GAA Handball launches Strategic Plan

GAA Handball has launched a new Strategic Plan that sets out a road map to grow participation, strengthen clubs and increase the visibility of the sport over the next four years, 2027-2030.

The plan is centred on three strategic pillars, Visibility and Promotion, Participation and Pathways and Clubs and Structures, with a series of measurable targets to be delivered by the year 2030.

The implementation of the plan will be guided by five key principles, leadership and resources, clear accountability, communication and engagement, collaboration and performance and review.

GAA Handball, which currently has a membership of 7,053, hopes to grow that number by 20% and see an annual growth of 10% in social media followers and views and will also plan to double the number of participation programmes delivered with the GAA.

Currently, GAA Handball has 40,670 followers across their social media accounts with 7.5 millions views and will look to produce high-quality promotional content to strengthen the brand’s identity and ensure it is consistently presented across all units.

They also wish to develop and support 350 silver-level referees and increase the number of GAA clubs which have handball as part of their club structure by 10%. There are currently 156 GAA Handball clubs nationally, with handball incorporated into 37 GAA clubs.

A full independent review of existing competitions will take place to examine the calendar, formats, structures and grades, with the recommendations from that process to be implemented. New tiered and flexible competition formats will also be explored.

There will be two national awareness campaigns planned annually to increase the visibility of the sport alongside increased promotional content, media coverage and a stronger presence across GAA channels.

The strategy also contains a commitment to showcase GAA Handball at a major event in Croke Park, while ‘street handball’ in urban areas and public parks and increased opportunities for recreational social handball will be explored.

GAA Ard-Stiurthoir Tom Ryan welcomed the launch and highlighted the potential for handball to play an increasingly important role within the wider GAA club network.

The plan notes that the strategic direction of GAA Handball has been aligned with the parent association. “We always say that the GAA is at its best when it is about people and community,” he said.

“As we continue to work on making our clubs ever more community focused, inclusive and integrated, handball has so much to offer and play a role in our network of clubs being bigger and better than ever before.

“For more than 100 years, handball has been promoted through the GAA. The vision and leadership set out in this document can ensure that handball’s story is one of increased participation with more people in more clubs and more facilities enjoying this important piece of our cultural and sporting heritage.”

GAA Handball President Kevin Cooke said the new plan builds on a period of renewal within the organisation and that clubs and volunteers would be central to delivering the ambitions contained in the strategy.

“In recent years, as an organisation, we have taken stock of where we were, where we needed to be, and what changes were required to move our sport forward,” stated the Offaly native.

“That process of reflection and renewal has already begun to deliver positive change. More importantly, it has reignited a spark among our volunteers and members nationwide, people who understand the unique value of GAA Handball and the important role it plays within communities across Ireland.

“Clubs are the heartbeat of GAA Handball, and at the centre of every successful club are the volunteers who give so generously of their time, energy, and commitment.”

Head of GAA Handball, Lizzy Lynch, added, “This plan provides a clear vision that will strengthen and support the sustainable growth and development of our sport for the years to come. While it is ambitious, it is also grounded in realism.

“A consistent theme throughout the consultation phase was the deep sense of community and belonging that GAA Handball fosters. This is one of our greatest strengths.”

“GAA Handball holds a unique place within the Gaelic Games family as its only individual sport. This distinction presents a significant opportunity, and we must continue to promote and showcase the sport as the dynamic and accessible game that it is.”