As many Swim Ireland clubs prepare for a busy summer of national competitions and events, the Swim Ireland team are looking ahead to the 2025-26 season and today launch a new fund to support the development and delivery of a club pathway for swimmers with a disability.
The fund, provided through Sport Ireland Dormant Accounts and underpinned by Sport Ireland policy on Diversity and Inclusion in Sport, is aimed at clubs who want to introduce participants with a disability to their club, support increased access to training for current members with a disability, expand a current programme to increase the number of participants with a disability, or another project to support swimmers with a disability.
Speaking on this announcement, Swim Ireland CEO Sarah Keane, “We know that many of our clubs already have members with disabilities and are providing an excellent service. This has been seen in results internationally in Paralympics Swimming, at Down Syndrome Games and Deaflympics to name a few. We also recognise that some swimmers have additional support needs that may not be covered by membership fees and the costs of providing extra coaching support or lane space is often covered through additional fundraising. We are keen to build on the work that is already being undertaken in our clubs and provide funding to encourage more clubs to welcome swimmers with a disability or provide additional training for their current members.”
Clubs can apply for up to €5,000, with a requirement to demonstrate that they are providing a new programme or expanding a current initiative to increase the number of swimmers with a disability or hours available to swimmers with a disability.
In addition to receiving funding, successful clubs will also receive additional support from the soon-to-be appointed Club Disability and Pathway Officer. Head of Clubs and Education Aisling McKeever commented that “The timing of the funding has purposefully aligned with the planned recruitment of a Club Disability and Pathway Officer. While funding is essential, ongoing support and development within the clubs is also necessary to ensure programmes are sustainable and successful.”
An information session will be held for clubs on Tuesday 10 June @ 19:00 and Wednesday 11 June @ 13:05, providing guidance on how to apply.
Application Process and Notes
- Applications will close on Monday 30th June @ 17:00.
- Clubs will be notified of outcome by Thursday 31st
- Funding will be paid on completion of Swim Ireland Affiliation 2025.
- All applications must be submitted online through the following link – https://form.jotform.com/SwimIreland2025/club-disability-pathway-fund-25
- Only one application will be accepted per club.
- Maximum funding application is €5,000.
- Clubs must provide a budget for the programme, including all costs associated with programme delivery.
- Please note this is a competitive bid process, submission of application does not guarantee funding.
