How the Ancient Game of Go Enhances Concentration for Youth with ADHD

One of the core objectives of the Ready to GO project is to tackle the low attention spans often associated with ADHD. But why Go? Unlike many modern educational tools, Go requires sustained attention and deep focus. Every stone placed on the board changes the entire landscape of the game, requiring the player to remain present and observant.

Our project is adapting this ancient game into a specific youth work setting to help individuals improve their ability to concentrate over time. By engaging with the “Go methodology” we are developing, young people learn to:

• Filter out external distractions during gameplay.
• Focus on long-term goals while managing immediate moves.
• Practice “mindfulness in action” through the tactile and visual nature of the board.

By integrating these practices into European youth work, we are ensuring that individuals struggling with cognitive challenges gain the tools they need to succeed in both educational and social environments.