Student Sport Ireland would like to congratulate the 38 female coaches who recently graduated from this year’s Women’s Student Coaching Academy.

Image captured by photographer Paddy Barrett (The Echo Newspaper, Dublin). Back-front, left-right;

Mary O’Donnell (Triathlon, UL), Aisling McGuinness (Athletics, DCU), Aoife McGouran (Triathlon, UCD), Aoibhinn Morrissey (Basketball, MTU Kerry), Margaret Janos (Olympic Weightlifting, TU Dublin Tallaght), Aoibhe Mac Sweeney (Camogie, TCD), Arabella Adekoya (Athletics, SETU Carlow), Christina Coulter Reilly (Cricket, DCU), Caitlin Ward (Rowing, QUB) and Shauna Kelleher (Triathlon, St. Angela’s College, Sligo).

On April 12th, 10 students from the 2023-24 WSCA programme travelled to the Sport Ireland Campus to attend their second day of workshops, networking, reflecting and learning. Fantastic guest speakers on the day included Maxine Strain (Triathlon Ireland/Irish Squash), Eleanor Condon (Triathlon Ireland), Erin Bracken (Basketball Ireland) and Chloe Farrell (Fingal County Council).

The girls took part in interactive workshops on boosting self-efficacy, effective goal-setting, inclusive coaching and thinking outside the box. Ideas and opinions were exchanged in an engaging panel discussion surrounding support for the female in sport.

During the 2023-24 academic year, the 38 talented athletes and coaches helped others to grow in a sport that they are passionate about. Students coached in 12 different sports in 10 HEIs across Ireland, ensuring the continued development of student sport.

Student Sport Ireland would like to thank Sport Ireland for funding the programme and the coach mentors, college sports staff, NGB partners and workshop facilitators for supporting the student coaches throughout the year.

Well done to everyone involved!

Applications for the 2024-25 programme will open on April 29th.