Oisin McConville
Probably one of the best know Gaelic Footballers over the last 20 years in Ireland the Oisín mc Conville has had his share of problems in breaking a massive addiction to gambling.
The former Armagh GAA player spent years betting compulsively, losing tens of thousands of euro before confronting his problemS.
Oisín will be one of the many speakers attending the Building Positive Clubs Conference which takes place on Saturday 28th May at Colaiste Ailigh, Letterkenny.
The conference will focus on the many issues that are currently raising their head within the sporting world and sports clubs including anxieties, depression, suicide, addictions as well as the many unrealistic pressures that are applied to young people in sport resulting in many either stopping or moving away from their sport.
“Sport has a huge role to play in our society and the sports club play a massive role in providing opportunities for the thousands of young people to participate on a regular basis across the county.
“In most cases sport is delivered in a positive environment however there are times when club culture can be poor with limited communications, lack of understanding of children’s sport or where coaches, parents and sports volunteers set very unrealistic targets on our young people which can be at times detrimental to their mental well-being and their health in general,” highlights Myles Sweeney Coordinator of Donegal Sports Partnership who are promoting the conference.
The conference will also have speakers such as Peter Mitchell the former professional footballer who played alongside Robbie Keane, Harry Kewell and Rio Ferdinand at Leeds United and who transformed his sporting career following a car accident.
Breifne Early who suffered with severe depression and contemplated suicide channelled his energies towards the World Cycle Race, 30,000 km around 26 different countries spreading the message that ‘Its ok not to feel ok’
Antonio Mantero author of the hugely successful blog “thecoachdiary.com” on improving participation and development in children’s sports and has managed to bring some of the most reputable international youth coaches to Ireland. He is also responsible for the “The Silent Sideline” as a tool to allow children to play sport and have fun.
Building Positive Clubs Conference will also highlight the steps a sports club can take to building their positive club culture highlighting the recent work done with the Finn Harps FC Academy on this particular topic.
The conference is open to everyone, Parents, Coaches, Club Administrators and Young People.
The conference fee is €20 with under 18’s free – online booking is recommended via www.activedonegal.com however people can come along on the day.
All proceeds go to Jigsaw Donegal the Youth Mental Health Support Service.
