Sport

ESRI report finds young Gaels have difficuly balancing study with play

OVER 80 per cent of young Gaelic footballers and hurlers have reported difficulty balancing the demands of studying and playing, with 16 per cent either dropping out of a course or being forced to repeat a year, according to a new report.  

The report, compiled by the Economic & Social Research Institute, also found that a significant number of active male Gaels – 61 per cent – are educated to at least university degree level, compared to 35 per cent of the general male population. Among the other findings were that Gaelic footballers and hurlers at the highest levels will seek employment with shorter working hours and sacrifice perks such as promotion to maximise their contribution to Gaelic sports.

Responding to the findings, Gaelic Players Association chief executive Paul Flynn, said: “The report’s findings under the key themes of Educational Experience and Educational Choices will prove to be a valuable resource.

“As we strive for a modern form of sustainable amateurism where players understand the importance of their career outside of the game, and how to balance this with their inter-county commitments, this information is hugely beneficial.”

KEY FINDINGS

** One in four players reported choosing a career path after second-level education that would facilitate them to play senior inter-county. This percentage was higher among top-tier players.

** Over 40 per cent of players would not select the same post second-level career path again. This figure was over 50 per cent among players who selected their post second-level education pathway because it allowed them to play inter-county.

** Over 80 per cent of players reported difficulty balancing the demands of studying and playing during their education course; 16 per cent either dropped out of a course or had to repeat a year; and 80 per cent missed college lectures/classes/labs.


Some players select sectors of employment with fewer working hours (e.g. education).

** Working fewer hours, and experiencing lower promotion prospects because of inter-county commitments, may be affecting players’ earnings.

** The proportion of senior inter-county players who consume alcohol is similar to the general male population of the same age. However, they tend to consume higher quantities of alcohol when they do drink. This is particularly the case during the pre-season and off-season. Nearly nine out of ten players reported binge-drinking during the off-season.

** Almost nine out of ten players consume supplements and are recommended to do so by teams. However, many players source their supplements from outside of the inter-county set-up (e.g., internet) and only over half of players indicated that supplement use is monitored within their team.

** Players reported inequalities with regards to Player Charter and County-Board supports. In particular, lower-tier counties appear to be bearing the brunt of these issues, such as the timing of when expenses are paid.