GAA star TJ Reid was at Castlecomer Community School in Kilkenny today to launch the GAA Super Games Centre in partnership with Sky Sports at the school.  The Super Games Centres which are based all over the country, were set up to reduce youth drop out and encourage “play to stay” amongst youth, specifically between the ages of 12 and 17 where youth drop out is most prevalent.

Sky Sports is supporting the GAA Super Games Centres by arranging visits with Sky Sports mentors and providing kits and equipment to the estimated 9,000 members countrywide.

For this GAA Super Games Centre in Kilkenny, the initiative and partnership is one which plays an important role in the community. Speaking about the GAA Super Games Centres, Pat Daly, GAA Director of Games Development & Research, said: “We know that youth drop out is the biggest worldwide problem in this sector. The GAA Super Games Centres encourage a “play to stay” approach. GAA Super Games Centres provide informal playing opportunities of a developmental nature, where a strong emphasis is placed on a player-centred and learner-led approach to development. We’re delighted this year to have Sky Sports involved and to have a wonderful ambassador in TJ Reid here today. Our ultimate goal is to increase the number of centres countrywide and reach over 10,000 children annually.”   

Commenting on his involvement, GAA star and Sky Sports mentor TJ Reid, said: “When Sky Sports asked me to get involved with my local Super Games Centre in Castlecomer I jumped at the opportunity. Fitness and sport is such an important part of my life between playing hurling for Kilkenny and of course my career in the fitness industry as Director of TJ Reid Health and Fitness in Cillin Hill, Kilkenny. It was really great to see lots of local kids participating together and just enjoying the game today and if I can encourage more young people to stay playing the sport they love I’ll be very happy.”

Some of the Sky Sports mentors who have been lined up to get involved in the GAA Super Games Centres throughout the year include; Joe Canning, Carla Rowe, Con O’Callaghan, Darran O’ Sullivan, Kevin Conlan and Paddy Brophy.   

The GAA Super Games Centres initiative is part of a wider plan which will see Sky Sports invest €3m in grassroots GAA over the next five years.

JD Buckley, Managing Director, Sky Ireland, said: “This investment further demonstrates our commitment to GAA, not just in broadcasting the All Ireland Senior Championships, but also in supporting the talent of the future at grassroots level, where it matters most. We look forward to working with the GAA on the Championship and these wonderful initiatives for many years to come.”