Become a Coach or Mentor

Get Involved – Become a Juvenile Coach or Mentor at Clane GAA

Our Children Deserve the Best

Every child who pulls on a Clane GAA jersey deserves:

Safe supervision
Positive coaching
Encouragement and respect
A structured and well-run environment

That doesn’t happen by accident.

It happens because parents and guardians step forward.

We are always looking for responsible adults to support our juvenile teams as:

Coaches
Mentors
Supervisors
Team helpers

No previous coaching experience is required.

Commitment, reliability, and a positive attitude are what matter most.

Why Volunteer With Clane GAA?

Clane GAA is proud to operate to the highest standards in:

Safeguarding
Governance
Coach development
Player welfare
Behaviour standards

We do not simply field teams.

We build environments where children thrive.

When you volunteer here, you are supported by:

A structured onboarding process
Clear role definitions
Safeguarding leadership
Ongoing coach education
Experienced team mentors

You will never be left guessing.

Getting Started – Step by Step

Becoming involved is straightforward.

Step 1 – Express Your Interest

Contact your team manager or email:

📧 childrensofficer.clane.kildare@gaa.ie

You can find a full list of club contacts here. We will guide you through the next steps.

Step 2 – Garda Vetting (Legal Requirement)

If you work with children, Garda Vetting is mandatory.

You cannot begin a juvenile role until vetting is completed and accepted.

We will guide you through:

Completing the NVB1 form
Attending a face-to-face ID validation meeting
Submitting documentation
Completing the online vetting process

This protects:

Children
You as a volunteer
The club

Step 3 – Safeguarding Training (Mandatory)

All coaches and volunteers must complete:

Safeguarding 1 – Child Welfare & Protection

This course explains:

Your responsibilities
Safe supervision standards (2 adults per 10 children minimum)
Appropriate coaching behaviour
What to do if a concern arises
Communication boundaries
Positive sideline standards

Courses are booked through the Tobar platform and delivered regularly at Clane GAA.

Step 4 – Coaching Support & Education

Once safeguarding and vetting are complete, we will:

Pair you with an experienced coach
Provide access to an Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games (ICGG) course
Share session plans and age-appropriate guidance
Ensure you understand your role clearly

You do not need to “know it all”. You need to be willing to learn.

Our Standards – What We Expect

Clane GAA operates to clear standards.

As a coach or mentor, you are expected to:

Give respect and model respect
Promote positive sideline behaviour
Never criticise players publicly
Remain on the sidelines during matches
Maintain supervision ratios
Raise concerns to a Children’s Officer

Safeguarding is not optional. Our standards are not optional.

What If I’m Nervous?

That’s normal.

Most of our coaches started the same way — as parents.

You are not signing up to be a county manager.

You are signing up to support your child and their teammates.

Training, mentoring, and safeguarding structures are there to support you.

The Impact You Will Have

Children remember their coaches. Not the scores. Not the trophies.

They remember:

Encouragement
Fairness
Confidence
Belonging

If you can provide those, you are already qualified to begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous coaching experience?

No.

How much time is involved?

Typically 1–2 sessions per week during the season.

Can I help even if I work shifts?

Yes. Many teams share responsibilities.

What if I only want to supervise?

That role is just as important — safeguarding requires structured supervision.

Ready to Get Started?

Email us today: