‘Here, you’re all good enough to play’: Lessons learned from the GAA Super Games Centre

Abstract

Dropout from youth sport participation is a significant issue that has emerged to become a major health concern around the world. In order to counteract drop out trends in sport, organisations responsible for promoting and sustaining participation have begun to redesign sport participation experiences in-line with the needs of young participants. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) reversed a significant dropout rate among participants between the ages of 12–16 years within six years through an initiative called the Super Games Centre. The aim of this paper is to identify key factors associated with the implementation success of the GAA Super Games Centre other sport organisations could consider. Focus groups with participants, parents, and coaches identified several critical success factors that, when implemented, can help reverse drop out from sport. Recommendations are provided for organisations responsible for promoting and sustaining participation in sport.