We’re on a Mission to Grow the Game
Little Birdies was created to give every child, no matter their background or ability an opportunity to try golf in a fun and welcoming way.
In Ireland and across Europe, children begin sports like soccer, rugby, basketball, GAA, and hockey from the age of 5. Yet in most golf clubs, junior programs typically start at ages 9–11, and often only for children whose parents already play golfand are members of that club.
That’s a problem — and an opportunity.
By waiting until 9 or older to introduce golf, we miss a golden window to build lifelong golfers and develop key motor and social skills. We are on a mission to knock down the traditional barriers to golf, so that all kids can try the game from a much earlier age. We are aimed at both boys and girls all over Ireland, promoting diversity and early access to the game across communities.
Our Solution
Little Birdies introduces kids to golf from the age of 5, using:
Age-appropriate equipment
Games-based learning
Professional and friendly qualified coaches
A supportive, low-pressure environment
We’re not just creating little golfers.
We’re developing confident, active kids and equipping them with skills they’ll use for life.
Technology That Grows With Your Child
We’ve partnered with one of the world’s leading golf software platforms to bring tailored coaching to every student.
Using the Student App, families can:
See feedback and goals from each session
Track badge level achievements
Access fun challenges to try at home
Founder’s Message
Hi, I’m Aidan McArdle, the founder of Little Birdies.
My background is in technology and for over 25 years, I’ve led global teams working with some of the world’s largest companies and banks. But despite all that, some of the most meaningful growth I’ve seen lately hasn’t come from business, it’s come from the golf course.
You see, I didn’t grow up with golf. Like many kids, I played casually in fields or on pitch and putt courses, but I never had access to clubs, coaching, or the opportunity to truly learn the game. I didn’t start playing regularly until I was 25, and I didn’t join a golf club or get a handicap until I was 42.
Fast forward to today, I’m a plus handicap golfer and play multiple times per week. But more importantly, I joined a club to give my kids the chance I never had — to learn golf the right way, from a young age.
Over the past few years, I’ve seen the incredible benefits that golf can offer children: confidence, friendship, patience, focus, and joy. I’ve also seen how hard it can be for kids, especially those from non-golfing families to access the game. Clubs often don’t start juniors until ages 9 to 11, and structured coaching can feel exclusive, expensive or intimidating.
That’s why I created Little Birdies, to change the way kids access golf in Ireland and beyond.
In working closely with Josh Adams, a PGA professional and passionate junior coach (who also happens to coach both myself and my son), I’ve seen firsthand what great youth coaching looks like. We’ve combined that spirit with technology, fun, and a curriculum that makes sense for modern families.
Little Birdies is about more than just golf. It’s about giving children a healthy, positive start in sport and building life skills that last far beyond the course.
Thanks for being part of this journey. Let’s grow the game, together.
Warmly,
Aidan McArdle
Founder, Little Birdies