GAA revamps digital platform with Deltatre's FORGE system

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has partnered with Deltatre to modernise its digital platform, GAA.ie, utilising the FORGE technology platform.

Deltatre, which provides digital and streaming solutions for several prominent sports organisations, has entered a new multi-year agreement with the GAA following a comprehensive redesign of the association's online presence. Established in 1884, the GAA is Ireland's largest sporting body and oversees Gaelic football, hurling, camogie, handball, and rounders.

The introduction of the FORGE platform marks an increase in the GAA's commitment to further developing its digital services and strengthening engagement with its audience. The platform uses the same technology as international sports organisations such as the NFL, NHL, MLS, MLB, DP World Tour, Juventus, and Atalanta BC.

Recently implemented updates to GAA.ie include a redesigned navigation system and a new mega menu, both intended to help users find content quickly and efficiently. These changes have produced quantifiable improvements, including a drop in bounce rates and increases in both time spent on the site and the total number of page views.

Alan Milton, GAA Director of Communications, said, "The GAA plays a key role in Irish culture, and our digital presence serves as a vital resource for our supporters, players, volunteers, members, coaches, officers, the media, and so many others. Ensuring quick access to the specific information that each unique user wants is essential, and our collaboration with Deltatre has once again achieved this."

Peter Bellamy, Chief Revenue Officer at Deltatre, commented, "We're proud to be bolstering our partnership with the GAA as it accelerates its digital transformation. Our FORGE platform is providing the flexibility and scalability needed to meet their ever-evolving demands, ensuring that the GAA team can continue to enhance the way they connect with their extensive community."

Modernising the mobile experience was a primary focus due to the large volume of traffic from mobile devices. The updated homepage reflects current design standards and incorporates best-practice mobile user experience principles. Users can now access expanded filter and search options, finding results from a broader spectrum of leagues and championships, supporting grassroots initiatives and elite County-level games and tournaments.

The rollout also introduced infinite scrolling to improve the browsing experience for users seeking information about upcoming fixtures or past results across the array of GAA competitions. This new functionality is designed to simplify navigation and access to archival and upcoming content.

The GAA began working with Deltatre in 2016, and the latest developments are seen as another milestone in the ongoing partnership between the two organisations. The changes are positioned as a way for the GAA to serve its local and global audiences more effectively, assuring its traditional sporting activities continue to have a contemporary online presence.