Synthetics are the way forward
February 28, 2008With video analysis not alone available but also affordable clubs can through Irish company Dartfish dissect each stage of play and hone in on problem areas within a team or individual player. This is made possible with the use of a very sophisticated computer package and simple directions.
Another advancement in the area of training and player progress is the newly launched Sport Tracker series of books designed and laid out to assist both players coaches and managers to reach their full potential, easy to read and follow, they give invaluable advice in the areas of nutrition, training, risks of over training, good practice and many more hints tips and words of wisdom from such influential men in the GAA as former Down Manager Pete McGrath and Tyrone's Mickey Harte. Peter Larkin is Sport Trackers Company Director and Peter Quinn Company Chairman. I was present at the recent launch of the company and their hand books in Croke Park, there was a great buzz of excitement in the packed room where well wishers from each of the provinces gathered. On hand at the launch were some of the big names and rising stars of football and hurling and the launch was officiated by An t'Uachtaráin CLG Nicky Brennan.
Another apparently simple but very effect piece of kit is the multi trainer by Team Hop, ideal for multi use and team training with the capacity to train up to twenty athletes at any one time. This clever piece of apparatus reduces demands on space and other over cumbersome equipment and the Team Hop is suitable for use both indoors and out.
Synthetics are featuring more and more frequently in the overall planning for clubs and teams in their preparation for competition. Many clubs are in the envious position of having their own synthetic training areas ranging in size, from a training area 60m x 30m, all the way up to a full size pitch.
The benefits are numerous; probably the most obvious is the ability to continuously train without the fear of destroying the surface and leaving it unfit for play. I spoke to Dick Ridge of Thornton Sports and we discussed some of the installations that Thornton's have completed in 2007. "We had a very busy year during which we installed a number of synthetic GAA playing surfaces. Our flag ships would have to be Dunganny in Meath where we built a full size Pitch as part of Meath County boards centre of excellence; it is used by a wide array of clubs and teams of all ages and levels," explained Ridge. "We also installed a substantial 6000m2 pitch for Mallow GAA, the pitch which is on the grounds of the clubs fabulous sports complex is in constant use and a great source of revenue. To the end of the year we completed a full size GAA pitch for University College Dublin, this was one of the two pitches we built this year at the Belfied campus, we were also engaged to install training areas for Laragh United CLG in Cavan, Longwood GAA in Meath and Ferrybank GAA in Waterford. "In a summer that weather wise never really happened we are delighted with the results and so are our clients."
Synthetics sports surfaces definitely have a place in the GAA at all levels and contribute immensely to the high standard of training that has become the hallmark of Gaelic Games.
It is quite clear, clubs around the country realise the benefits to their members of having their own specialist training facilities, let it be standalone or combined with other training methods both physical and computer based. With so many varied advancements in technology and training it will be very interesting watching the progress and developments within the association.
With work well underway for Scarriff GAA and start dates fixed for St Vincents GAA club in Cork and St Saviours GAA in Waterford we expect to have another busy year ahead.
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