Movember Ahead of the Game webinars available for GAA coaches
Pictured at the launch of Movember Ahead of the Game Phase 4 2026 is GPA Chief Executive Tom Parsons, with, from left to right, are, from left to right, Declan Hannon, ambassador and former Limerick hurler; Martin Stackpoole, programme facilitator and former Kerry hurler; Leah McCaffrey, programme facilitator and Dublin ladies footballer; and Kevin McManamon, former Dublin footballer and Sports Psychologist; at Croke Park in Dublin. Since its launch in 2024, Movember Ahead of the Game has reached more than 17,000 participants through mental health literacy workshops delivered in 400+ GAA clubs across the island of Ireland. This year, the GAA and GPA are encouraging clubs across Ireland to take part in The Most Important Team Talk, continuing to raise awareness of the importance of mental fitness both on and off the pitch. For more details visit learning.gaa.ie/Movember Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
GAA coaches across the country are being encouraged to register for a series of free online webinars designed to help them support the mental health and wellbeing of their players.
The Movember Ahead of the Game programme is offering a series of coach-specific online workshops this winter, providing coaches with practical knowledge, skills and resources to recognise when a player may be experiencing difficulties and to help them access appropriate support.
Delivered by past and present inter-county footballers, hurlers and camogie players, Movember Ahead of the Game uses the power of sport and the influence of sporting role models to promote positive mental health and wellbeing among young people.
The programme recognises the important role coaches play in the lives of their players, both on and off the pitch. By equipping coaches with the confidence and skills to recognise potential signs of mental health difficulties, the workshops aim to help create supportive environments where players feel comfortable seeking help when they need it.
The one-hour online workshop, ‘Movember Ahead of the Game – Know Your Players’, provides research-based mental health literacy training specifically designed for GAA coaches. It explores the importance of mental fitness in a sporting environment, common mental health challenges experienced by players, and how coaches can recognise signs that someone may be struggling.
Participants will also learn how to approach and navigate supportive conversations with players, alongside gaining practical tools and information on where to access further support.
The workshops build on the success of previous deliveries to intercounty development squads, clubs and GAA coaches, with the programme having reached more than 18,000 players, parents and coaches to date.
All webinars are free to attend and will take place online from 7pm to 8pm on the following dates:
- Wednesday, 28 October 2026
- Tuesday, 17 November 2026
- Monday, 14 December 2026
- Friday, 15 January 2027
- Thursday, 18 February 2027
Places are limited, with one booking permitted per person. The webinars will be delivered live and will not be recorded, so coaches are encouraged to register in advance for a date that suits them.
GAA coaches interested in taking part can view the available dates and register here: https://learning.gaa.ie/MovemberAheadoftheGameCoachWebinar
By taking part, coaches can strengthen their understanding of mental fitness and play an important role in ensuring that players are supported, both as athletes and as young people.