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Des Ryan Profile
Des Ryan

@DeasunO

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Director of Sport & Physical Wellbeing @uniofgalway Previously @setantacollege @connachtrugby , @irishrugby and @arsenal (ASCC, BASES HPSA & MSc) He/Him

Galway, Ireland
Joined April 2019
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 months
I am very proud to be joining the University of Galway as Director of Sport & Physical Wellbeing. The priority is to develop Sports Performance and Sport for all in the University. Thanks to everyone at Setanta College for the last 2.5 years. It is great to see how it has grown.
@uniofgalway
Ollscoil na Gaillimhe | University of Galway
3 months
University of Galway has announced the appointment of Des Ryan as the new Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing. Mr. Ryan will play the lead role in the development of infrastructure, facilities and participation for all sport activity in the University. #UniversityofGalway
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
4 years
Roy Keane U14 - great example of a late developer and the importance of assessing biological maturation to info the programme.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
1 year
Important - a meta-analysis of 53 studies finds that resistance training not only boosts physical fitness in school-age kids but also enhances their cognition, academic results, and classroom behaviour. ( We need physical activity every day in schools secondary and primary )
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
On this day in 1985 Rocky made a mockery of sports science and reclaimed his world title.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
1 year
A Thread🧵- Athletic Development is the holistic development of athleticism over time to optimise physical fitness. Here are 16 examples of Athleticism that need to be training to be maximised. First a 90 degree deceleration with lateral movement in the context of Gamespeed. 1/17
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
Last day of work at Arsenal FC. I am very lucky to have worked at such a great club. I really enjoyed working with all the people in the club. Especially the SS&M team who are some of the best people and practitioners in sport. Next up @SetantaCollege and a move back to 🇮🇪.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Great study about getting Peak Max Velocity. Conditioned games and integrated Conditioning are fantastic but if you want to get a max speed stimulus there is a need from some isolated running 🏃‍♀️ . Note - isolated running can be in game movements.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Help please - I really feel it’s important for sports organisations to publish their approach, philosophy and player development framework or other practical information. Here is a link to an example. Please share other examples. I’m looking thanks 🙏
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Sprinting at 9m/s v 7m/s results in twice the amount of hamstring activation. Great exercise for performance and reduction of injury risk. @footballmed
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
Really looking forward to working full time with some great people who I admire and respect in Setanta College. I really enjoyed my time at @Arsenal it's a top club with some very special people and players. Particularly the Academy lead by Per Mertesacker - Many players to come.
@SetantaCollege
Setanta College
3 years
We are delighted to announce that Des Ryan will be joining Setanta College as our Director of Coaching & Performance. A world-leading leading youth coach and performance manager, his expertise will help us to continue to provide the highest level of education to students.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Very respectful from this player. Something we should be instilling in young players.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Be comfortable in chaos coaching at the child stage 😂
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
10 months
Thread 🧵- Warm Ups are always over discussed so here am I adding to it 🙄. Here are some clips of the Ireland warm up. High level content and application from coaches and players. First part is individual work presumably preceded by activation inside. 1/6
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
4 years
Very happy for these two hard working players who are called up to the England Senior squad. Long term athletic development giving talent a helping hand.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
This day 94 years ago – 30 July 1928 – Pat O'Callaghan won gold in the men's hammer throw at the Olympics in Amsterdam. This was the first medal won by an athlete representing Ireland since independence, and the first time the Irish tricolour was raised at the Olympics.🇮🇪🏅🔨
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Fascinating clip with Brian O’Driscoll remembering his fitness sessions from school. They sound excellent. By his description it was 4K of HSR at the end of a session. Are we under training young people now ?
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
Long Term Athletic Development. Great for children, youths & young adults. Great photo below of Arsenals next generation doing well supervised appropriate athletic development from U12 to U18. How Well before How Much. ⚽️🏋️ (Paediatrics S&C)
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
1 year
10 days until the women’s World Cup. Always interesting to look at pre competition preparation. Our World Cup opponents the Matildas working hard on their S&C in the gym.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
4 years
Arsenal FC will be advertising for an Academy S&C coach tomorrow. Great opportunity to work as part of a top class team. It’s an 18 month fixed term contract working with u12 to u16 players in our Hale End centre.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
A Thread about S&C facilitates, equipment and sessions @Arsenal over the last 100 years. This might be of interest @ArsenalEvolve starting with a pre season session from 1937,
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 months
Youth coaches - here are three fun challenges for young players. Might be an option for part of a warm up etc.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Good training 👏
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Always a good topic for discussion. Squat/Deadlift - Hip/Knee Dominant. I think this photo covers it well.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Early Pro Rugby in Ireland. Speed Session on tour 2000. From an internal documentary Camping with Connacht. I was very Raw but had great support and learned a lot very quickly. (Credit John Murphy Avalon) @connachtrugby @ConnachtClan @irishscnetwork
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
5 months
Here is a clip of Arsene Wenger emphasising the importance of physical development from 14 to 17 including strength.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Great example today of an early and late developer maximising their development.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Fascinating programme about Palace Academy. Some great examples of the practitioners considering growth and maturity data to inform decisions. Good player/parent/mdt meetings. Also examples of the challenges of managing the parent and player expectations.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
The GOAT in relation to speed, movement skills and GAMESPEED. 🐐 .
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Delighted to hear that @perryfstewart is the new Head of Academy Performance at Arsenal. One of the most knowledgeable people in know in the area of physical development. Top class manager and person. More Strong Young Gunners on the way.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
I’m fair away but I can see that North London in Red 🔴 - Mol an Óige agus tiocfaidh sí (praise the young and they will flourish)
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Great research by @charliens95 from his time in Leicester Academy ( Any aspiring soccer players can track there physical profile against players in an EPL academy ) - Top = 48cm CMJ/1.56sec 0-10m/162kg squat (Plus Tech/Tac/Psych/Ed) very useful 👏
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Early Pro Rugby in Ireland. Connacht defeat Leinster in a very different looking Sportsground 2000. From an internal documentary Camping with Connacht. Great days and Great Learnings. (Credit John Murphy Avalon) @connachtrugby @ConnachtClan
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
1 year
1 - A 🧵Thread that may be of interest. Its about S&C / Sports Science COACHING. I am currently evolving some content on Coaching Skills and I wanted to share some thoughts and examples of excellent coaching. Firstly Paul Stridgeon "Bobby" An example of bringing smart energy.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Some quality genetics in the England team.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Declan Rice outmuscled by Bukayo Saka
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
1 year
Thread🧵- I had an enjoyable day yesterday presenting on developing People & Players. Here is a thread with some of the slides.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Well worth a watch 👏
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
From 2013 but still a very important study. It shows the positive effects of long term strength training on Speed and Change of Direction. ( players 13 to 18 old ) . #longterm #ltad
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
All six episodes of Inside Hale End are on YouTube. They offer great insights to an EPL academy for all practitioners. Every youth development environment should have a framework of how they work. Below are the four pillars used in Arsenal Academy.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
👏
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
A year ago today I finished my role with @Arsenal I really enjoyed my time there and I learnt from some great players and people. I am delighted I returned to Ireland to work with @SetantaCollege every week is different and I really enjoy helping people and players develop.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
Great research by @charliens95 who works Arsenal Academy from his time in Leicester Academy with @kevinpaxton10k ( Any aspiring soccer player can track there physical profile against players in an EPL academy ) - Top = 48cm CMJ/1.56sec 0-10m/162kg squat (Plus Tech/Tac/Psych/Ed)
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Very kind of @Darrenfrehill to invite me onto @sundaysport to discuss all things youth athletic development.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
1 year
I am looking forward to presenting at two football/soccer coach development events over the next few days on player development. Its very hard to give an overview of long term development. This clip does a pretty good job.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
GAMESPEED has become normalised in athletic development conversations. Great credit must go to Ian Jefferys who coined the phrase and is still the best in the business. I would really recommend the new edition of his gamespeed book. ⚽️🏀🏈⚾️🎾🏐🏉🏸🏑🏏
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
4 years
Annual New Zealand gym video. Great example of doing the basics well. Oly oft / var / hip Dom / knee Dom / push / pull / jump. Peer coaching and enjoyable environment #nosecrets .
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
1 year
Thread 🧵- Five studies I find really useful. (1) Great research by @charliens95 from his time in Leicester Academy ( Any aspiring soccer players can track there physical profile against players in an EPL academy ) - Top = 48cm CMJ/1.56sec 0-10m/162kg squat 1/5
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
Delighted to be back on the west coast 10min from home at 10.30pm.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
Ireland U20’s from 2008. Two lions captains, a host of internationals and some great people. Conor Murrey was only third choice scrum half. Every player has a different journey.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Great to see Bukayo doing so well. Shows LTAD helps in player development and also the Premier League Elite Player Performance Plan introduced in 2012 has helped England to be in a very strong position. Important Point - I’m not supporting England.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
I would highly recommend people who wish to work in football academies watch this series. I think it’s a very detailed look at academies and better than other documentaries.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
Academy Football Programmes are fascinating. The below video shows how holistic the approach has become in the Premier League. I think this is the way forward for most sports. Video is old but still relevant. Worth a look if interested in football roles.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
7 months
Improving Movement is very important for Long Term Athletic Development. Here is an example of the improvements in Hector Bellerin's movement and concurrently speed, strength and power from aged 16 years to 20 years. (His work with care and challenge from the S&C's & Physio's)
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
4 years
Delighted to be part of this working group. Gaelic Games contribute immensely to the Irish community at home and abroad. Early days but this should benefit everybody involved in GAA especially the club game.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
In Athletic Development we aim to develop deceleration, acceleration, change of direction, agility and flying speed. This can be described as GAMESPEED which is displayed brilliantly in this clip.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Womens Super league is Starting on Saturday. Great appointment by Arsenal Women. My good friend @coach_roche_ is the news Physical Performance Lead. One of the best in the business leading a great team with @EoinClarkin and @MrFranSilver supporting world class players.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Games are very important for developing fundamental movement skills. This video has a nice selection of games for the child player in any sport.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Great win for the Arsenal last night two goals by Eddie Nketiah 📞. Fascinating development story, released from Chelsea for mainly phyical reasons and then developed into a very physically talented player (late developers/importance of measuring maturation/talent dev is hard)
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Excellent coaching of a lift that young people struggle with in the early training age phase.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
Number 7 & 10 - LTAD
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
7 months
Principles of Planning - In this clip I am sharing the Gaelic Games Athletic Development Principles of Planning at the @CoachingEins conference in @FKAustriaWien - They may be of use to people planning their season. @officialgaa @LadiesFootball @OfficialCamogie 1/3
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
We will be advertising an exciting S&C position soon. Competitive salary with a fully funded masters as a benefit.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
1 year
Mol An Óige Agus Tiocfaidh Sí - means Praise Youth And They Will Flourish. - Flo Balogun - 15 goals and currently Top Scorer in the French Ligue 1. Great Talent and Person. Delighted to find this photo. So much more to come in the next few years.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Well done to the Galway team, Padraic Joyce, his management team and the Board on a fantastic season. Delighted to attend the post match banquet. A lot of great sporting people in attendance. Enjoy the homecoming PJ, John and all involved. Exciting times ahead.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
1 year
I would highly recommend this article by the psych/social team in arsenal academy 2020. Great insight to the support players get and also the tools used.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Great to see Irishman Andy O’Boyle appointed to one of the most senior positions in English football. Irish S&C/Sports Scientists leading the way in world performance sport.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
I would highly recommend this article by the psych/social team in arsenal academy 2020. Great insight to the support players get and also the tools used.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Mistakes are great but don’t make the same mistake twice and challenge yourself.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
This is great coaching. Sometimes we over complicate programming and are too quite in the gym. This is a great example of a simple programme completed with great intent due to great coaching @irishscnetwork .
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
5 months
Two legends of S&C sharing their thoughts on volume. Great insights and suggestions.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
1 year
6 days until the women’s World Cup. Always interesting to look at pre competition preparation. The European Champion Lionesses working hard on their S&C in the gym and a support to the priority pitch work.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
Great study and great summary @YLMSportScience - we can modify movement skills to have possible duel benefit’s.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
Congrats David Drake the latest Irish man to join a professional rugby team in a senior performance position. I remember the 90’s when there wasn’t much of a tradition of S&C in Ireland. Huge praise must go to Dr. Liam Hennessy who brought the industry to new levels in Ireland.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
Looking forward to spending the next couple of weeks in Stellenbosh. Helping to roll out @SetantaCollege degree course in South Africa.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
1 year
Talent ID is challenging. The players below were released at U14 on the same day. Thankfully more information, knowledge, ID teamwork and technology is being used to make it easier and more supportive for everyone. Examples like this have happened at most clubs.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
7 months
LTAD is one of many important areas to help young players reach the highest level. Blow are examples of 15 year old Yunus Musah (AC Milan) and Flo Balogun (Monaco) doing advanced exercises supported by excellent S&C coaches. Its take a number of years to get to this level. 1/2
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
1 year
Six teams through to the 1/4 finals. Great to see Australia, England, Holland, Spain and Sweden weight training to support their preparation ( I haven’t found anything on Japan. Anyone know ? ). Very important for the female player. Especially long term implementation.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
This is a great study and video resource. Can we modify max speed running posture ? Yes we can and we need more research like this
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
When coaching young people - Children = be comfortable in chaos / Adolescents = need rules and repercussions / Young Adults = listen to them and treat them like young adults ( Mo an Oige agus Tiocfaidh Si - when they deserve it )
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
1 year
Resent UEFA research has shown that Hamstring injuries are ⬆️ for 20+ years. Solution is multifactorial. One possible risk reduction/conditioning tool is activities like below. Good activity to be part of your Ath Dev framework. Reference - @_charihawkins
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Congratulations @LaraCoyne on your PhD conferring @nuigalway (you are officially smarter than me). Fantastic achievement. Great support from @soosb70 @ArsenalSEMS @drmjn et al.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
The professor, 1st team manager and the u18 manager. Great to see Arsenal people leading and developing arsenal players.
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Des Ryan
1 year
It was fantastic to see the Gaelic Games sports science framework launched. I was delighted to contribute and be led by chairperson @aoifemlane who delivered a fantastic interdisciplinary framework @LadiesFootball @officialgaa @OfficialCamogie
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
1 year
Very happy for my good friend Ian Jeffreys who was voted in as President elect for the @NSCA . Congratulations @DuncanFrench & @Squillante_CSCS who were voted on to the board. Delighted @rihoward41 was also elected. He has contributed so much to the LTAD movement.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Congratulations to @SetantaCollege graduate @pjwilson100 who joins @CardiffCityFC as Head of Physical Performance. We are all very proud of PJ’s achievements.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
I had an enjoyable evening in @GaaBishopstown fantastic work by @ijonesstrength and all the S&C coaches and Gaelic Games Coaches. Great community spirt in the club.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
I watched episode 2 of the channel 4 programme “Field of Dreams: The Academy”. Fascinating, I would highly recommend it for people who are interested in working in Academies. Episode 2 focuses on the u16’s. The club ran good player progress meetings/MDT meetings/after care.
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Des Ryan
3 years
Delighted that the @SetantaCollege South Africa international degree is up and running. The first S&C degree in South Africa. I am lucky to be working with some excellent students and lecturers in Capetown.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
29 days
Great achievement by @BrentfordFC to be the first club to jump two categorisations (from 4 to 2). Excellent club, coaches, support team, SS&M team and Academy Manager.
@BrentfordFCPDP
Brentford FC B Team and Academy
30 days
Brentford are pleased to announce that the Academy has been awarded Category Two status for the 2024/25 season 🙌 ➡️ #BrentfordFC
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Tell me leg strength is good for C.O.D. Without telling me leg strength is good for C.O.D.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
@StuartMcMillan1 @DHMov Love this research that shows its very hard to get maxV from games. We fine it’s less hard in contextual drills and very easy in isolated sprints. So a combination needed with underlying physical qualities concurrently developed indoors.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
7 months
Hot Topic- Sampling v Early Specialisation, it is often reduced to a binary debate but it is much more complex. I think for developing top players in Soccer a Hybrid with holistic support is the best option. Every sport and context is different. Full video
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
6 months
Here is a great example of a clear Vision and Mission from a coach. Also the use of story telling to communicate the Vision and the benefits of some of the gifts of Dyslexia. Its Scott Robinson the new All Blacks coach and the future Irish coach sitting beside him.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
7 months
Very important to involve the player in a development plan. Here is a clip from the 2020 GAA Development Conference. I recorded an unscripted chat with top professional Joseph Olowu (Doncaster Rovers) Great insights from the young man. Full presentation -
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
1 year
1- Very beneficial morning of CPD at the @CoachingGalway coaching workshop organised by @DennisCarr0 . Derek Savage and @KevinJ0hnson delivered excellent theory and practical content in games centred approach to coaching Gaelic Football. Here are some of my take aways.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
@CiDeely Excellent clip. Just a short insight but very respectful. I remember carrying a tee for Eric Elwood. He always picked it up and passed it to me after kicking even though I told him there was no need, class act.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
Help Please ! - I am facilitating some internal @SetantaCollege CPD next week. We are developing our principles for endurance/fitness/MC for our youth physical development framework. It will be based on previous frameworks and research informed. Any ideas & comments welcome. 1/2
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
I really enjoyed presenting with @perryfstewart today on the @SetantaCollege webinar. I hope people benefited from the session.
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
3 years
Well done @jerryflannery on winning the @premrugby with @Harlequins .You have a great skill of getting the best out of the people around you 👏
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@DeasunO
Des Ryan
2 years
We were delighted to have Dave Fagan as guest speaker at the @SetantaCollege graduation. Dave received an award for his contribution to the Irish S&C community. One of the longest serving coaches at 27 years. A friend, ex colleague and legend of the industry. #setantagrad2022
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