Four counties to pilot new underage system
July 30, 2015
Burnout isn't just a problem that's confined to players
A radical new underage system will be implemented in four counties next year.
Down, Cork, Wexford and Leitrim have signed up to the programme which is being piloted as part of the GAA's plans to replace minor with a new U17 grade. The U16 and U14 grades will also change to U15 and U13. The GAA's Minor Review Committee believes the changes will lessen the chances of young players suffering burnout.
"In the age group of 17-20, there are a lot pressures," Down vice-chairman Jack Devaney explained to the Irish News.
"There is exam pressure, they are played with multiple teams and what we have identified through the surveys of those young people are that the pressures are unacceptable.
"Drop-off around the ages 15-16 is probably high in general across the Association in general and pressures that are being felt by players aged 17, 18, 19 are the same in Down as they are in other counties."
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