The Carlow Athletics Development Squad provides an additional development opportunity for athletes aged 12 and over who are already registered with their local clubs. It gives older athletes an opportunity to come together and train with their peers where the numbers are small in their own clubs. Training takes place twice weekly at the South East Technological University (SETU) South Sports Campus and is delivered by a dedicated team of volunteer coaches drawn from across Carlow athletics clubs, working to complement and support the excellent work being done at club level.

The main aim and focus of this group is to build friendships between athletes from all the different clubs by creating a supportive environment and ensuring athletes enjoy their training on a weekly basis. Whilst the squad have a great success in preparing athletes for Local, Regional and National competitions the big objective is to support long term athlete development.

The main event groups covered at present are Sprints, Hurdles and Middle Distance. Taster sessions have been introduced in events such as Javelin Throw and Race Walking.

Efforts are also made to keep athletes involved in the Sport by providing them with new experiences. In 2024 the group had a very successful Warm Weather Training Camp in Nerja, Spain working on all the key technical aspects of their events. 2025 had continued in the same way where the group was brought on a training camp to TUS Athlone International Arena and brought to the National Indoor Arena at the Sport Ireland Campus to undergo some testing ahead of the indoor season providing valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses. There are further plans for camps in 2026.

The squad has also tapped into some experience by way of guest sessions and educational talks from current local Junior and Senior Irish athletes such as Sive O’Toole, Leila Colfer and Arabella Adekoya.

Long may this outstanding squad continue to enhance and develop the sport of athletics in Carlow for many years to come.