Similarities and Differences of Youth Males and Females Experiences in Organized Sport: A Case Study of Gaelic Games

Consistently, in different contexts, young males are more likely to play organized sport than young females. The purpose of this analysis is to describe how young males and females engage in organized sport, using a cross-sectional sample of 5,049 participants aged 13–20 years who are active in Gaelic games such as hurling, camogie, and Gaelic football across the island of Ireland. Data were collected using an online questionnaire developed by a project steering group. A pilot study was carried out before distribution of the refined questionnaire in club settings. Results indicated that females start playing Gaelic games at age 6.6 years, almost 1 year later than males (p < .05), and report significantly lower participation in Gaelic games in school and in their own time (p < .05). Females also engage in significantly less muscle strengthening activity for sport, and are also less likely to play other sports, and tend to drop off from other sports at a younger age than males (p < .05). Males and females play Gaelic games to be fit and healthy, for fun, and for enjoyment. This research suggests that despite similar motives for sport participation, a gendered environment exists for young females in Gaelic games. Females have a different exposure to sport than males, which likely impacts key factors related to adherence, including physical and technical competence and confidence, and enjoyment. Leaders and practitioners across sport should endeavor to profile, challenge and intervene on how males and females experience sport to ensure equal opportunities for all young people who play sport.