Amazon and GAA Launch 'Glór na nÓg' initiative
In attendance are Peter McKenna, Croke Park Stadium Director and GAA Commercial Director, Nicole Lyons, Marketing Apprentice at Amazon Ireland, and Alison Dunn, Country Manager at Amazon Ireland, right, during the announcement of Glór na nÓg a new partnership between Amazon and the GAA at Croke Park in Dublin. The initiative aims to hear from and empower members aged 13-18 in local GAA communities in Ireland and overseas. Submissions can be made via GAA.ie/glornanog to be in with a chance of winning €8,000 for your club. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Amazon and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) today announced the launch of Glór na nÓg (Voice of the Youth), a groundbreaking Community Funding Initiative designed to amplify the voices of young people in GAA clubs internationally and provide €85k in direct funding for things like new training equipment. The partnership represents a significant investment in youth development and community engagement across GAA communities in Ireland and worldwide.
Empowering the Next Generation
The Glór na nÓg initiative will run from November 11th through December 7th, 2025, providing a digital platform for junior GAA members to share their experiences and suggestions for improving their local clubs. This initiative addresses the need to engage young voices in shaping the future of GAA clubs while providing tangible financial support to enhance youth sporting opportunities.
This programme opens participation to GAA clubs across countries outside of Ireland.
"This partnership with Amazon represents an exciting opportunity to harness technology in service of our communities," said Croke Park Stadium Director and GAA Commercial Director Peter McKenna. "Glór na nÓg will give our young members a meaningful voice in shaping the future of their clubs while celebrating what makes our community so special."
"We're proud to support the GAA in creating new pathways for youth engagement," said Alison Dunn, Country Manager for Amazon in Ireland. "This initiative demonstrates how technology can strengthen community bonds and ensure young voices are heard in shaping the organizations they care about."
Innovative Digital Engagement
Participants will access the initiative through QR codes displayed online, and at their local GAA clubs, leading them to a dedicated digital platform where they can answer key questions about their club experiences: "What's the best thing about your GAA club?" and "What can be done to make your GAA club even better?"
Exciting Prize Structure
The funding will be distributed directly to winning clubs to support youth sport development and equipment purchases. Prizes include, €8,000 to be awarded to one overall club winner, provincial prizes of €4,250, and twenty-eight clubs will win county prizes of €2,000 each, as well as additional discretionary prizes of €500. This tiered prize structure ensures that clubs at different levels have multiple opportunities to benefit from this Funding Initiative.
Technology Meets Tradition
Amazon's technology powers the initiative's digital infrastructure, including a streamlined submission portal with mobile and desktop accessibility, and an AI-powered system to assist the judging panel with analysing submissions. The platform will help identify the most constructive and innovative suggestions from young GAA members.
Comprehensive Outreach Strategy
The partnership includes an extensive marketing and communication campaign aimed at active youth GAA members. The GAA will distribute marketing toolkits to all club and county Communications Officers, while both organizations will coordinate social media campaigns and press outreach to maximise participation.
A Player's Perspective
Nicole Lyons, an Amazon employee who plays with St. Patrick's GAA in Palmerstown, understands firsthand the impact this initiative can have on GAA communities of all sizes. "Coming from a relatively small GAA club like St. Patrick's, I know how important it is for every young voice to be heard," said Lyons. "This initiative will give players from clubs like ours the same opportunity to shape their sporting future as those from larger clubs. It's about ensuring that no matter the size of your club, your ideas and passion for the GAA can make a real difference."
Looking Ahead
Winners will be selected through a combination of AI-assisted scoring and a judging panel, with prizes awarded in February 2026. The selection process will evaluate submissions based on constructiveness, impact and innovation, detail and clarity, and demonstration of community spirit.
The initiative represents both organizations' commitment to youth development and community engagement, ensuring that the next generation of GAA members has a meaningful role in shaping their sporting communities.
About the Partnership
This collaboration between Amazon and the GAA demonstrates the power of combining technological innovation with Ireland's rich sporting heritage to create positive community impact and empower young voices across the country.