Gaelic Games Youth Month – Celebrating Gaelic Games youth members

This September, the GAA alongside the Camogie Association, Handball, LGFA and Rounders are asking their members to celebrate the contribution of young people to their Club and County - both on and off the playing field.

This campaign has been developed by the National GAA Youth Committee, a group that has been active for several years and comprised of youth members aged 15 – 22 and representing all Associations.

This inaugural Youth Month will use the connective power of social media to demonstrate youth members input into an array of initiatives and opportunities. Throughout the month of September, the GAA will share insights into ongoing youth initiatives such as the GAA Regional and National Youth Forums, the Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative and the LGFA BUA Programme, to name a few. It will also highlight the results of the recent GAA Youth Survey carried out by the National Youth Committee earlier this year.

Dr Paul Donnelly, co-author of the Gaelic Games youth participation study is quoted as saying “Gaelic games are more than just sports; they’re a vital part of Irish culture and community life. By enhancing youth participation, we’re not only promoting physical activity but also fostering social inclusion, mental well-being, and personal growth. This research underscores how sport can serve as a vehicle for positive societal outcomes”.

Youth Month will encourage and embolden young people to be confident in expressing their opinions and experiences of Gaelic games. It will demonstrate ways for Clubs and Counties to involve more young people and spotlight those Clubs already engaging in these activities to future proof their membership.

Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: "The GAA is many things, but ultimately it is about People and their Communities. After a lifetime in education, I have seen how supporting young people, empowering them and championing them is an investment in our future. The GAA exists to preserve and protect something so precious and valuable as our culture and identity and to also pass it on to the next generation. This makes initiatives such as this so important. Go n-eirí libh."

Throughout September, Gaelic games adult members are urged to engage meaningfully with their youth members to bolster the future of their respective Gaelic games clubs and counties.

Keep any eye out on Official GAA social media accounts for all the information.

Instagram - @OfficialGAA

Facebook - @OfficialGAA

X - @OfficialGAA

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