Launching the Boost Triathlon Hubs!

2021, News

Today Triathlon Ireland are delighted to launch the new Boost Triathlon Hubs! As part of the Boost Youth Development Programme, Triathlon Ireland wants to create high quality, consistent opportunities for more young athletes to take part in triathlon training in a safe and fun environment. Following consultation with junior athletes, the feedback included a request for regular training sessions with their peers and the Boost Triathlon Hubs will aim to provide this. 

There will be four regional training hubs based around Ireland. The primary focus is to engage and retain the athletes aged 12-17 in the sport of triathlon during the years where the dropout from sport is at its highest. We would also like to develop them as young athletes so they can fulfil their sporting potential but also teach and instil life skills, sportsmanship, independence and social skills while building friendships. 

The aims of the hubs are to:

  • Provide a fun and engaging environment in which to learn triathlon skills.
  • Help athletes reach their full potential whatever this means for each athlete.
  • Support the athletes to learn more about themselves as an individual while being part of a training group outside of their club .
  • Create a team environment and provide opportunities for junior athletes to meet other athletes in their region.
  • Support clubs with coach development opportunities.
  • Educate athletes, parents & coaches on all aspects of the sport and youth athlete development.
  • Create a link between clubs, hubs and the High Performance Unit.

Who are the Boost Triathlon Hubs for?

The hubs will provide young athletes all over Ireland with regular training sessions facilitated by highly experienced Triathlon Ireland coaches. They will be overseen by the Triathlon Ireland Development Team and  linked to the Emerging Talent Programme and High Performance Unit. Clubs play a huge role in getting young people involved in triathlon and the hubs will also operate in partnership with the clubs and club coaches.

We want the hubs to be as inclusive as possible and will offer regular opportunities for junior athletes with a disability. We will do this through providing training for our coaches, adding additional coaches and linking in with organisations such as CARA to ensure we create the best possible environment. These inclusive sessions will be advertised in advance. 

Who Can Take Part?

These sessions are for anyone who wants to try triathlon, whether you are in a club already or have never tried out triathlon. These are participation sessions, so there will be a wide range of ability levels in attendance.

You must be aged 12-17 and have a Triathlon Ireland membership.

Development

Triathlon Ireland wants to create a clear and supportive pathway for junior athletes to progress towards High Performance. The hubs will help to  facilitate this. The Regional Training hubs will add a step on the pathway programme.

What do you need?

You will need to be able to ride a bike and have your own bike which is in good working order and helmet.
You will need running shoes.
You will need to be able to swim comfortably out of your depth – this won’t be a requirement for every session and we will detail in the registration if there will be a swim session. Unfortunately our coaches will not be able to give swim lessons for beginners at these sessions.

How do you sign up?

You will need to ask your Parents/Carers to register you in advance.
You will need to be a Triathlon Ireland member. Click here for 2022 membership.

Your Parent/Carer should login to the Triathlon Ireland account and then sign up for each hub through the links on our calendar. There is a charge of €5/£4.30 per session. Please note that when registering, the Parent/Carer should register with their contact details, but the attendee’s name.

Register on the Triathlon Ireland Course Calendar

One parent/carer may attend the session with the athlete and must stay for the duration of the session.

Hub Locations & Dates

There will be a hub in each province. You do not need to attend the hub in your province, just attend the one most convenient for you.

Locations for the first four sessions are: 

DateTimeLocationDisciplines
Ulster
14th November 2021		10amSouth Lake Leisure Centre, ArmaghRun & Bike
Connacht
14th November 2021		10.30amBrothers of Charity, Clarinbridge, GalwayRun & Bike
Leinster
6th November 2021		10amAthy College, RathstewartRun & Bike
Munster
6th November 2021		10.15amUniversity of LimerickRun & Swim

Coaches

Triathlon Ireland have appointed qualified coaches for each Boost Triathlon Hub. There will always be a male and female coach present and minimum of one Level 2 coach at each session.  Safeguarding is our priority. All coaches have undergone safeguarding protocols including Garda Vetting/Access NI,  Sport Ireland/ Sport NI Safeguarding training and signing a code of conduct. If a junior has a personal coach they are invited to liaise with the hub coaches.

All sessions will be risk assessed for safety, safeguarding and Covid – 19  issues in advance and relevant information will be provided to parents/carers prior to the session.

Questions? 

If you have any questions about your child taking part in these sessions, please reach out and get in touch with us at the details below:

Admin Contact
Mary Crosbie, mary@triathlonireland.com

Safeguarding Contact
Niamh O’Gorman, niamh@triathloireland.com

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