Regional Programme 2025-2026

The Regional Programme is an essential element in achieving Swim Ireland’s Performance objectives at the National level & aims to support athletes reach their full potential at Senior, National and/or International level. The current programme is being delivered with a view towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles & 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.
It is delivered across three distinct levels: 
  • Skills Academy (athletes born 2012 & 2013) 
  • Stage 1 (athletes born 2010 & 2011) 
  • Stage 2 (athletes born 2009 & 2008) 
The Skills Academy cohort recently participated in three training days, during which athletes worked with a Strength & Conditioning coach, a nutritionist, and a sports psychologist. In addition, they completed a pool-based session focused on developing swim skills. For many swimmers, this programme represents their first exposure to specialist support services within a performance swimming environment. The season for this group will conclude with an inter-provincial meet, which this year will take place as part of the McCullagh Gala in Dublin in February. 
The Stage 1 group also completed three training days with support from Strength & Conditioning, psychology, and nutrition services. Their season will conclude with the Offshore Meet in Wycombe in March, 2026.
The Stage 2 group undertook two training days plus a three-day onshore camp during the Halloween period at the National Sports Campus (NSC). Their season will also conclude with the Offshore Competition in Wycombe. In addition to working with the support staff, this group received an educational session on Clean Sport and anti-doping. 
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the regional coaches who took the time to attend and support these talented athletes. Coaches are always welcome to observe the classroom-based elements of the programme and to assist with the pool sessions. 
We would also like to acknowledge and thank the parents for their continued support of the programme, particularly for covering POD duties, which play a vital role in the smooth delivery of these activities. A special thank you goes to our resident Team Manager, Julie, for her invaluable support throughout the programme-and, of course, for keeping everyone well fuelled with her much‑appreciated cookies and flapjacks. 
It has been a pleasure to work with such a dedicated group of young athletes and to support them on their swimming journey.