Extending from the success of the “Sport: A Home for Lifelong Volunteering” programme in 2018/2019, the Irish FA, Ulster GAA and Ulster Rugby were delighted to learn that the programme has been extended for 2019/2020.
Highlights of the 2018/2019 programme included- Schools Roadshow, Inter-Organisational volunteering opportunities, Multi-Sport Volunteering Forum, Joint Volunteering Training Programme and Joint Youth Forum.
On the 20th March 2018, young sports volunteers took centre stage at the GoldMark Awards Ceremony in the Crowne Plaza Belfast, which were jointly organised by Ulster GAA, the Irish FA Foundation and Ulster Rugby.
The event highlighted the huge volunteering effort across the three sports among young people aged 14-24 years.
Young people from across the province heard first-hand from three sports stars about their experiences of volunteering and the impact volunteers made on their sporting careers - Pat McGibbon former Manchester United, Wigan Athletics and Northern Ireland star, Niall Grimley Armagh GAA ace and Ireland International Rules Player and Stuart McCloskey current Ulster & Irish International Rugby Player.
BBC Sports Commentator Thomas Niblock conducted proceedings which saw over 100 young people awarded with GoldMark Millennium Volunteers Award for 50, 100 and 200 hours.
Jim Shaw of the Irish FA Foundation thanked DfC and Volunteer Now for their assistance delivering this programme and said, “Through DfC funding, the Irish FA Foundation, Ulster Rugby and Ulster GAA are able to work together to increase participation in volunteering – promoting and recognising our volunteers and developing their skills and knowledge.
"We appreciate the ongoing support of Volunteer Now in this work also. Through this programme, the spotlight shines on the positive contribution of young people to clubs and their communities.”