Youth Forum

Under Rule 3.39, a National Youth Forum, to be attended by young people of 12-21 years of age, shall be held annually. A maximum of five young people, who attended the National Youth Forum will be nominated by the Management Committee to present a Report to Congress, where they shall have speaking rights.

On Nov 2^nd 2024 over 150 young people aged between 12 and 21 from the GAA, Camogie, LGFA, Rounders and Handball gathered in Croke Park to have their voice heard on the forum theme of “Strengthening the Youth Voice for the next 140 years”.

A Leader’s Panel comprising of Jarlath Burns (GAA President), Helen O Rourke (LGFA Chief Executive Officer) and Brian Molloy (Camogie Association President), moderated by Youth Committee member Jonathon Sullivan of Ardrahan in Galway, reinforced the focus of the day, for young people to voice their opinions on issues of concern to them.

For the remainder of the Forum, the young people were given the opportunity to live out this opportunity through a series of interactive workshops in the areas of (a) decision making structures (b) communications (c) coach education and behaviour (d) addressing discrimination and accessibility and (e) developing volunteer opportunities. The young people attended 2 workshops depending on their own interests and were supported by subject matter experts such as SOAR, SpunOut, GAA Games Development Dept, SARI (Sport against Racism Ireland) and GAA Future Leaders Transition Year Student graduates.

A core element of these workshops was the discussion and development of recommendations from the young people to be brought forward to the afternoon’s GAA Youth Congress. The congress objectives were two-fold (a) giving the young people a greater understanding of the Congress process and (b) voting on topics to be used in the GAA Youth Rep report to GAA Congress 2025. The Youth Congress was a great success with lively debate and passionate opinions on the topics delivered eloquently by those whose chose to speak.

Going forward, up to 5 young people who attended on the day will be invited to prepare and deliver a report to GAA Congress in 2025 outlining the recommendations voted on at the Youth Congress supported by the thoughts, voice and opinions of the young people at the Forum.

With early-stage planning for the GAA Youth Forum 2025 ongoing, make sure to check back here for updated details next summer.