Why stream work is really good for GAA kids

Research says it helps find role & be part of team.. if done well

- BY GRAINNE NI AODHA

Young players in training and, right, Dr David Moran studied streaming

DIVIDING young GAA players into teams based on ability can be “very beneficial” if done correctly, a study has found.

PhD researcher Dr David Moran said the issue of “streaming” is an emotive one for parents and their children.

He said: “During my time as a games promotion officer, the question about streaming was the one that I was asked about more than any other topic.

“I never really had an answer to give them, because there was no research, and there was nothing there for coaches.”

Dr Moore said his qualitative research paper Grouping By Ability In Youth Sport: Streaming In Gaelic Games, is the first of its kind to study streaming.

It was carried out as part of a wider project in collaboration with the GAA, Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics and the Coaching and Expertise Lab in Dublin City University.