Ulster GAA commitment to developing its Young Leaders

Ulster GAA have today announced their partnership with the Joint Award Initiative – Gaisce – The President’s Award, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

As a Licensed Organisation, Ulster GAA is now able to offer its young members an opportunity to participate in this internationally recognised programme which enables young people to develop vital skills for life and work, such as confidence, commitment, resilience, leadership and team work.

Speaking at the launch, Ulster GAA President Oliver Galligan said: “We are delighted to work with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Gaisce – The President’s Award through The Joint Award Initiative to provide our young members with the opportunity to develop themselves through volunteering, physical and skills development and an expedition. Already 30 of our 2019 Young Leaders have signed up as the first ever participants through Ulster GAA, and we hope many more will do so.”

“This initiative compliments Ulster GAA’s Youth Volunteering Programme – encouraging young people to play a greater part in their club and to be officially rewarded for their efforts.  It also compliments Ulster GAA’s MV GoldMark Programme and Translink Young GAA Volunteer Awards.”

“Young people play a vital role in GAA clubs across Ulster helping out with teams, lining out pitches, involvement in pitch maintenance and fundraising. Many young people are also involved in club committees and communications.  I encourage young members and our clubs to get on board and get involved in this initiative.”

Kate Thompson, Director, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award/Joint Award Initiative said: “The Duke of Edinburgh Award/Joint Award Initiative encourages young people between the ages of 14-24 years old to push themselves outside of their comfort zones and the skills that they develop can be life-changing.”

“The partnership with Ulster GAA will enable more young people to undertake their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards; together, we will support participants to develop the attributes and skills to enhance their future prospects. We know that many are already using their GAA activities to count towards their Award programme and we hope that this partnership will encourage more to do so.”

Avril Ryan, Operations Manager, Gaisce – The President’s Award said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Ulster GAA and giving young GAA members the opportunity to dream big and realise their potential through the attainment of an Award through Ulster GAA. This new initiative brings Gaisce and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants together on their Award journey across the nine counties. It also further highlights the vision of the Joint Award Initiative with our partners – The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Northern Ireland – to ensure that young people across Northern Ireland who fulfil the requirements of the Award framework at any level, can choose to receive an International Award, a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or a Gaisce – The President’s Award.”

Anyone interested in more information on this programme should contact Sharon Haughey-Grimley by email sharon.haughey.ulster@gaa.ie or by phone Sharon on 02837517180 for a full information pack with details on how to register.

This Programme is open to all GAA young volunteers aged 14-25 years old across the nine counties of Ulster, and participants are required to complete four sections: Volunteering/Community Involvement, Physical Recreation, Skills Development, and an Expedition/Adventure journey.  Most of this can be covered within a GAA club but there is also potential to count other external activities towards sections, e.g learning to play an instrument.