In this episode, I'm joined by Des Ryan, a renowned expert in youth athletic development and coaching, with a career spanning elite roles at Arsenal, Irish Rugby, and now as Director of Sport and Physical Activity at the University of Galway.

Des shares his wealth of knowledge on developing young athletes, fostering effective coaching practices, and navigating relationships between coaches, parents, and players. From practical advice for coaches to insights on creating a positive environment for youth development, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone involved in sport and coaching.

You can help support Tir Na Nóg orphanage by contributing to the fundraiser I've set up for listeners of the podcast; http://bit.ly/4fypLSh

I'd also like to thank MFC Sports who have come on board as main sponsors of the podcast series and look forward to developing a productive relationship moving forward.

Kerry's Tommy Walsh is both an All Ireland winner and former professional Aussie rules player with both St Kilda and the Sydney Swans.

Following commentary by Kerry GAA county chairman Patrick O'Sullivan recently about the need for the GAA to become more proactive about putting structures in place to help keep more of our young players at home, Tommy was generous enough to share his experiences of his GAA to AFL journey and gives some great insights into where the GAA can improve how the approach the situation.

You can help support Tir Na Nóg orphanage by contributing to the fundraiser I've set up for listeners of the podcast; http://bit.ly/4fypLSh

I'd also like to thank MFC Sports who have come on board as main sponsors of the podcast series and look forward to developing a productive relationship moving forward.

Jason McGahan is the high-performance manager with Kerry GAA, and shares his journey from playing football in Armagh to managing performance for one of Ireland's top GAA counties. He provides valuable insights into building high-performance structures within sports teams, illustrating how clubs can improve their operations without hefty financial investments.

In a compelling discussion, the conversation shifts to the concept of athletic development and the significance of supporting not only players but also coaches, volunteers, and staff. Jason emphasises the importance of communication, internal motivation, and shared vision in creating a solid high-performance culture. He also discusses how clubs, regardless of size, can implement elements of high-performance strategies by investing in current personnel and encouraging continuous education.

Jason provides practical advice for grassroots coaches on incorporating athletic development principles and utilising simple tools like RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) to better monitor player loads. The episode concludes with a conversation about the implications of early specialization in sports and the vital role of resilience in athletes’ development journeys. Jason's insights offer a fresh perspective on cultivating a well-rounded, supportive environment for young athletes and coaches alike.

You can help support Tir Na Nóg orphanage by contributing to the fundraiser I've set up for listeners of the podcast; http://bit.ly/4fypLSh

I'd also like to thank MFC Sports who have come on board as main sponsors of the podcast series and look forward to developing a productive relationship moving forward.