Talk of commitments of under-14 panel in one county is an indictment of the GAA gone mad

They're only kids, for God's sake.

What good is a strength and conditioning programme to a bunch of 14-year-olds? What is the point in dragging them into a gym to lift weights and to test their physical capabilities when they still haven't physically developed? When did the GAA world start going so bloody mad? That's exactly what's happening in a county who performed well in last year's under-14 All-Ireland competition, and are obviously seeking to make strides with that bunch of players over the winter months. The teams' coaches have informed the group about a ten week strength and conditioning programme that will commence in October and will proceed right through to the beginning of next year. A parent who's child is involved in an under-15 county panel told SportsJOE of the commitments being placed on the youngsters, who are just out of the under-14 age group. The parent requested that we wouldn't disclose which county this is happening in, because their son has a huge grá for the game and wishes to remain on the panel, but this type of behaviour still needs to be questioned. It's no wonder that there is a huge drop-off rate in youngsters playing the GAA. The last thing a youngster wants to be is lifting 6kg dumbbells on an evening when they could be out pucking or kicking ball. What business would a fourteen-year-old have in going to the gym to try and get bigger and stronger? You're asking them to do things that their bodies aren't physically capable to do, or ready to do. It should all be a natural process. These players should be out honing the field skills of the game, being coached how to catch, how to control the ball, how to command the basics. The last thing a player of this age should be is imprisoned in a gym trying to become something that they've no need to be. These lads have loads of time to do that, to perform the gym work that even some senior players ignore. Don't be silly. It's all related to the insatiable culture of a demand for instant results. Coaches and managers would literally do anything to ensure that their youngsters have an advantage over their opponents and if this requires dragging them into a gym, that doesn't appear to be beyond the realms. We're living in a world where managers dish out bollockings to youngsters who don't win games and obey instructions, a world where the brilliant aspects of the game are being sucked out of it by those in power who simply don't have a clue. This type of crap needs to stop.