The social impact of sport is illustrated by the fact that the GAA will tomorrow advertise an additional 90 new internships under the government JobBridge scheme.The main emphasis in the new roles will be on games development and the co-ordination of games and coaching sessions, especially in urban areas.
The Association is committed to maintaining as many as 200 such positions at any one time across the country and the latest positions will cover 23 counties in total.
The internships can help provide work experience for young players who might otherwise see emigration as the only option and in this way the scheme works for individuals, local communities and the clubs themselves.
In order to qualify, applicants must have been in receipt of social welfare benefit for a period of at least three months out of the previous six. The scheme is intended to break the cycle of not being able to get a job through not having any experience. Each position will be for a period of six to nine months.
The GAA was last week awarded recognition by the public as the greatest ever force for social change in Ireland in a survey by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland.
“I am delighted that this successful collaboration between the GAA and JobBridge is extending into 2013,” said Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD. “The GAA are a key partner in the continued roll-out of the scheme and their on-going support and commitment to providing high quality internship opportunities is invaluable”.
For more information about the scheme including eligibility and the latest positions, visit www.jobbridge.gaa.ie.
