Applications open for 2026 Female Coach Academy Programme.

The GAA, Ladies Football, Camogie and Handball Associations, with the support of Sport Ireland Women in Sport fund, are delighted to open applications for the 2026 Female Coach Academy Programme. The aim of the programme is to increase the retention of female coaches in the Gaelic Games Player Pathway in all four codes. The 2026 will see participants experience a robust coach development programme that will support them to achieve their individual coaching ambitions.

What are the criteria for participation?

Participants must:

• Be actively coaching in 2026 in line with the Gaelic Games Player Pathway
• F3 (Youth/Adult) - U16 Teams or above
• T3/T4 (18+) - Player Development Programme, academies, development squads, underage Inter County
• E1 - Adult Inter County
• Full participation, engagement and interaction with the programme.
• Be over 18 years of age
• Willingness to progress and develop as a Coach

Programme Overview

There are two main strands of the programme.

1: Collective coach development activities

This content will be delivered through in person and online sessions, and individual planning activities. Please see the dates for these collective sessions below. It will culminate in each coach constructing their own personal development plan.

2: Individual coach mentoring.

Each coach will be assigned a mentor. The mentor will assist the coach in identifying strengths and areas for improvement through discussions and session observations. The timing of the mentoring sessions will be organised between the coach and the mentor.

Some further cornerstones of the programme.

Across the year coaches will

• Explore their personal motivation and ambition for their coaching career.
• Reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses with regards to interpersonal relationships and team dynamics.
• Build a relationship with a mentor.
• Include their own coaching sessions being observed to aid with the reflection process.
• Engage in coaching conversations and peer support.
• Have opportunities to present and debate their own coaching ideas.
• Have opportunities to develop their own network.
• Have opportunities to engage with other Gaelic Games coach education opportunities

Key Dates

Application Process Dates

• Application Process Closing: Monday 23^rd March 2026
• 20-minute Online Information Session: Wednesday, 25^th March 2026 (8pm)
• Participants will be notified if successful in their application: Friday, 27^th March 2026

Compulsory Collective Dates

• Online Introduction: Thurs 9^th April 2026 @ 8 – 9.30pm

• Collective Session 1: Sat 25^th April 2026 (central venue, approx. 10 – 3pm)

• Online Session: Wed 13^th May 2026 @ 8.30 – 9.30pm

• Collective Session 2: Sat 13^th June 2026 (central Venue, approx. 10 – 3pm)

• Online: Wed 2^nd Sept 2026 @ 8.30 – 9.30pm

• Collective Session 3: Sun 27^th Sept 2026 (central venue, approx. 10 – 3pm)

Applications will be accepted until Monday 23^rd March 2026

To apply please fill in this form: CLICK HERE

For information contact programme coordinator Janey McCauley @ janeymccauley@yahoo.com