Dr David Moran, formerly a Games Promotion Officer at various Dublin clubs joined Newstalk Breakfast to discuss this new study and how it will work.

The process involves separating young players into different teams, which are ranked on their own sporting ability. 

It has become a topical issue within the GAA as coaches are to put plans in place for the year ahead.

“It's a tool that can support coaches in providing a more equitable experience for players,” said Dr Moran.

The tool is designed to limit or narrow the spectrum of ability that the coach is dealing with in relation to the players. 

“It's not always implemented in an optimal fashion, so we've suggested that coaches could do a bit more support in understanding the kind of consequences and the nuance around streaming,” he said.

The PhD researcher emphasised that this is not a “solution to coaching by any means,” and that the purpose of it is to support both the coach and the players.

Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland.

He explained that it is used to make training sessions and matches easier and more beneficial for players and to help improve the level of challenge. 

There was an expected “pushback” from both parents and coaches involved, however Dr Moran said the only concern that was involved within the process of this streaming was how it would be implemented, and the allocation of resources for each team.

“If you have an A, B and a C team in a club, the preference would be towards the A team,” Dr Moran explained, in terms of getting better coaches, training slots and equipment. 

“It has to be implemented within a balanced fashion for it to work,” he stated, as lower ranked teams could not be disadvantaged.

There was also frustration with the lack of flexibility within clubs, as there were some clubs who implemented the streaming “quite rigidly,” which meant there was little opportunity for players to have any movement within the teams and progress. 

“When you get to the youth level of the Gaelic Games, the formal competition structures are bound by registration systems and restrictions."

“The coaches aren't free to just move whenever or whoever they want," he added.

Dr Moran also looked at the risk factors involved within this new system for young players, as it could leave youths feeling insecure and doubtful of their ability, which could be damaging to their self esteem.

“It can be demotivating for players as the risk of players opting out and leaving the sport.”

He concluded that there is a "huge amount of consideration for the coaches" when they move players up and down to different teams, and it can become complex for those involved.