YOUNG people are vital to the success of our clubs, schools, counties and province, not just as players but as volunteers as well. Ulster GAA is encouraging young people to get involved in helping out at their club so that they can develop their skills and talents and likewise the GAA can benefit greatly from the involvement on younger volunteers.

Through Ulster GAA’s comprehensive programme for involving young volunteers in sport, clubs are supported in recruiting young volunteers, in particular aged 14-24 years.

The Sports Inspire Awards Programme has hundreds of young Gaels participating in volunteering in their clubs as it aims to recognise outstanding youth volunteering in sport by awarding the young participants when they achieve 50 hours, 100 hours and 200 hours of volunteering.

All Sports Inspire Awards participants are also eligible for Volunteer Now’s Youth Impact award. Ulster GAA’s certificates are signed off by the Minister for Communities and are endorsed by Ulster GAA, Ulster Rugby and the Irish FA, meaning this award is very prestigious and a valuable asset on university applications and CVs for jobs. More information can be found at ulster.gaa.ie/sportsinspire.

Ulster GAA is also delighted to continue to deliver The Joint Award Initiative, a partnership programme between the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Gaisce – The President’s Award.

Young Gaels can sign up for this through their clubs and Ulster GAA completing four sections including: volunteering in your club, playing our games, skills development, and an expedition (one night, two days hiking and camping).

For anyone interested in getting involved in this programme, please log onto ulster.gaa.ie/thejointaward.

For further information on these programmes, please contact Ulster GAA’s volunteer development and policy officer Sharon.haughey.ulster@gaa.ie.