THE Ladies Gaelic Football Association has graduated 24 women from its third BUA Youth Leadership Programme.
Representing 18 counties, as well as the Coatbridge Davitts club from Scotland, they were saluted at a special graduation ceremony held at Croke Park Stadium on Tuesday.
The BUA (Believe Unlock Potential Achieve) Programme is a self-development initiative aimed at supporting young people in the LGFA to develop life skills and qualities to benefit themselves and their local communities.
Aimed at females aged 16-19, ‘BUA’ was conducted through expert-led workshops and self-reflection, before participants put their enhanced leadership skills into practice through a club action project.
The participants engaged in learning and covered topics essential for young people including resilience, dealing with change, building trust and respect, conflict resolution, problem-solving, project planning and delegation.
In addition, LGFA-specific topics including introductions to coaching, officiating and administration were also covered.
The third BUA Programme began in September 2023 and concluded with this graduation, with former inter-county stars Lyndsey Davey of Dublin and Ciara O’Sullivan of Cork serving as programme ambassadors.
“t was brilliant to be at the final day and to witness the positive change in the participants over the duration of the programme,” said Davey.
“They cited increased confidence, self-respect and greater resilience through their involvement, these are so important for all young women. I am really proud to be an ambassador for the BUA Programme.”
LGFA-specific modules between each leadership session were conducted by some of the most recognisable names in Ladies Gaelic Football, including former inter-county players Orlagh Farmer, Cathy Carey and Sinead Delahunty, as well as leading referees Maggie Farrelly and Shane Curley.
“It has been incredible to note the progress of the programme participants since its commencement, and they have come a long way in a relatively short time,” added LGFA President Micheál Naughton.
“We are acutely aware of our responsibilities in terms of serving the needs of our young members, and it’s vital to have structures in place which will help them to flourish and reach their full potential. Our latest BUA programme has been a real success and it was wonderful to see our graduates fully engaged from the outset.”
“Our BUA programme is now firmly established and our graduates have learned so many tips and strategies that they can take into their everyday lives. These are outstanding young females who can play key roles within our Association for many years to come, and who are already infused with a deep love for our sport.”
Sport for Business Perspective:
Sport is always about so much more than the match or the result. The wellbeing benefits of being part of a team are outstanding and for many sport will be the only way that they have to learn about how to handle different challenges in life until it really matters.
These programmes, delivered by passionate volunteers for the most part create a bond among those taking part that will last forever, and will benefit not only those taking part but their clubs and the sport as a whole.
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