Empowering student players to become a positive voice for change

Over 350 student county footballers and hurlers have been convening nationwide for the annual GPA Student Summits with a focus on strengthening the voice of the young player.

Following meetings in Cork, Galway and Limerick last week, students gathered in the Titanic Centre in Belfast today (Tuesday) before the final Summit in Croke Park tomorrow.

Entitled 'Students Redefined' the interactive workshops, facilitated by current inter-county players, are covering a range of topics relevant to this cohort of county players including the recommendations for change contained in last year’s GPA Student Welfare Report.

The GPA is also gathering input from students in relation to the strategic direction of the players’ body, establishing a mandate for new GPA Student Leadership Group, identifying representatives from each college for that group and receiving the views of these players in advance of the upcoming GAA/GPA negotiations.

GPA President Seamus Hickey, who is helping to facilitate the workshops, said: “These are the most dynamic sessions the GPA has ever conducted with student players and the aim is to help strengthen their voice, empower them to take control of their situation.

“As well as educating students as to the importance of managing their lives and engaging with support services, we hope to strengthen representation for players at this level through the Student Leadership Group with a view to tackling the issues affecting them.

“Student players are more likely to be answering to multiple managers; they have particular challenges in terms of balancing studying and playing commitments, with travel, financial and time pressures particularly challenging during the college term.”

The GPA will now be seeking further input from the wider membership through a series of regional player meetings in advance of negotiations on a new agreement with the GAA.