2025-2026 Regional Programme
2025-2026 Regional Programme Selection Process Summary with Consideration Standards
Full Programme details can be found HERE
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.
Bridging the Gap: Regional to National Programme
What is it?
A focused development session designed to prepare athletes for potential progression to the National Programme in the 2025-2026 Season.
Who is it for?
Aspiring male athletes born 2005-2011 and female athletes born 2006-2011 who show potential for the next level of performance, their coaches and parents.
Athletes will be selected following the Regional Age Group & Senior LC Championships based on performances at the 2025 Irish Open Championships and the 2025 Regional Age Group & Senior LC Championships.
Athletes who are members of the 2024-2025 National Programme will not be considered.
Invitations will be sent to athletes, coaches and parents week commencing 2nd June 2025.
If less than or more than 20 athletes achieve the consideration times published on page 2 in the document found below, athletes will be ranked as a percentage inside or outside the consideration times to invite a maximum of 20 athletes.
Why attend?
Understand National Programme expectations
Identify any performance gaps that can be closed during the last training cycle
When?
Saturday 14th June 2025, 1430 to 1800hrs
Where?
Meeting Room 1 in Sport HQ at 1430hrs, then National Aquatic Centre National Sports Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
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.
Mark Lappin
Helen Gunning
Erin McNulty
