04.04.2016
A major event in Thomond Park to launch LIT’s 2016/17 Sports Scholarship Programme has been told that the welfare of young athletes is a pressing issue that requires co-ordinated management.
LIT’s Scholarship Programme has a focus on athlete support and welfare, including off-field mentoring and education support for scholars.
Joe O’Connor, fitness consultant – whose credits include Ireland’s Fittest Family, roles in Athletics Ireland, Horse Sport Ireland and senior inter-county GAA teams – told the event that the monitoring of training loads is critical in managing the welfare of young players, but warned that “This involves so many people other than the athletes themselves. Coaches across different teams and codes, in schools and colleges all have to play a role, as do parents and mentors. Along with a correct lifestyle, this is the way to ensure that athletes maintain their health and fitness during their playing careers. Its something we all need to take on board.”. Picture: Alan Place/Fusionshooters