Young boys on a football field
Your donations have changed the gameImage by: Movember
Young boys on a football field
9 April 2025

Your donations have changed the game

Movember
2 minutes read time

More GAA teams and young players, parents and coaches across Ireland are about to seriously level up. And it’s all thanks to the support and donations of you - Ireland’s Mo Community.

That’s because the second phase of Movember’s Ahead of the Game (MAOTG) programme with the Gaelic Athlete Association (GAA) and Gaelic Player Association (GPA) is kicking off.

It means more GAA clubs across Ireland will get their hands on the MAOTG playbook; joining the nearly 9,500 young players, parents and coaches who’ve already put it into practice.

What is MAOTG?

MAOTG is designed to normalise conversations around mental health. Through research-backed workshops, it teaches young players the right moves to make when they notice a teammate may be struggling; parents and coaches also take part, learning how to support the young people in their lives.

And the result is...

More teams and players onside with MAOTG means greater impact on society. Right now, research shows 6 in 15 men (the Priory) have never opened up about their mental health. Rolling out the second phase of MAOTG helps us break the silence. Because more young players will grow up having the confidence, tools and skills to address their teammates’ and their own mental health.

The GAA & GPA say:

Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA said, “By encouraging open conversations and providing support, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our players.” While Tom Parsons, the CEO of the GPA added, “As athletes, we often focus on improving our physical performance, but mental health plays an equally crucial role in our success.”

To us, that sounds like a win for all 32 counties. And we couldn’t have done it without your support.

Find out more

Want to know more about our flagship mental health programme? Find out more here.