Youth Leadership

five members of the Youth Forum pose for a photo.

Youth Leadership and Youth Forum

Vision Sports Ireland is delighted to launch our Youth Leadership Programme for 2023.

This programme will take place over 6 weeks beginning on September 24th 2023 and will be open to participants aged 13-17.

Youth Leadership Programme

The purpose of the programme is to guide the participants through a leadership learning process based on the key values of self-efficacy, respect, competence, dedication & determination, empathy & understanding, accountability and integrity. Now in its second year, the group will empower the young people to gain increased self-awareness, challenge their personal narratives around disability and encourage increased independence and confidence.

Applications for the 2023 programme are now open!

Register Here

Please Note:

  • This programme will be free of charge to participants.
  • Places are strictly limited and interviews may take place during the shortlisting process.
  • Applications will close at 10am on Monday 18th September.

Programme structure:

First Session

The programme will begin with a Team Building Day in Alive Outside, Bray, Co. Wicklow on September 24th form 1-5pm, where participants will have the opportunity to meet in person and complete leadership and team building exercises.

On week 1 all participants will receive a Vison Sports Ireland Youth Leadership Programme Welcome Pack, including a Vision Sports Ireland Youth Leadership Hoodie and hat.

Online Sessions

The following sessions of the programme will take place online for the next 4 weeks, where participants will attend 1.5 hour leadership sessions on Thursdays from 7-8:30pm.

Final Session

On week 6 of the programme, participants will come back in person and partake in a certified basic sports first aid course (Date TBC). Participants will be tasked with putting the skills they have learnt throughout the programme into action, by presenting a short presentation to a Vision Sports Ireland and NCBI panel.

FAQ

Who is this programme suitable for?

This programme is open to youths with a Vision Impairment between the age of 13-17.

Do I need to be ‘sporty’ to sign up?

No, this programme is designed to foster the growth of our future coaches, administrators and board members to encourage them to become leaders of the future within the sport and physical activity sector.

What commitment is involved?

No, this programme is designed to foster the growth of our future coaches, administrators and board members to encourage them to become leaders of the future within the sport and physical activity sector.

What support will the participant receive?

Vision Sports Ireland will have a dedicated staff member who will liaise with parents and participants throughout the programme and will be in attendance at each session along with module tutors.

What is involved in the application process?

The application process begins with an online registration form which must be completed in full under a parent/guardians supervision.

If the programme receives applications in excess of the amount of places that are available, a selection process will take place.

This selection process will consist of a panel from Vision Sports and NCBI who will identify successful applicants based on specific criteria.

Applicants may be required to attend an online interview with a Vision Sports/NCBI panel.

Applicants who are not successful in obtaining a place on the 2023 programme are more than welcome to re-apply for the 2024 programme.

Should you have any question which is not covered above, please feel free to contact Sara McFadden on sara.visionsports@ncbi.ie.

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