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.