All Stars Coaching Workshop now available for clubs  

The GAA, the Camogie Association, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, GAA Handball and the GAA Rounders Association are proud to launch the new All Stars Coaching Workshop — a coach education programme designed to support Clubs in providing inclusive Gaelic Games opportunities for players with additional needs.

Findings from the 2025 research study Engagement and Inclusivity in Gaelic Games: An Evaluation of the GAA For All Programme highlighted that a notable proportion of coaches currently feel unsupported when delivering inclusive sessions, and that existing training may not fully address all aspects of inclusivity in practice.

The 2025 research study Engagement and Inclusivity in Gaelic Games: An Evaluation of the GAA For All Programme identified that:

• A notable proportion of coaches feel under-supported when delivering inclusive sessions

• Existing training does not always fully address the practical realities of inclusivity

• Volunteers are seeking clearer guidance, adaptable activities, and peer support

The All Stars Coaching Workshop, made possible due to support through Dormant Accounts Fund, has been designed directly in response to those findings.

In response, volunteers can now begin their journey to becoming a Qualified All Stars Coach by completing a 90-minute in-person workshop and 15-minute online recap on Tobar, in addition to their mandatory Safeguarding and Garda Vetting/Access NI requirements.

This practical workshop equips volunteers with the confidence, knowledge and activities required to deliver meaningful and enjoyable All Stars sessions in their own communities.

This practical, activity-based workshop equips volunteers with:

• A clear understanding of inclusive coaching principles

• Practical games and activities tailored to All Stars participants

• Guidance on adapting sessions for varying needs and abilities

• Strategies to create welcoming, structured, and supportive environments

• Access to a growing online hub of supporting videos and resources

Qualified coaches will be supported through:

• Practical games and activities tailored to All Stars participants

• Guidance on adapting sessions for varying needs and abilities

• Access to an online hub of supporting videos and resources

Parachutes to Clubs

As part of the 2026 rollout, Clubs that host an official All Stars Coaching Workshop will receive a parachute pack to support the delivery of their All Stars sessions locally.

This forms part of a wider commitment across our Associations to ensure that Gaelic Games is a welcoming and inclusive environment for players of all abilities.

Contacts

Clubs or volunteers wishing to get involved in an All Stars programme, host a workshop, or begin their journey towards becoming a Qualified All Stars Coach are encouraged to make contact with their relevant Association lead.

For further information:

• GAA / GAA Rounders / GAA Handball – Sarah Furey – sarah.furey@gaa.ie

• Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) – Vinny Whelan – Vincent.whelan@lgfa.ie

• Camogie Association – James Heffernan – james.heffernan@camogie.ie

Useful links:

All Stars Tobar Resource - https://learning.gaa.ie/AllStarsProgramme

All Stars Games & Activities - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0adp4aHTsHHl8vD2yPU_79qtjjEY9TNR&si=9kxS0E_FI_rUH2Z_

GAA - Uachtarán Jarlath Burns

All Stars represents what Gaelic Games is truly about — belonging, opportunity, and community.

Across the country, players of all abilities are taking part in Gaelic Games in an environment that is welcoming, supportive and fun.

Today marks an important step forward as we launch our new All Stars Coaching Workshop and Resource on Tobar — designed to equip coaches with the confidence and practical tools they need to deliver inclusive sessions in their Clubs.

LGFA – Uachtarán Trina Murray

The Gaelic Games All Stars Programme embodies everything we strive for in Ladies Football - an inclusive, player‑centered environment where every player can develop their skills, thrive socially, and experience the joy of sport. This initiative not only strengthens physical literacy but fosters belonging, confidence and lifelong participation, empowering participants of all backgrounds to feel welcomed and supported. I am delighted to see the programme embraced across clubs, and I know it will continue to inspire the next generation of players, volunteers and leaders in our Gaelic Games family.

Camogie Association - Uachtarán Brian Molloy

To become a qualified All Stars coach, the participant must complete a 90-minute in person workshop and a 15-minute online recap along with their mandatory Safeguarding and Garda Vetting/Access NI requirements.

The workshop is underpinned by a suite of practical videos and an online hub that provides ongoing guidance for coaches.

Our aim is simple — to empower volunteers with the knowledge, understanding and confidence to create positive experiences for every player.

Rounders - Uachtarán Paula Doherty

Today reflects the power of collaboration across our Associations. By working together, we strengthen opportunities for all within our communities.

Handball – Uachtarán Kevin Cooke

All Stars is more than a programme. It is a commitment to inclusion and community, ensuring that Gaelic Games is a place where we all belong.