Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1466433
32 | SPRING 2022 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie BUA GRADUATION constantly getting better each day. How can we get better at improving the sport of Ladies Football every day? We were provided with an in-depth training course on how we can best train young girls. This really opened my eyes not just training girls but for being a player in ladies sports, that there is no definitive 'end goal' in mind. It's about long-term development. How can we keep girls playing? When it came to the end of the year to do our own self-led club projects, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to get involved in my club encouraging girls aged 14 and up to become more active within the club in order to benefit the girls, the club and Ladies Football as a whole. I thought the most effective way to do this was to provide a coaching course to the girls. I prepared the coaching course using resources provided as part of the BUA programme. I learned through this programme that we are all leaders and being a leader is within our own control. Communication and involvement are integral parts of our sport, yet these were things that let us down. I sought to bridge that gap in the best way I could, using the coaching course I developed. Unbeknownst to me, the BUA programme had made me a leader both on and off the pitch, in my community and club. I had never imagined I could develop a training programme for the girls in my club. Participating in this programme, the knowledge I learned and the invaluable insights I had gained allowed me to do this. I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in all aspects of this programme and would highly recommend it to any LGFA player. Lucy Clarke, Naomh Colmcille, Donegal I thought the BUA programme went very well as there were things for everyone's needs. I thought the modules were very well organised, easy to follow. The fact that we could choose our modules made it more interesting as we picked ones we wanted to work on and had an interest in. Throughout the whole programme, it was a learning process. I thought I knew a lot about the LGFA and the rules but this programme showed me that I clearly didn't as they talked to us about the rules, the reasons you get yellow or red cards, and there were so many more I didn't know. At the start when I found out I got accepted to be part of the programme, I was quite nervous and didn't know what to expect, but I'm glad I did the programme as it helped with my communication skills, leadership skills and with my confidence. The project at the end of the programme sounded quite challenging at the start, but when it came to actually doing it, it was easier than expected. So, in my opinion, I think that the BUA programme was definitely a success and I think it will be a success in years to come. Ceri Rogers, St. Margarets, Dublin The BUA Programme is the best thing I have ever signed up for. It has helped me step closer to the type of young woman I want to be and it has helped me identify the qualities needed to be a strong and passionate leader that will encourage others to do their best. When I signed up for the BUA Programme I did not think I would be chosen, I did not think I fitted the criteria but I am so glad I put myself in the running to be chosen. From the beginning, the BUA Programme, was enjoyable, fun and interesting but I was still unaware of how much it was going to impact my mindset and my self-confidence. The LGFA were incredible and they made it so easy to talk to them. The special speakers we had really made some of our zoom sessions entertaining and thought-provoking. The BUA programme is the reason I have gained the confidence to go on and organise further events within my own club and it has helped me gain more responsibility within my club. If it were not for this programme, I still would be lacking knowledge of my own abilities and skills and I certainly would not be any closer to becoming the type of leader and role model I strive to be.