Triathlon Ireland Launches International Age Group Strategy 2027–2030

Triathlon Ireland has launched its Age Group Strategy 2027-2030, setting out a four-year plan to strengthen international representation, enhance athlete experience and create better pathways for age group athletes aspiring to represent Ireland.

The strategy’s vision is to build a leading Age Group programme that inspires lifelong participation while creating a strong sense of pride and community among age group athletes representing Ireland internationally.

The strategy was developed through athlete feedback, team manager experience and operational learning from the delivery of Triathlon Ireland’s Age Group Programme, and focuses on four strategic priorities: International Representation & Team Ireland Experience; Athlete Experience, Education & Pathway; Sustainable Programme Growth; and International Positioning & Hosting.

Strengthening the Team Ireland Experience

Central to the strategy is creating a positive and consistent experience for athletes representing Ireland at World and European Championship events.

Triathlon Ireland will seek to sustainably grow international participation, welcome more first-time athletes and strengthen the sense of Team Ireland identity around championship events.

A flagship international championship will be identified each year, while athlete support at priority events will include Team Managers, structured communications, pre-event briefings, team meet-ups, athlete storytelling and on-site support.

Creating a Visible Pathway

The strategy aims to build stronger connections between clubs, domestic racing and international representation, creating a more visible pathway for athletes with ambitions to compete internationally.

A new Age Group Athlete Information Programme will support athletes with qualification guidance, championship preparation resources, webinars and mentoring opportunities, with particular focus on athletes preparing for their first international event.

Triathlon Ireland will also establish an Age Group Ambassador Network, develop mentoring between experienced and first-time representatives and recognise athlete milestones and repeat representation.

Bringing International Racing to Ireland

A major ambition of the strategy is to position Ireland to host a World Triathlon or Europe Triathlon Age Group event within the next three to five years. The goal is to grow Ireland’s international presence while showcasing the country as a destination for endurance sport and international competition.

Programme Manager Roisin MacCarthy reflects on the launch of the new strategy: