LYIT is currently in the process of engaging in interesting projects with local sports team. One such example is on the BSC (Hons) Sports Coaching and Performance where students are completing a module in Exercise Physiology. As part of this module a number of pilot projects are taking place with local sport teams in the area including Milford GAA, who took part in a series of physiological assessments in the dedicated facility in An Dánlann Sportshall at LYIT.

The reasons for such projects according to Maria Faulkner, Lecturer on the sports programmes at LYIT, are the following, “this project has enabled us to form a partnership with Milford GAA which was mutually beneficial.  Similar to other pilot projects this partnership provided the external partner with a resource and experience which is often very costly and not easily accessible.” This was a welcomed addition to the Milford GAA training regime as they are also participating in the nationwide “Off the Booze and On the Ball” challenge.

The hope would be in the coming future LYIT could offer this service to other sporting teams throughout the local area. According to Maria Faulkner the benefits gained from this experience are two-fold.  

“Firstly, the second year students receive invaluable first-hand experience of how to plan, deliver, record and analyse physiological assessments for a specific group of athletes.” In advance of the assessment session students had to research the physiological attributes of Gaelic football before deciding on what was the best form of assessment. The students had to repeatedly practice performing and delivering the series of assessments to ensure fluidity during the session and then the results attained throughout the assessment session required appropriate analysis. Analysed results were provided to the management team of Milford GAA senior team to help better inform their training plans.

Secondly the senior Gaelic football squad benefited from taking part in this session. Maria outlined how “the squad received contemporary physiological assessments which highlighted their current strengths and areas of performance which should be improved. The results attained from these assessments allow the coaches to make informed decisions regarding squad and individual player training requirements for the coming weeks and months.” Shaun Paul Barrett, senior team manager of Milford GAA indicated that “now we are in a position to tailor our training in relation to each aspect of the squad’s fitness. “

This was a valuable experience for both partnerships. Both the students and GAA club thoroughly enjoyed the session. From the students point of view it allowed them to gain experience in a professional yet friendly setting. It allowed each student to merge their existing academic knowledge with appropriate practical experience.

This is an example of one of the mutually beneficial pilot projects between students and the local community that is continually taking place within LYIT. It grants access to services and experiences which otherwise may not be available or may be quite costly to local organisations. It allows students to develop their skills in a controlled, friendly, yet professional environment.

This particular initiative was set-up in conjunction with the Head of Department Dr Lynn Ramsey, and Maria Faulkner, and the delivery of the project required a multi-disciplinary approach involving students, academic staff, and Avril McNamee, Sports Attendant.

 For more information on the Sport programmes offered at LYIT, please click here.