Club Leadership Development Programme providing learning opportunities

By Cian O'Connell

The Club Leadership Development Programme continues to provide learning opportunities for new and existing officers.

Role induction webinars and topical modules will be offered in the coming weeks and months to those interested in GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association clubs.

David Denieffe, Chairperson of the GAA's Planning and Training Committee, is encouraged about the range of online courses available. "Fundamentally, the programme we're doing is aimed at trying to help people do their volunteer roles, as best as possible," he explains.

"We want to help them to operate as effectively, and as efficiently, as possible. We're trying to give people the knowledge and skills to be able to undertake their roles as club and county officers."

Ensuring those carrying out functions and roles are aided is crucial according to Denieffe. "We're rolling out a series of training modules, starting with induction modules that allow people to undertake their roles, whatever they are in a club - chairperson, secretary, treasurer, communications officer, coaching officer - whatever role. We're also rolling out a series of topical modules that will help them to undertake key tasks or elements of the job.

"Things such as how to run a Healthy Club, how to deal with critical incidents, how to work with IT systems. It is all about basically helping people to operate in a more effective manner."

Help is available. "That is the crux of it, there is support," Denieffe remarks. "People, when they go into clubs or counties, might think - what do I do know? They might look at what the last person did and the key thing they need to realise is the support is there through the website, the supports provided by our planning and training officers in counties, within the provinces, and in Croke Park.

"The network is there. Look at the network, look at people, who've done the job before in other counties. People can learn a lot from the modules, they realise that the problems they might be encountering can be pretty universal problems. If you're having a problem, there is a club down the run having a similar problem as well."

Niall Mulrine, Head of Volunteer Development, Ladies Gaelic Football Association, highlights the value of empowering people. "It is all about empowering people to be better," he says.

"When you're empowering people, you're removing the barriers to success, it's about giving people the tools, resources, and know how to go to do the job themselves, that’s why we are delighted to work alongside the GAA and Camogie Association to deliver the Club Leadership Development Programme to our members.

"From an LGFA point of view, we've the LGFA administrator pathway, it is completely self-led learning, complemented by the live events online and in person through the club leadership development programme, and people work through it at their own time, at their own speed. These initiatives give solid support to our volunteers and a base from which they can grow their own skills, experience and knowledge in Gaelic Games.

"If somebody has a query or they need answers, there is something there for them, straightaway. That is the idea behind it. People lead busy lives now, so they work through it at their own time, at their own speed. There are loads of resources for people, as and when they require them."

Brian Molloy, Uachtarán of the Camogie Association acknowledges the collaborative approach. “We're thrilled to work alongside the GAA and LGFA on the Club Leadership Development Programme, supporting the volunteers who keep our games alive,” he says.

"This programme isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about giving real, practical help to the people who take on club officer roles every year. Whether you’re a new chairperson, secretary, PRO or treasurer, or someone stepping into any of the many vital executive positions within Camogie, the induction modules and role-specific training will give you a strong start.

“For those already in their roles, the topical modules and wide range of resources available will help you deal with the day-to-day challenges that come with leading a club.

"Volunteers are the backbone of our association. They give up their time, energy and expertise because they care deeply about their clubs and their communities. This programme is our way of backing them - ensuring they are supported, informed, and equipped to do their jobs with confidence.”

Planning and Training Officer for the GAA, Jack McCarney explains how the programme aims to assist volunteers: “We're fully aware of the demands involved with volunteering in Gaelic Games nowadays,” he says.

“The purpose of this programme and other initiatives across Club and Volunteer Development is to provide our volunteers with the information and skillset to help them fulfill their roles as effectively as possible.

“With the Club Leadership Development Programme, we aim to cover host a number of events covering a large amount of Club Administration activity, in a format that hopefully attendees find beneficial.”

For information about the next phase of Club Officer Training including upcoming events and registration details, please visit - https://learning.gaa.ie/club_leadership