Graduation of 36 new coach developers from 17 National Governing Bodies of sport
Coach Developers play crucial role in training and supporting coaches and instructors
Sport Ireland is celebrating the graduation of 36 new Coach Developers, Instructor Developers, and Coach Developer Assessors following a ceremony at the University of Limerick.
As part of Sport Ireland’s continuing commitment to developing sport, Sport Ireland Coaching provides a range of programmes for Coach Developers, those experienced coaches or instructors that National Governing Bodies (NGBs) nominate to train and support their coaches and instructors.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said: “I would like to congratulate these coach developers on their dedication and effort. Sport is a vital part of Irish life and a big part of that is the commitment of the NGBs and Sport Ireland to developing future players, coaches and leaders. The Government is proud to support that work.”
These graduates came from 17 counties representing 17 different NGBs, a testament to the diversity and strength of Irish sport.
Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport & Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue said: “These coach developers are key in training, mentoring, and supporting coaches to improve performance and implementing sustainable, high-quality coaching practices. These roles are integral to Government-backed, structured coach education systems. I would like to extend my congratulations to all the graduates.”
Sport Ireland CEO Dr Úna May said: “It was a real pleasure to attend the graduation ceremony and to share in such a proud occasion. The event was a wonderful acknowledgement of the commitment, effort and passion shown by everyone involved, and a strong reflection of the high-quality work being delivered through Sport Ireland Coaching.
“The graduation marked a number of important milestones, celebrated the energy and dedication of our coaches, and reaffirmed our commitment to investing in their development - and investment that will continue to strengthen their sports and the wider sporting community.”
The graduation class was made up of two Level 2 Coach Developers, four Instructor Developers, 23 QQI Level 7 Certificate in Sport Coach Development graduates and seven Coach Developer Assessors.
The Level 2 Coach Developers and Instructor Developers were drawn from Canoeing Ireland, Horse Sport Ireland, Irish Sailing and Special Olympics Ireland.
The QQI Level 7 Certificate in Sport Coach Development graduates included representatives from Athletics Ireland, Badminton Ireland, Boxing Ireland, the FAI, Gymnastics Ireland, Olympic Handball Ireland, Rowing Ireland, Triathlon Ireland, and Volleyball Ireland.
Sport Ireland Coaching Director Michael McGeehin said: “More than three decades on from the graduation of our first tutors, Sport Ireland Coaching has evolved significantly and continues to set ambitious standards in coach education.
“Our programmes now place the coach firmly at the centre of the learning process, with coach educators supporting, guiding, and challenging coaches as they develop, rather than simply delivering information.
“Today is an opportunity to recognise the achievement, commitment, and professionalism of the graduates themselves, and also to acknowledge the vital role played by the families, partners and friends who support them throughout that journey. Their contribution deserves recognition and thanks.”
There were several firsts in QQI Level 7 Certificate in Sports Coach Development category, with the first representatives from Athletics Ireland, Badminton Ireland, Boxing Ireland, Olympic Handball Ireland, Rowing Ireland, Triathlon Ireland, and Volleyball Ireland receiving their certificates.
Boxing Ireland was well-represented with six individuals graduating on the night, the largest number from a single sport to graduate from the multi-sport iteration of the QQI Level 7 course to date.
Among the six new Coach Developer Assessors was the first representative from Pitch & Putt Ireland to graduate as a CDA.
Among the guests at the event, which was emceed by Sport Ireland Coaching’s James Doran, were Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, Michael McGeehin, Director of Sport Ireland Coaching, and Hayley Harrison, Coach Developer Programme Director. The keynote speech was delivered by Dr Eugene Young, the former Director of Coaching & Games Development with Ulster GAA.
For more on our suite of Coach Developer programmes, visit: Sport Ireland Coaching | Sport Ireland
Research published by Sport Ireland highlights the scale of coaching involvement in Ireland and the challenges facing the sector.
Sport Ireland’s Spotlight on Coaching report shows that 7% of people aged over 15 - approximately 268,000 individuals - are actively coaching sport, with almost two-thirds volunteering primarily with children. More broadly, 29% of adults have coached at some point in their lives, underlining the significant contribution of volunteers to Irish sport.
The research also identifies barriers to sustaining and growing this coaching base. A perceived lack of sufficient skills is a key factor preventing people from getting involved in coaching for the first time, alongside time constraints and not being asked to coach. This skills gap represents a particular challenge at a time when demand for coaches is increasing and when 22% of current coaches are considering stepping away.
For those who wish to coach but feel under-skilled, training and support options are available. Sport Ireland, working in partnership with National Governing Bodies of sport, leads the development of coaching in Ireland through nationally recognised coach education, qualifications, and support programmes, providing clear pathways for new and existing coaches to develop the skills and confidence needed to get involved.