Minister Michael Ring presents Awards to Erris "Goal to Work" Sports Coaches

A group of jobseekers from the Erris area in North Mayo have just completed a 14 week long specialised sports coaching course which it is hoped will provide them with the tools to obtain employment. The "Goal to Work" Sports Coach Training Programme which is run 2 days each week allowed trainees to become fully qualified G.A.A., Rugby and Soccer coaches with additional sports modules in child protection, first aid, disability awareness, physical activity leader and active leadership completed. Trainee coaches also honed their skills organising several community events and coaching in local national schools giving many school children some quality participation experiences.

"Goal to Work has really helped to develop my confidence and social skills.
The experience of coaching children has also encouraged me to get more involved in my community" - Anne Marie Monaghan "Goal to Work" Coach

Minister of State for Sport and Tourism Michael Ring presented the newly qualified coaches with their Goal to Work Sports Coach Training Programme certificates at a presentation held in the Aras Inis Gluaire.

He commended the project co-ordinators Mayo Sports Partnership, Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company, Údaras na Gaeltachta, Erris Community Health Forum and Mayo County Development Board for their foresight in bringing such an innovative programme to fruition.

Other partners were also thanked and these included Department of Social Protection, Mayo Mental Health, Mayo Jobs Club, Mayo GAA, FAI, Connaught Branch of the IRFU and the local Primary Schools where the coaching took place.

Originally developed in County Leitrim, under the auspices of the County Development Board, the Goal to Work Sports Coach Training Programme is now in its 4th phase having already being rolled out in Castlebar, Ballina and Ballyhaunis.


The first programme trained 12 jobseekers to become fully qualified soccer coaches and referees with many of those gaining employment as a result. Goal to Work 2 and 3 built on the pilot initiative were multi sport and specifically targeted the Ballina and East Mayo areas. Training was provided on how to explore setting up a business, how to develop an enterprise idea and further educational/training opportunities. Other modules included IT, communication skills, progression routes and CV preparation. All of which would help participants to identify possible employment after the 14 week programme.

46 sports coaches / leaders have now received training under the Goal to Work programme and are available to assist communities, sports clubs and schools throughout the county.

Some participants have gained employment as a Sports Co-ordinator under the Rural and Social Services Scheme, others have progressed on to further training and some have gained some part time employment as sports coaches with local schools etc.

"These coaches are a fantastic resource to have in the county and we have utilised a number of them in delivering some of our participation initiatives" Sports Co-ordinator for the Mayo Sports Partnership Charlie Lambert added.

The Erris Goal to Work sports coach training programme was part funded by the Erris Community Gain Fund.

To view photos from the event log on to https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mayo-Sports-Partnership/282114873337?ref=hl#!/pages/Mayo-Sports-Partnership/282114873337

To find out more about the programme log on to www.mayosports.ie or contact Mayo Sports Partnership at 094-9047025 email msp@mayococo.ie