Collaboration with Ulster University to Provide Bespoke Support for Intercounty Players

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and Ulster University Jordanstown have collaborated to provide bespoke support services for intercounty student players. The partnership sees GPA members and Ulster University graduates link with current GPA student players so that students are supported on issues they face throughout their playing and academic careers.

To date, six GPA members who are also Ulster University Jordanstown graduates, have registered as mentors. 16 students, who are also GPA members, have registered to be mentored.

Paul Flynn, Chief Executive of the Gaelic Players Association said;

“I’m delighted the GPA has teamed up with Ulster University to deliver this Alumni Mentoring Programme. Today, over a third of GPA members are third-level students and each student-athlete is faced with the specific challenge of managing the demands of being an intercounty player alongside their academic commitments and personal lives. We hope this programme will grow overtime and become a positive and progressive support for our student players, also helping to eliminate some of those pressures.”

Mentee’s will be able to access advice and expertise of experienced graduates who may have faced similar challenges, increase self-confidence and self-awareness, expand their network, develop their skills and gain insights into a particular role or industry.

The role of the mentor will be to connect students with potential future employees, share knowledge and experiences to help students progress and develop their own skills through sharing knowledge.

John Farrell, Ulster University GAA President said;

“We are thrilled to see this programme being provided to our students. We commend the GPA for identifying the unique issues facing our student inter-county players, and working on facilitating supports to help them be successful on and off the field. Within Ulster University GAA, we take pride on ensuring our players are supported to develop themselves both as players and as people. We feel this programme will be a great support and are delighted to be a part of it.”