Athletics Ireland has published its Athlete Development Strategic Plan which will offer a comprehensive roadmap designed to nurture the next generation of Irish athletic talent. The plan underscores Athletics Ireland’s commitment to fostering excellence, inclusivity, and innovation across all levels of the sport, from grassroots to high performance.
With Irish athletics experiencing unprecedented success on the global stage, the strategic plan aims to build on this momentum by providing structured support for developing athletes, coaches, and clubs. The initiative focuses on six key pillars: Provincial Squads, Event-Specific Squads, University Athlete Support, Educational Curriculum, Coach Support, and Marketing & Social Media.
Pat Ryan, Athletics Ireland Director of Coaching & Development, said: “Irish athletics is currently enjoying unprecedented success in competition and organisational growth. Athletics Ireland is committed to helping athletes, coaches, and clubs reach their potential. This strategic plan will assist greatly in providing clear pathways and resources to ensure sustained development across the sport.”
Grace Lynch, Athletics Ireland Athlete Development Manager, added: “The Athlete Development Strategic Plan provides clarity around the mission to aid our athletes and their coaches to achieve their full potential. This structure provides a clear vision which aims to evolve the development pathway through both education and experiential opportunities for athletes and coaches. Through evolving the development pathway, both athletes and coaches can enhance their experience and knowledge, leading to further development across all levels of our sport and providing an enriched experience for all.”
Key Initiatives of the Plan Include:
- Provincial and Event-Specific Squads: Monthly training sessions and specialised squad days to enhance skills and collaboration among athletes and coaches.
- University Athlete Support: A dedicated handbook and resources to support athletes transitioning to third-level education, aiming to reduce dropout rates.
- Educational Resources: Webinars, workshops, and online content covering nutrition, mindset, injury prevention, and more.
- Coach Development: Mentorship programmes, upskilling opportunities, and collaborative initiatives to elevate coaching standards nationwide.
- Marketing & Social Media: Increased visibility for developing athletes through targeted campaigns and engagement on platforms like Instagram.
View web version of Athlete Development Strategy 2024 – 2028
Looking Ahead:
The plan outlines key milestones for each year, including the introduction of national squad sessions, international workshops, and training camps by 2028. These efforts align with Athletics Ireland’s core values of integrity, respect, inclusion, and excellence.
For more information, visit www.athleticsireland.ie or email Grace Lynch, Athlete Development Manager, gracelynch@athleticsireland.ie
