Movember Ahead of The Game

Movember Ahead of The Game

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and Movember have partnered to deliver the Movember Ahead of the Game initiative. Movember Ahead of the Game is a series of interactive workshops, delivered by past and present intercounty players and members of the GPA. The initiative will teach young players, parents, coaches, and volunteers to understand mental health, build mental fitness, and strengthen resilience to deal with challenges in sport and life.

Movember "Ahead of the Game" includes content on how to recognise mental health disorders, what to do and when to get help. The campaign highlights the importance of building mental fitness to deal with the challenges life and sport can throw at anyone. The programme is delivered in GAA clubs all over Ireland and involves two workshops, one for male or female U14/15 teams and one for the parents and coaches of these teams. 

Since phase one began just seven months ago, 176 clubs across the 32 counties of Ireland have taken part with at least one club in every county receiving a workshop. The initiative has engaged 2,729 young male and female members, as well as 1,863 parents and club coaches.

MAOTG has already had a positive influence on participants:

91% having a better understanding of the importance of being mentally fit and healthy.

94% said they now know who to talk to and where to go for mental help support for themselves and for others.

91% said that after the session they felt more assured in recognising the signs of poor mental health in themselves.

93% saying they feel more confident recognising the signs of poor mental health in others too.

93% of player participants also said they now had confidence to talk with a friend going through a tough time with their mental health after taking part in.