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How Parents Can Support Their Child in GAA – At Every Age

Your Role as a Parent

 

  • Support, don’t pressure: Encourage fun and effort over winning.

  • Volunteering: Clubs often need help – coaching, fundraising, or transport.

  • Communication: Stay informed via WhatsApp groups, club newsletters, or Apps.

  • Gear and Safety: Provide appropriate kit (gum shields, boots, etc.)

 

Ages 5–8: Starting Out (Nursery & Go Games)

 

  • Make it fun: Focus on smiles, not scores. Celebrate their effort and bravery just for showing up.

  • Encourage, don’t coach: Let the coaches do the teaching — your job is to be the supportive cheerleader.

  • Keep it simple: Make sure they have the basics — gumshield, water, etc. Don’t worry about skill levels yet.

  • Get involved: Volunteer to help when coaches ask. Kids love seeing their parents involved.

 

Ages 9–12: Developing Skills and Friendships

 

  • Reinforce effort over outcomes: Praise teamwork, listening, and trying hard — not just goals or wins.

  • Foster friendships: Encourage playdates or just kicking around in the park with teammates.

  • Be consistent: Try to bring them to training and matches on time. Routine helps build commitment.

  • Model good behaviour: Clap for both teams, thank the coaches and ref — your attitude sets the tone.

 

Ages 12–14: Growing Confidence & Challenges

 

  • Keep communication open: They might feel pressure now — be the person they can vent to.

  • Handle setbacks with care: Help them deal with losing, being subbed, or missing out — it’s all part of the journey.

  • Encourage resilience: Remind them that improvement takes time, that they need to practice, and every player develops differently.

  • Stay interested: Ask how training went, know their position, and go to their games when you can.

 

Ages 15–18: More Competitive but Still For All

 

  • Respect their independence: Let them take ownership — packing their bag, managing time, and talking to coaches.

  • Support quietly: They may not want “side-line coaching” or big praise — just knowing you’re there helps.

  • Help balance sport and life: Exams, friendships, jobs — this age is full-on. Support their choices if they need to scale back or change.

  • Celebrate their journey: Whether they make a county squad or just play for fun, remind them how far they’ve come.

 

Tips for All Ages

 

  • Be present: Even occasional side-line presence or words of support go a long way.

  • Volunteer if you can: From coaching to helping at events, clubs thrive on parent help.

  • Lead by example: Show respect to all — the referee, other teams, and volunteers.

  • Back the club culture: Uphold values like inclusion, fun, and respect.

 

 

Manage Expectations

 

Everyone should remember:

 

  • Every child develops at their own pace

  • Today’s sub can be tomorrow’s star

  • Avoid comparing your child to others — just encourage effort and enjoyment

  • Praise attitude and teamwork, not just scores

 

And the Big Picture:

 

Your child may not remember every match they played — but they’ll always remember:

 

  • How you made them feel.

  • Whether you cheered them on when they struggled.

  • That you were proud of them for trying.

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