The GAA and the Health Service Executive have announced a new national partnership designed to support children with additional needs attending Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps this summer.
The initiative aims to make the country’s largest participation programme more inclusive and accessible by improving local coordination, strengthening support structures, and enhancing the camp experience for children who may require additional assistance.
Under the new partnership, parents and guardians registering children for Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps will be able to outline any additional support requirements during the booking process. Local GAA and HSE teams will then work together at the county level to review requests and coordinate support where possible.
Families are being encouraged to complete registrations and additional support questionnaires before the June 1 deadline to allow sufficient time for local planning.
The programme will operate through county-based planning structures, with the HSE acting as the primary contact point for gathering information relating to a child’s needs and identifying the most appropriate supports available in each area.
The GAA said the collaboration is intended to support more children participating in mainstream camps within their local communities while ensuring camps continue to provide a safe, positive and enjoyable environment for all participants.
Jarlath Burns, GAA President, said the initiative aligned closely with the organisation’s wider values around participation and inclusion.
“Our motto in the GAA is to create a place ‘Where We All Belong’, and we are committed to lifelong participation, encouraging as many as possible for as long as possible to be involved and enjoy our games,” he said.
“This collaboration with the HSE and the provision of extra support at our Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps for children with additional needs helps more children than ever before to take part, have fun and learn the skills of our national games in their local communities. Anything that facilitates young people playing sport is an investment in the physical and mental health of our people.”
Norma Foley welcomed the partnership, describing it as an important step in ensuring children with additional support needs can participate fully alongside their peers.
“Opportunities like Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps are about more than sport – they help children build confidence, develop friendships and feel a real sense of belonging in their communities,” she said.
“I commend the GAA and the HSE for working together to make these opportunities more accessible to children and families across the country.”
Emer Higgins added that the programme reflected wider national commitments around inclusion and accessibility.
“Every child deserves the chance to take part, make friends, and feel part of their community,” she said. “This initiative reflects the kind of practical action we’re committed to under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People and the principles of the UN Convention.”
Anne O’Connor said the partnership represented an important step in embedding inclusion within mainstream community activities.
“As we know, participation in sports and activities has positive impacts on physical health, as well as mental and emotional wellbeing,” she said. “This important initiative will foster greater inclusivity for children with additional needs.”
The partnership will also include additional training, guidance and resources for camp coordinators and coaches as part of efforts to further develop inclusive practices at camps nationwide.
Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps remain one of Ireland’s largest youth participation initiatives, offering children opportunities each summer to learn skills, stay active, and engage with Gaelic Games in a fun, community-focused environment.
The GAA and HSE acknowledged that the level of support available may vary between counties depending on local capacity and resources, but said every effort would be made to assist children attending camps nationwide.
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Image Credit: GAA and Sam Barnes, Sportsfile
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