Ulster GAA was delighted to welcome Tyrone and Eglish footballer Ethan Jordan to the 2026 Young Leaders Academy at Armagh Harps, where he shared an inspiring insight into the vital role volunteers have played throughout his GAA journey.
Speaking to the group of young GAA members, Jordan reflected on the influence of his late grandfather, Patsy Jordan, whose dedication and encouragement helped shape his involvement in Gaelic games.
“As a youngster, Granda Patsy took me to every match and got me involved in everything that was happening in Eglish,” Jordan explained.
“For our family, being involved in the GAA was simply a way of life. Anything that was happening at the club, Granda was in the middle of it. It’s people like him who make our clubs so special. That’s what the GAA is all about, good people doing good in their communities.”
Jordan encouraged the young volunteers to recognise the lasting impact they can have within their own clubs and communities, highlighting how committed volunteers are the foundation of every GAA club.
“The contribution of volunteers at club, county, provincial and schools’ level is immeasurable. Their commitment undoubtedly plays a huge part in the success we see on the field.”
Jordan, who enjoyed success with Tyrone from a young age, winning an U17 All-Ireland title in 2017, was pleased to learn that nine of this year’s Young Leaders are already representing their counties.
Twenty-three young volunteers aged 16 and 17 from across Ulster have embarked on this year’s Ulster GAA Young Leaders Programme. During their three-day Academy, they explored a wide range of topics designed to equip them as future leaders within the Association.
The programme included workshops on nutrition and healthy lifestyles, environmental sustainability in sport, road safety, consent through the #NeverCrossTheLine campaign, and the GAA’s One Punch programme.
As part of the academy, the young leaders also completed their Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games Award, GAA Safeguarding Award and GAA for All Award. They experienced inclusive sport through wheelchair games and heard from Ulster GAA Wheelchair Hurler Paul Hannon about the success and impact of Ulster GAA’s Wheelchair games. The young people also participated in a range of practical and enjoyable Gaelic games coaching sessions.
The young GAA members now continue their six-month programme with online workshops throughout August covering sports science, sports communication and inclusion & respect in sport.
They also complete 13 hours volunteering within their GAA clubs while continuing to play Gaelic games. Later this week, they will come together again for a two-day, one-night hiking expedition in the Mourne Mountains as part of their Joint Award, (Gaisce – The President’s Award and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award).
The Ulster GAA Young Leaders Programme continues to invest in the next generation of volunteers, providing young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a meaningful contribution to their clubs and communities while strengthening the future of GAA clubs across the province.
