FORMER Armagh star Tony McEntee and ex-Ireland International Rules boss Paul Earley will be the guest speakers at this year's Ulster GAA Coaching and Games Development Conference, which takes place on Saturday.
At the time of year when everyone is trying to get that little edge over their competitors and coaches are hungry for information and coaching tips to stay ahead of their opponents, the O'Neill's-sponsored conference is a focal point for coaches throughout Ireland and Britain.
The theme for 2015's conference, which takes place at the Glenavon House Hotel in Cookstown, is 'Building Blocks to Improve Performance' and will have a particular resonance with those coaches working within schools, clubs, academies and county squads throughout the province.
The morning and early afternoon sessions will include nine workshops, which will be repeated to enable coaches to attend a minimum of four quality sessions throughout the day.
Both McEntee and Earley will share their personal experiences as they progressed along the pathway from successful payers to successful coaches.
Among the workshops that will take place on the day will be: n Engaging People to Learn & Perform Skill, delivered
by former Kerry and Mayo coach Donie Buckley n Sports Nutrition (It starts with a KISS): Dr. Sharon Madigan, Head of Nutrition, Irish Institute of Sport n Tactical Play in Hurling: Denise Martin, Performance Analyst with Enhance Sports Analysis Services
* Building Structures to Develop Hurling: Fergie O'Loughlin (Clare), National Hurling Mentor
* Games for children to build confidence and competence in kicking, Ben McGuckin and Aidan McLaughlin (Ulster Key Stage One Schools Coaches)
* Analysis of Kicking Technique: Terence McWilliams (Ulster GAA) & John Morrison (Tutor Trainer and former Inter-County Coach);
* Coaches Providing Feedback to Players and Teams: Johnny Bradley (Sports Institute NI) & Kevin McGuigan (Ulster GAA);
* Injury Prevention & Player Welfare: Marty Loughran (Sports Institute NI) & Ryan Mellon (Ulster GAA);
* Mental Preparation for the Training Environment: Ciaran Kearney PhD researcher at Ulster University (Institute for Research in Social Sciences).
Coaches are advised to book their places early as the conference is usually fully booked out in advance.
The cost for each delegate is £25-€30, which includes lunch and a delegate pack. To book your place, visit ulster.gaa.ie.