Young Leaders Programme

Ulster GAA Young Leaders Programme targets outstanding young GAA volunteers from across Ulster’s nine counties. This is an exciting and innovative programme aimed at young GAA members to build their skills and knowledge to help them become Young GAA Leaders.

Ulster GAA has opened applications for its prestigious Young Leaders Programme for this year.

Young GAA members aged 16-24 years old are welcome to apply for a place on the 2025 Programme full of activity.  Applications must be submitted by 10am on Friday 20th June 2025.

The 2025 Ulster GAA Young Leaders Programme takes place over a six-month period and includes:

• Three Day Young Leaders Academy – 7, 8, 9 July in Armagh Harps
• Two Day Hiking/Camping Expedition – 29, 30 July
• Online Workshops – July/August
• Volunteering in your club – 13 weeks throughout July, August, September
• Participating in Gaelic Games/fitness in your club – Six months (can be backdated to March 2025)

The young participants, who must be aged 16-24 years old, will achieve the following awards through the Programme:

• The Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games Award
• GAA Safeguarding Award
• Sports Inspire 50 Award
• Youth Impact 50 Award
• Duke of Edinburgh/Gaisce Bronze Award

All participants will receive a FREE specially commissioned Ulster GAA Young Leaders 2025 Jersey and are asked to bring packed lunch, snacks and drinks to each session.  All Participants will be charged £110 to participate in the programme this covers the cost for the Joint Award Initiative (DofE/Gaisce) registration fees and the overnight hiking/camping. For those already registered for the JAI Programme this fee is reduced to £80.

The expedition will be held at Meelmore Lodge in the Mournes and full details will be provided to successful participants.

For further information contact Sharon Haughey-Grimley

E-mail: sharon.haughey.ulster@gaa.ie

Applications now open

We expect a high demand for limited places. All those interested in applying for the Young Leaders Academy should fill out the Young Leaders Application Form.

The deadline for receipt of applications 10am on Friday 20th June 2024 – no exceptions.

View the Programme Guidance Notes  before submitting your application as this highlights the criteria that will be applied.

Young Leaders 2025 Schedule

Mon 7 July: Ulster GAA Young Leaders Academy, Armagh Harps

9:30am-12:30pm: GAA Safeguarding Award (Group 1)

9.30am-12:30pm: Expedition Training & Nutrition & Lifestyle (Group 2)

12:30pm-1:00pm: Lunch

1:00pm-4:00pm: GAA Safeguarding Award (Group 2)

1:00pm-4:00pm: Expedition Training & Nutrition & Lifestyle (Group 1)

Tue 8th July: Ulster GAA Young Leaders Academy, Armagh Harps

9:30am-4pm: The Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games Award

Wed 9th July: Ulster GAA Young Leaders Academy, Armagh Harps

9:30am-11:30am: Wheelchair Hurling/GAA Fun Coaching/Joint Award Online Platform

11:30am-12:30pm: GAA for All Award and Wheelchair Games

12:30pm-1pm: Lunch

1pm-2pm: Consent #NeverCrossTheLine

2pm-3pm: One Punch

Expedition

Tuesday 29th July- Wednesday 30th July: Hiking Expedition Meelmore Lodge, The Mournes.  Full details TBC

Online Workshops

Mon 30th June: Young Leaders Induction, Online, 10:30am-11:30am

Mon 4th August: Sports Communication. Online 10:30am-11:30am

Mon 11th August: Sports Science, Online 10:30am-11:30am

Mon 18th August: Inclusion & Respect, Online 10:30am-11:30am

Programme Modules