Young Persons' Advisory Group hold first meeting

Ulster Rugby’s Young Persons’ Advisory Group (YPAG) was launched at the start of the year. Sixteen young people were successful in gaining a place on this group through a shortlisting process. The YPAG sat for the first time on Monday 22nd February, with all 16 participants in attendance. The young people were joined in the meeting by Ulster Rugby senior men’s head coach, Dan McFarland speaking about the vision of Ulster Rugby as a whole and how young people are vital to that vision. Neil Workman, Chair of the Age Grade Committee, was also in attendance to again reinforce the importance of the YPAG in the future of rugby in Ulster. Included within this group are representatives from 9 clubs and 5 schools in Ulster, involved in rugby through playing and volunteering. Also included in the YPAG are Michael Lowry (Ulster Senior Men’s Player) and Kelly McCormill (Ulster Senior Women’s Player). At the first meeting, the discussions were centred around 2 key themes:

1. What are the current barriers to young people getting involved in sport?
2. What do you think are the current issues in rugby for young people?

Going forward, the YPAG will be included as an integral part of the structure within IRFU Ulster Branch, providing a voice for young people within our sport. They will be consulted on upcoming projects, the shape of the game going forward, as well as holding a province-wide annual Youth Forum to gather the thoughts of young people throughout Ulster.