Kellogg's Cul Camps 2014Kellogg’s and the GAA have launched the 2014 Cúl Camps programme to take place across the country between July and August and involving 30,000 hours of tuition for children aged between 6 and 13.

The partners also published the results of two surveys conducted this month which reveal that 73% of families in Ireland devote more than 10 hours per month to GAA sports.

Other figures to emerge from the surveys include:

  • 91% of parents agreed that the GAA contributes to a sense of community
  • 88% agreed that volunteers are the backbone of the association
  • 22% of parents give ten hours or more a week in volunteering at their club
  • 51% of families agreed the GAA was an important part of their life
  • 26% of the parents surveyed said that they regularly fundraise for their local club
  • An additional 26% actively participate in club events
  • 19% offer their time as coaches for their local GAA club

Sport for Children is a hot topic at present and is an area where big brands are seeking to become involved.  Just this week we have seen the launch of the Aviva Mini Rugby Festival, and earlier in the month Forest Feast came on board as sponsor of Athletics Ireland’s Little Athletics programme.

Sport for Business will be announcing details next week of the line up of speakers at The Business of Youth Sport Conference in Dublin on Thursday, June 12th.

“The Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps have always been an important part of community life in Ireland, teaching children important skills, encouraging friendships and improving physical wellbeing,” said GAA President Liam O’Neill at the launch. 

“With over 82,000 children attending the camps in 2013, we are delighted to know that the Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps continue to be as popular as ever amongst families in Ireland.”
“At Kellogg’s we are committed to partnerships which support communities, enhance skills and deliver value for money for hard pressed consumers,” added Kellogg’s Managing Director Jim McNeill.
“We are delighted that our support of the GAA Cúl Camps has encouraged greater participation and we are committed to continuing this support in 2014, so that more Irish families can enjoy the Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp experience.”

Each child booked in to a Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp in 2014 will receive a free GAA kit and back pack in county colours. Parents can log on to www.gaa.ie/kelloggsculcamps to book their child’s place now.

Kellogg’s and the GAA have appointed a number of Cúl Camps Champions from inter county stars.  All Ireland Champions Cora Staunton of Mayo, Padraic Collins of Clare, Anna Cotter of Cork and  Rory O’Carroll of Dublin were at Croke Park for the launch.

“I am delighted to get involved with the Cúl Camps programme again this year,” said O’Carroll.

“I have mentored and coached at camps in my own club, Kilmacud Crokes, and I have seen how children’s skills can dramatically improve with expert coaching delivered in a safe and fun atmosphere.”

Over one thousand camps will take place in communities all over Ireland during July and August with 2,100 voluntary coaches giving over 30,000 hours of coaching to young children.

Business of Youth SportIf you are involved in providing, sponsoring or supporting youth sport, you should join us for The Business of Youth Sport, taking place in Dublin on Thursday, June 12th. Click here for more details.