The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Liezl and Ernie Els, to develop the Els center of excellence, which provides educational and sporting opportunities for young people with autism in the USA. In 2013 the #GameOn golf programme commenced, coming to Ireland in 2015

The programme is co-ordinated through the UNESCO chair at the Institute of Technology Tralee, now known as (MTU) Munster Technological University. Adrian Whitehead guides the golf lessons assisted by a team of volunteers, which includes Castlegregory Golf Club members and  MTU UNESCO Chair staff and students from the Health and Leisure Programme at the MTU, ensuring individual attention and a c child centered approach throughout.