Ulster University to study GAA burnout problems

The University of Ulster is to carry out groundbreaking research into the issue of burnout among rising GAA stars.

Top players in the 16-23 years age bracket in all nine Ulster counties will be surveyed in an attempt to identify individuals at risk from burnout and to uncover the factors which contribute to its onset and development.

There have been increasing fears that elite young players are being asked to play and train too much leading to them becoming totally disillusioned with the sport and walking away from it. There are also concerns that overexposure to training and matches may lead to injury and possible premature retirement.

Dr David Hassan, a lecturer in Sports Studies at the University, who will lead the research, said: “The issue of burnout is a very contentious one within the GAA. Clubs, counties and high ranking GAA officials like Liam Mulvihill, Director General of the Association, have all expressed concerns that too much pressure is being heaped on the best young players.

“The problem is probably most widespread in gaelic football but the heaviest burden obviously falls on talented dual players - those who play football and hurling up to county level.

"They could be playing for two or three age group teams at club and county level and also at school or further education level. Add in the training for all these squads and you can see how the sport then comes to dominate these young people’s lives."

The research has been commissioned by the Ulster Council of the GAA, making it one of the first national sporting bodies in Europe to initiate expert probing of the issue of burnout.

Beginning this October this year, the study it will last for around three years with the research team reporting back formally to the Ulster Council twice yearly.

(MB)