How to Build a Winning Culture in Your Club
A summary from 'Strength & Conditioning for Gaelic Games' by David Hare - Still available on Amazon with an easy download.
How to Build a Winning Culture in Your Club
Every successful team has something that sets them apart from the rest. It’s not just talent, strategy, or fitness—it’s culture. Culture is what turns a good team into a great one, ensuring that players buy into a shared vision, push themselves to new heights, and remain committed long after a coach or season changes. I’ve worked with multiple clubs and county teams over the years, and one thing is clear—without a strong culture, even the most talented teams struggle. The good news? Culture isn’t something you either have or you don’t. It’s something you can create, reinforce, and sustain.
Here are somethings I have learned over the years working in county football.
1. Lead by Example
Culture starts at the top. If the coaching staff, senior players, and management aren’t fully invested, then you can’t expect the rest of the team to be either. Every action you take as a coach sends a message—how you prepare, how you communicate, how you approach training, and how you carry yourself.
If you want discipline, be disciplined. If you want hard work, show up early and be the hardest worker in the room. Players will mirror the attitudes and behaviors they see from leadership. Now in a practical sense, this is being the first to training, printing your sheets for the day and having the programme on the board, it doesn't harm either for the players to see you do SOME form of training yourself outside hours. Something I need to do a lot better on.
2. Organisation and Structure Matter
A winning culture doesn’t thrive in chaos. Players need to know what’s expected of them—whether it’s training schedules, recovery protocols, nutrition guidelines, or game-day routines. A well-structured program eliminates guesswork, sets clear expectations, and allows players to focus on performing at their best.
One of the simplest ways to improve organisation is to implement a clear strength and conditioning program that players can follow. A structured approach to fitness ensures that everyone is progressing, staying injury-free, and building the physical capacity needed to compete at a high level.
3. Keep It Simple and Consistent
Fancy drills and complex fitness regimens might look impressive, but the best results come from consistently executing the basics.
- Focus on fundamental strength movements (push, pull, squat, hinge, core work)
- Emphasize injury prevention with mobility and stability training
- Make fitness a year-round priority, not just a preseason phase
Consistency is the key—if you train hard for a few months and then stop, you lose all momentum. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain S&C programs throughout the entire season, adjusting intensity and workload as needed.
4. Set and Enforce Standards
The difference between a great team and an average one often comes down to standards. What are the non-negotiables in your club? Is it attendance? Effort in training? Accountability? Attitude?
Some practical ways to enforce standards include:
- Tracking attendance and effort levels - The best clubs I have worked for tracked attendance. When you track it, it can be scary how often your players miss training.
- Setting benchmarks for strength and fitness tests.
- Holding players accountable for their preparation and performance. What ways can you practically do this is a tricky question.
You can’t force everyone to be 100% committed, but you can create an environment where commitment is the norm rather than the exception. The talented player who's a little rough around the edges needs careful management.
5. Build a Supportive and Competitive Environment
Great teams support each other, push each other, and celebrate each other’s successes. Encouraging a competitive spirit while maintaining a positive atmosphere is crucial.
Here are a few ways to build this environment:
- Partner players up in training to hold each other accountable
- Recognise and reward progress, not just talent. Easily done, never reward bad behaviour.
- Foster healthy competition by setting team challenges and goals.
When players feel supported and see tangible improvements in their performance, they buy into the program even more. You have to show them progress.
6. Educate and Communicate
A strong culture isn’t just about hard work—it’s about understanding why things are done a certain way. If players know the purpose behind their training and conditioning programs, they are far more likely to stay engaged. Framing why you do things with players is hugely important.
Communication is key. Share insights, explain the reasoning behind exercises, and encourage questions. A well-informed player is an empowered player. FRAME why you do things.
7. Create Rituals and Traditions
The best teams have traditions that reinforce their culture. Whether it’s a specific pre-game warm-up, team meals, gym challenges, or post-training recovery routines, these traditions foster camaraderie and a sense of identity.
One of the most impressive examples I’ve seen was a club that took full ownership of their post-training meals. Players themselves organised and prepared the food, reinforcing both teamwork and the importance of nutrition. The "sweeping the sheds" phenomenon is now a tad cliche but it's hardly a bad thing, I try to make my schools' rugby team do it after away games. Manners cost nothing. It shows the world you're at least disciplined.