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38 | WINTER 2021 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie BUA PROGRAMME T he inaugural BUA programme is underway. This youth leadership programme is a self-development initiative aimed at supporting young people in the Association to develop leadership skills and qualities to benefit their community. Over the last number of months, participants have been taking part in expert-led sessions as well as specific modules on different areas of the Association including coaching, officiating and volunteering. We spoke with some of the young females involved to see how they are progressing. LAURA GALLIGAN Cavan Gaels, Cavan Why did you get involved in the programme? I got involved with the BUA Programme as I wanted to learn the necessary skills to become a great leader in my club. I was eager to improve my confidence and meet different people. I wanted to carry out modules which would hopefully help me to achieve my goals. Learning these skills would broaden my understanding of the LGFA to a greater level. By the end of the modules, I wished to learn the essential skills to become a leader in my club now and also to become a coach in a few years. I hoped to use these skills to help encourage younger players to see the benefits of being part of the LGFA. I want to give advice I gained from the BUA Programme to these players but especially the girls as it's often that more girls are said to quit football after 12 than boys. What has been the best thing about your involvement in the BUA programme? I really enjoyed all the modules as they were very interesting and I learned a lot from them. The opportunity to hear Vikki Wall's story and experience was intriguing as I could relate to them and her love and passion for the sport. She inspired me to take on my goals and become a leader like her. The module about the importance of fuelling your body was very interesting. I didn't realise the benefits of eating high carbs before trainings and eating a good meal after matches. It is essential for recovery of your muscles. If I didn't take part in this module I mightn't have changed my meals before training and matches. I really enjoyed the Go Games refereeing course as it benefited me greatly. This gives me a good opportunity to help my club with underage games as there is a shortage of referees. Learning about the module about the LGFA playing rules exposed me to different parts of the game that I didn't know of. This benefits me to the present day while I'm playing LGFA. What have you learned from your involvement? I have learned the importance of communication in a group and listening to others. Decision-making is crucial between teammates and results in a positive goal if carried out correctly. I have learned the necessary skills to become a good leader in my club. Giving respect will get you respect given back. Everyone should have a goal and wish to fulfil it as it is always possible to achieve it. Overall, I've learned about resilience, problem solving and building trust between others from my involvement in the BUA Programme. Has the programme changed your approach to Ladies Gaelic football? Yes, the BUA Programme has definitely changed my approach to my participation in Ladies Gaelic Football. I am more confident in myself having learned these skills from the BUA programme. I now know the importance of being a leader on the pitch and the benefits it has on others. I understand the rules of the game better after engaging in the module about the LGFA rules. Having a good mind and positive attitude are essential for success in the game. I have learned that nutrition is key before and after training or a game to repair your muscles. Eating a good meal before training or games will fuel you with energy. You won't succeed and perform at your best ability if you are lacking energy. Overall, my approach slightly changed but the programme gave me ways of approaching the sport to a greater degree. LGFA BUA PROGRAMME: HOW ARE THINGS GOING?