Participation in organised sport has been shown to benefit physical, social, emotional, and mental health, whilst also demonstrating positive impacts on other aspects of life, such as educational attainment. Therefore, how sport is organised and delivered can have wide ranging impacts on society. Research and evaluation in sport development has become a growing area of interest for sport policy makers and practitioners seeking to improve their evidence base to support the development of effective interventions.
Traditionally, research into sport development has focussed on high performance and, primarily, Olympic sporting pursuits. Little attention has been paid to sport development across volunteer and amateur sport, which characterises sport worldwide, especially across the island of Ireland. Therefore, this study aims to examine the development of sport across Ireland through an investigation of sport development policies and practices within Gaelic games – the Gaelic Athletic Association, Ladies Gaelic Football Association, and the Camogie Association. These organisations are of interest, not only because of their broad appeal, but due to their pursuit of ever more sophisticated development interventions. Further, recent efforts towards integrating these previously separate but related bodies provides the prospect of understanding the current landscape while also looking to identify future opportunities.
Through a multi-method approach, this research will consider the factors influencing sport development within the family of Gaelic Games, how key stakeholders (such as administrators, coach educators, coaches, members, and others) influence these factors, and what impacts these factors have on those who take part in Gaelic Games at all levels.
The outcomes of this research will add to the current literature on sport development, while also opening amateur and volunteer sport as an avenue of future research. Such outcomes will enhance our understanding of sport policy at governmental and organisational level and contribute to future policy development in sport and physical activity
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