Shaping the Future of Juvenile Gaelic Games: Evidence to Inform a Youth Games Framework

The GAA today published a new research report titled ‘Shaping the Future of Juvenile Gaelic Games: Evidence to Inform a Youth Games Framework’ which can be viewed and downloaded below.

The report is the product of a considerable body of research that draws on 1,416 survey responses, stakeholder interviews, field-testing of modified games at the GAA National Games Development Centre in Abbotstown, and an expert consensus study.

The research highlights the importance of meaningful game time, enjoyment, positive coaching environments, and appropriate competition as important factors in encouraging young people to remain involved in Gaelic games. It identifies opportunities to improve the organisation of underage games, so that competition remains challenging and enjoyable, while providing more players with meaningful opportunities to participate and develop.

This report represents the latest contribution to a substantial and ongoing programme of research undertaken across Gaelic games to better understand youth participation, coaching, player development, and the structures within which young people experience our games.

Building on the Gaelic Games Youth Participation Study and the Coaching and Coach Development in Gaelic games study, this latest work shifts attention towards the design and organisation of youth competitions. Together, these studies provide an increasingly comprehensive evidence base to inform future policy and practice across the Association.

Together this body of work provide an increasingly comprehensive evidence base to inform future policy and practice across the Association. Drawing on the experiences and perspectives of players, coaches, administrators, and parents, this programme of research reinforces the importance of balancing competitive opportunities with participation, development, enjoyment, belonging, and long-term retention.

Supporting the transition from Go Games to Adult games

The central proposition of this report is that the U13-U17 phase should better bridge the gap between Go Games and adult formats through age-appropriate progression in player numbers, pitch dimensions, goal sizes, rules, substitution systems and competitive emphasis.

The research recognises that competition is an important part of the juvenile playing experience. It examines how competition structures and playing formats can be developed to provide appropriate challenge, meaningful playing opportunities, and positive developmental experiences for more young people.

In the trials at Abbotstown, such modified games demonstrated increased player involvement when smaller-sided games were played on appropriately scaled pitches.

Smaller-sided games and more flexible formats could also help with the urgent challenge that Ireland’s changing demographics pose to clubs.

In smaller or rural clubs, reduced-number formats could help clubs field teams under their own identity rather than as part of an amalgamation.

For larger urban clubs, multiple smaller-sided games could increase game-time for players on over-sized panels.

The overarching objective is to ensure that juvenile Gaelic games remain competitive, challenging and enjoyable, while providing meaningful playing and developmental opportunities for as many young people as possible.

As with the Association's wider research programme, the purpose of this report is to provide evidence to inform policy development rather than to prescribe or announce changes to existing structures. Its recommendations will contribute to further consideration and discussion at club, county, provincial and national levels.

The report identifies 16 areas for consideration, recognising that any future changes will require appropriate consultation, practical assessment and, where necessary, further piloting and evaluation.

1: Reposition juvenile competition so that competitive experiences support rather than replace player development.

2: Introduce minimum playing-time standards, rolling substitutions, and season-long monitoring of player participation.

3: Develop a phased transition pathway from U13 to U16, with gradual progression in player numbers, pitch dimensions, and competition demands.

4: Embed 9v9 and 11v11 on scaled pitches within the juvenile player development pathway

5: Introduce nationally agreed age-appropriate pitch and goal dimensions

6: Prioritise developmental league competitions with championship formats introduced later and supported by participation safeguards.

7: Introduce transparent grading procedures with opportunities for in-season review and adjustment.

8: Strengthen coach education in player-centred coaching, communication, inclusion, and long-term player development, with evaluation extending beyond competitive results.

9: Encourage all clubs to adopt participation charters outlining clear and transparent approaches to selection and game time.

10: Protect opportunities for on-age players, delay formal streaming where appropriate, and provide target support for later developers.

11: Encourage smaller-sided competitions where appropriate and review match-day panel sizes to maximise playing opportunities.

12: Approve amalgamations only where necessary to sustain participation, while protecting club identity through regular review.

13: Improve fixture planning, increase the number of meaningful games and reduce clashes across competitions.

14: Develop targeted retention strategies for key transition ages and monitor participation trends over time.

15: Use grading and adapted games formats to promote competitive balance and meaningful player experiences.

16: Establish a national monitoring and evaluation framework to review the impact of juvenile games reforms and support continuous improvement.

‘Shaping the Future of Juvenile Gaelic Games: Evidence to Inform a Youth Games Framework’ can be viewed and downloaded below.