GAA SUPER GAMES CENTRES

Paul Geaney was at Tralee CBS last Thursday to launch the

GAA SuperGames Centre in partnership with Sky Sports at the school.The SuperGames Centres,which are based all overthe country, were set up to reduceyouth drop out and encourage “play to stay” amongst youth, specifically between the agesof12 and 17 whereyouth drop outismost prevalent.

Sky Sports is supportingthe

GA A Super Games Centres by arranging visits with Sky Sports mentors and providing kits and equipment to the estimated 9000 members countrywide.

For this GAA SuperGamesCentre at Tralee CBS, the initiative and partnership is one which playsan importantrole in the community. Speaking aboutthe GAA Super GamesCentres, Pat Daly, GAA Director of GamesDevelopment &Research, said:“Weknow that youth drop outisthe biggest worldwide problem in this sector. The GA A Super Games Centres encourage a“play to stay” approach. GAA SuperGames Centres provide informal playing opportunities of a developmental nature, where a strong emphasis is placed on aplayer-centred and learner-led approach to development. We’re delighted this year to have Sky Sports involved which is the reason Paul is here today. Our ultimate goal is to increase the numberofcentres countrywide and reach over 3,500 children annually.” Some of the Sky Sports mentors who have been lined uptoget involved in the GAA SuperGames Centres throughout the year include Darran O’Sullivan, Carla Rowe, Con O’Callaghan, Kevin Conlan and Paddy Brophy.

The GA A Super Games Centres initiative is part of a wider plan which will see Sky Sports invest €3m in grassroots GAA overthe nextfive years.

JD Buckley, Managing Director, Sky Ireland, said: “This investment further demonstrates our commitment to GA A, not just in broadcastingthe All Ireland Senior Championships, but also in supportingthe talentof the future at grassroots level, where it matters most. Welook forward to working with the GAA on the Championship and these wonderful in initiatives for many years to come.”