GAA and GPA team up with Movember for new campaign

THE GAA AND THE GPA have teamed up with leading men’s health organisation, Movember, with a new campaign titled 'Movember Ahead of the Game'.

The initiative will enable young players, their parents, and coaches, to better understand mental health, build mental fitness, and strengthen resilience to deal with challenges in sport and life through a series of interactive workshops, delivered by the members of the GPA.

Phase 1 will run from November 2023-May 2024 with a target of engaging 10,000 participants in 200 GAA clubs across the 32 counties of Ireland.

'Movember Ahead of the Game' teaches an understanding of mental health and helps build the mental fitness to deal with the challenges life and sport can throw. The GAA joins the ranks of leading global professional codes like the AFL and Rugby League in making Movember Ahead of the Game available to their clubs and members.

Some of the names that will part-take in the program include Anton Tohill, Derry footballer; Martin Stackpoole, Kerry hurler; Saoirse McCarthy, Cork camogie All-Star winner; and Iggy Clarke, former All Ireland hurling winner with Galway. The interactive workshops are delivered in the familiar surroundings of a sports clubs, which allow players to feel comfortable to talk freely.

GPA CEO Tom Parsons said; "Our motto is You See Players. We See People. We work with GPA members to allow them to be the best they can be both on and off the field of play. This support involves us being reactive while Ahead Of The Game allows us to be more proactive and have a positive impact on the lives of young people before the need for such supports might arise. It also recognises the influence our members have in their communities as role models who Is want to give back and who are looked up to by young people across the country."