Following on from its successful rollout in 2015-16, the GAA, Foróige, and NUIG are delighted to announce that the innovative Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative application process is NOW OPEN to young GAA club members, male and female aged 15-18 years-old, in the following counties Roscommon, Galway, Mayo, Dublin, Kildare, Offaly Antrim, Donegal, and Monaghan.

Fully supported by the family of the late great Dermot Earley Snr, the lively and interactive initiative is designed to support the next generation of young GAA leaders in achieving their full potential and in doing so to make their mark in their clubs, their counties, and indeed their country.

The initiative is a yearlong programme running over three modules between September 2017 and May 2018. It involves 30 hours of workshops designed to develop the leadership skills that Dermot epitomised on and off the field. 30 hours of self-directed learning is also required before the participants put their enhanced leadership skills into action through a club or community-based action project. There is a commitment required for the programme so please consider this before applying. There is a €40 registration fee to cover the costs of the participants 3 workbooks.

Those who complete all three modules will have the opportunity to graduate from NUIG with a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action (see participants information leaflet for more details and costs associated with third level conferring). The workshops will take place in participants own county (see application form below for more details) and will be facilitated by a troupe of excellently trained tutors who have already received a Diploma in Training & Education for their efforts and commitment.

All application forms should be accompanied by a nomination form (marks given for nomination form). Your nominator CANNOT be a relative or a family member. Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight Sunday the 16^th of July.

To apply for the programme please fill out the online application and nomination form here: http://www.gaa.ie/my-gaa/community-and-health/events/dermot-earley-youth-leadership-initiative-opens-applicants-counties/

For more information on the initiative please contact GAA’s National Health & Wellbeing Coordinator Stacey Cannon stacey.cannon@gaa.ie