The Juvenile Triple Jump Performance Squad was started in August 2025. It is initially a two-year case study/project squad with the specific aim of improving the base standard of juvenile triple jumping with a goal of coach development running as a parallel target.
As a case study, the intent is to collect lessons learned from the squad to help shape the evolution of other sub-pathway squads in the future, at the regional level and, where required, in smaller targeted hubs, squads, and groups.
Auditing of all juvenile triple jump results (U15 to U17 inclusive of Junior & Intermediate Schools) began in March 2025 and continued through the outdoor season.
24 athletes were initially invited to join the group based on indoor and outdoor results and their age profile. A key planning caveat for the squad was that all athletes had to be eligible for SIAB 2026 under the current age criteria.
Day one involved athlete/coach/parent briefings and fitness testing took place on Saturday, August 30th in St Laurence O’Toole AC, Carlow
Additional athletes joined the squad in early 2026 based on indoor results. A number of athletes are no longer with the squad allowing them to focus on other disciplines and sports which they have chosen to prioritise for a multiple of factors.
The squad undertook testing and briefings on day one in August last year
In total seven squad sessions took place. They covered technical development, S&C, movement patterns, goal setting, injury management, journaling, fitness testing/re-testing, functional movement screening, etc.
A multi-sport/discipline philosophy is supported within the squad and by the squad mentors. Early specialisation is neither promoted nor encouraged.
Following the seventh session, which took place in mid-March, the squad was placed on pause to allow athletes to focus on the Indoor Nationals and outdoor competitive championship season.
Results audits take place regularly to gauge squad progress. These will also help shape modifications before Year 2 of the squad.
The second year of the Squad will start in late August/early September 2026. Modifications may be suggested, with a smaller scale and change of selection criteria, shifting to a standards-based model, not a placings-based model as used in year one.
Huge thanks are due to the coaches and support personnel who have lead the squads progression:– David Murphy, Bernard McAree, Colm Bourke, Marcus Lawler (S&C), Rosie Daniels, plus UL student group (Fitness Testing & FMS), and Lisa Harte (Physio).
The signs are good. An exciting Summer of juvenile triple jumping is surely ahead.
