Volunteers embody all that is good about the GAA, and for most minor stars, the help they receive begins long before they step foot on the field. Parents of course play a major role in the development of minor sports stars from day one. As we countdown towards the semi-finals and finals of the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Championship, we’re taking a look at eight things every parent of a GAA minor player will be familiar with.
8 Things Every GAA Minor’s Parent Will Be Familiar With
1) Expensive Boots Improve Their Play
Long gone are the days when you would buy a pair of simple black football boots for your son. Today, it’s the latest design and colours that matter most and apparently, the more expensive the boots, the better they will play.
2) The WhatsApp Group
One thing that comes with having a child on the minor team is the relationships you build with other parents. The WhatsApp group for parents can be used for all sorts of useful information like match day plans, sharing lifts to practice and of course the odd parenting woe!
3) Training Gear Must Be Easy to Find
When it comes to training evenings and match day, if there is one thing every GAA parent knows, it’s that shorts, socks, boots and other training gear must be easily found. There will be no last-minute dashes to find football gear; this is major!
4) Training and Match Day Mean Early Dinners
In addition to having football gear ready, pre-game meals are very important in the lead up to any big match. This means having dinner ready well in advance, with no fast food allowed. Pasta and rice will quickly become every parent’s best friend.
5) Post Training Meals at The Ready
And if pre-game meals weren’t enough, you will need to have something ready to eat following a training session or match. Just remember, you better keep conversation to a minimum if your teenage son is on the losing side.
6) It’s Not Just Any Old Game
No matter who they play, no minor game will just be “any old game”. This is of course an important stage of their GAA career, and they are playing with friends they have grown up with; so, every game is major, especially when it comes to championship season.
7) Don’t Be Too Enthusiastic
Showing your support is great, and your minor son will appreciate it (even if they don’t appear to). One thing many minor parents will be familiar with is crossing the line from showing your support to being overly enthusiastic. Roaring and shouting from the side-line, and showing your support during games is great, but when you’re the only voice being heard in the crowd it might be time to calm things down a little.
8) More Washing
One thing every GAA parent can relate to is the increased washing that comes with pre-season and indeed the championship period. Extra training sessions will mean training gear needs to be cleaned more regularly and with that comes more washing. But sure, you wouldn’t have it any other way!
Well Done GAA Parents!
Can you associate with any of the points above? Let us know what your “Minor Parent Hacks” are on our Facebook and Twitter page using #GAAThisIsMajor.