GAA for Dads & Lads is a social hurling and football programme for those keen to enjoy Gaelic games outside the traditional competitive structures of the GAA.

With a focus on participation, it offers men who previously played hurling or football – or those keen to lace up their boots for the first time – the opportunity to (re)discover the skills associated with our great games while tapping into the camaraderie that only team sports can provide.

General GAA playing rules apply but all teams must follow the principles of social Gaelic games. Any contact that occurs should be incidental. No aggressive tackling or shoulder charges. Play the ball not the man!

Social hurling and football rules can be adapted to any club or group’s particular needs (available playing space, player numbers, etc.), but the following game adaptations are recommended:

– 20 minute games (10 minute halves).

● Roll on, roll off subs.

● Games are self-governing – players call fouls, line balls and wides.

● If playing another GAA for Dads & Lads team, agree on playing adaptations in advance (e.g. rotating goalkeeper, two-touch restrictions, goals only scoring).

Players should not be registered members of a squad competing in official GAA club, league or championship structures.

Throughout 2024/25, Ulster GAA are running several blitzes throughout the province. Teams from the blitzes host county will firstly be invited, followed by active Dads & Lads teams from other counties.

So far in 2024, there have been successful football blitzes in both Down and Fermanagh with almost 300 participants taking part and enjoying the concept of social football whilst social hurling is very popular amongst participating teams who host their own very well-established blitzes on an annual basis including participating in the West Belfast Feile hosted social hurling team ‘Half Pace Hurlers’.

Teams are encouraged to organise their own social games or form your own ‘mini-blitzes’ in order to stay active throughout the year.

Ulster GAA are also planning a winter indoor ‘multi-sport’ programme for Dads & Lads to stay active when the pitches are closed.

To learn more about starting a Dads & Lads team in your area or to hear more about the upcoming winter programme, then please contact Ulster GAA active club officer at ryan.mcshane.ulster@gaa.ie.