Colman Noctor: Activity with a fun ethos is a great approach to sports

The solution to addressing why children drop out of sports might be right under our noses…

In attendance at the launch of the 2023 Kellogg's GAA Cúl Camps are, from left, Levi Hutch, aged 9, Kerry footballer Louise Ni Mhuircheartaigh, Patricia Grace Pop, aged 7, Karson Butler, aged 12, HSE National Cancer Control Programme, Cancer Prevention Officer, Maria McEnery, Kasey Cromwell, aged 11, Cavan footballer Raymond Galligan, Issy Downey, aged 12, and Fortune Beta, aged 12.

I have written many times about my concerns about the culture of children’s sports in Ireland. The majority of my commentary has been quite critical of the ‘all-or-nothing’, ‘high commitment/ high competitive’ cultures that exist and how I believe these options are too narrow and exclude many children who want to play sport for fun or do not want to commit six hours a week to their sporting pursuits.

I have always advocated for a ‘social sporting pathway’ to exist alongside the current offerings. I think this would offer children a way to play sports and be active but without the pursuit of medals, prizes, and accolades.