The Irish FA has joined forces with Ulster GAA and Ulster Rugby to help launch a new programme to showcase young people volunteering in sport.
The Sports Inspire Award, which aims to recognise outstanding youth volunteering in sport for young people aged between 14 and 24, was officially launched at St Brigid’s GAA, Belfast this week.
The programme encourages young people interested in sport to get involved in volunteering at their sports club.
Volunteering opportunities in sport are wide-ranging and include coaching, mentoring, fundraising, administration, pitch maintenance, match officiating, stewarding, catering and events planning.
Participants in the scheme are required to keep a record of their volunteering hours and will be recognised with the Sports Inspire Award on achieving 50, 100 and 200 hours at a joint awards ceremony set to be hosted in March 2022.
Speaking at the launch, Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood said: “The Irish Football Association is delighted to partner with Ulster GAA and Ulster Rugby to deliver this new Sports Inspire Award to recognise the young people and the excellent volunteering work they do.”
Ulster GAA President Oliver Galligan added: “The Sports Inspire Award gives us an opportunity to talk about what young people do within their clubs and within their communities; they are working hard behind the scenes in their clubs and hopefully in the years to come these people will go on, not only to play, but administer their clubs.”
Ulster Rugby President Gary Leslie commented: “The launch of the Sports Inspire Award will help to ensure young people continue to be involved in clubs and their communities through volunteering. After all, it is not just about playing, it’s about participating.”
The Sports Inspire Award is a prestigious award which young people can showcase on their UCAS applications, CVs and job applications. This Programme has great benefits both for the sports clubs involved and for the young volunteers participating.
For more information on getting involved and registering for the Sports Inspire Awards people are asked to contact their Governing Body Volunteer Development & Policy Officers:
Irish FA: Michael Carvill: michael.carvill@irishfa.com
Ulster GAA: Sharon Haughey-Grimley: Sharon.haughey.ulster@gaa.ie
Ulster Rugby: Nicci Wilson: nicci.wilson@ulsterrugby.com
