The 2023-24 Women’s Student Coaching Academy kicked off on Wednesday 18th October with an introduction workshop at the GAA National Games Development Centre on the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin.

Now in its third year, the WSCA will provide 38 female student coaches from across the island of Ireland with a support system to enable them to develop and reach their coaching potential. The academy also aims to increase the number and visibility of female coaches in third level institutions, while creating female role models for other female students to progress into coaching careers.
The students were treated to a great session by Liam Moggan, commonly known as ‘The Coaches Coach’ in Irish Sport. Liam introduced the students to facilitation as a coach and being able to communicate effectively as a coach. This very interactive session gave the students a chance to meet their fellow coaches and representatives from national governing bodies who were present at the workshop.

In the afternoon, Joanne Hession and Steve McCarron from LIFT Ireland held an introductory workshop for the girls on the importance of leadership. They encouraged the young leaders to get involved with their organisation and become roundtable facilitators in their clubs and organisations.

The guest speaker to close the workshop was Paul Kilgannon, who held an engaging workshop for the students on journaling. The students discussed why journaling in sport is important, and the different techniques they can use when journaling their own sporting experiences in both a coaching and playing capacity.

The Women’s Student Coaching Academy is a collaborative programme between SSI, Sport Ireland, third-level institutions and 14 sporting National Governing Bodies (NGBs).

Thank you to Archery Ireland, Athletics Ireland, Basketball Ireland, Cricket Ireland, the Camogie Association, the Football Association of Ireland, the Irish Rugby Football Union, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, Rowing Ireland, Triathlon Ireland, Volleyball Ireland, and Weightlifting Ireland for their support this year to develop our female student coaches.