Underage games could become non-competitive under new plans

11 November 2026

A general view of footballs.

Underage games up to minor could become non-competitive under proposed new rule changes.

Declan Bogue of The 42 is reporting that plans are afoot to change the nature of underage GAA with the aim of improving player rentention in the 13-17 age bracket. Research carried out by the GAA has shown that the dropout rate after Go Games increases signficantly as young players move into a more competitive environment.

Also proposed in the report, which has been put together by a number of highly-respected GAA coaches and is due to be published soon, are plans to modify the playing rules to ensure players get more touches, and playing smaller-sided games.

The proposed changes have already raised concerns that teenagers could take up other sports so they can play competitively.

BREAKING: Proposals will go ahead to change rules and make teenage games non competitive in new report going to the GAA. Teenage GAA games set for radical rules shake-up https://t.co/jIIJl6cmqq
— Declan Bogue (@DeclanBogue) November 10, 2026