Regional Programmes
The Regional Programme supports athletes working towards selection for or reintegration into the National Programme and it is fully aligned to the National Programme in terms of principles and content. A secondary objective of the programme is to increase depth of competition within each Region.
Athletes are selected to join the Regional Programme for a full season based on their results in the previous season’s ‘identified meets’ as outlined in the document.
The Regional Programmes are facilitated and led in each Region by the Swim Ireland Regional Pathway Development Coaches (RPDC), however they rely on Home Programme Coach support to ensure delivery of a quality programme. The RPDCs also deliver two supplementary programmes with the aim of enhancing coaching knowledge and athlete development:
Club Cluster Skills Clinics
The RPDCs will facilitate the delivery of two skills clinics per season. These will be delivered either by the RPDCs or by an appointed Club Head Coach. Each Region usually runs three venues to provide a geographical spread and easier access for coaches to consolidate and/or develop their knowledge.
Regional Athlete Support Programmes
All four regions provide additional opportunities for athletes to increase their training frequency, gain experience of working with other coaches and inspire and challenge each other to raise standards.
- Swim Ulster operate a three venue Talent ID Programme and a Talent Development Programme to support the development of athletes from clubs with limited water time
- Connacht and Munster work closely together and deliver additional training opportunities for athletes from the Regions who met published criteria
- A Club Support Programme operates for Leinster athletes in the NAC via the Swim Ireland National Hub Dublin
Participation is a great form of learning and development, providing opportunities to network and share.
Carlo Boni
Mark Craig
Helen Gunning
