National Centre Pathway Coaches (Dublin and Limerick)

Swim Ireland Performance Swimming

Vacancies: National Centre Pathway Coaches (Dublin and Limerick)

Remuneration commensurate with experience and qualifications

As part of our Performance Strategy for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle and beyond and with the support of the Sport Ireland High Performance Unit Swim Ireland Performance is seeking two talented motivated and ambitious swimming coaches to take up the roles of National Centre Pathway Coach one based at National Centre Dublin and one based at National Centre Limerick from January 2026.

We are seeking two coaches with a clear long-term commitment to coaching at Performance level in Ireland. These roles combine in-service coaching with structured formal and informal education alongside continued professional development opportunities both within Ireland and internationally.

The National Aquatic Centre home to National Centre Dublin features a 10-lane 50m Olympic-standard pool with movable booms to facilitate short-course training alongside a dedicated 6-lane 25m diving tank. Strength and Conditioning services as well as the full suite of Sport Science and Sports Medicine (SSSM) supports are delivered through the Sport Ireland Institute which is situated on the same campus. Athletes within the Centre benefit from access to tertiary education opportunities at Dublin City University and Technological University Dublin both located within a short drive of the facility. The Centre is approximately 11 miles from Dublin International Airport ensuring strong international connectivity.

The UL Sport Arena home to National Centre Limerick features a 10-lane 50m Olympic-standard pool with movable booms to facilitate short-course training alongside a dedicated 4-lane 25m pool. Strength and conditioning physiotherapy and nutrition services are fully integrated into the daily performance environment with additional Sport Science and Sports Medicine (SSSM) support available as required from the Sport Ireland Institute. Athletes within the Centre are undergraduate or postgraduate students at the University of Limerick.

Role Overview

The National Centre Pathway Coaches will report to the relevant National Centre Head Coach and work within collaborative coaching teams to deliver world-class Performance programmes in their respective Centre environments.

In collaboration with the Regional Pathway Development Coaches in their regions they will connect National Centre activity with regional programmes Performance Pathway Hubs and club environments. This will include supporting athlete and coach identification targeted National Centre engagement and clear communication between Centre regional and club coaches to strengthen progression through the Performance pathway.

Working with the National Centre Head Coach and coaching colleagues each successful candidate will:

Support and oversee a designated group of athletes within the relevant National Centre programme

Contribute to coaching initiatives associated with the National Centre

Deliver coaching hours at National Centre (Dublin) or National Centre (Limerick) as appropriate

Undertake outreach responsibilities by building and sustaining positive relationships with clubs that express an interest in developing links with the National Centres

Operate as a bridge between club programmes Regional Athlete Support Programmes potential Regional Performance Pathway Hubs and the National Centres

Support the development of athletes and coaches through National Centre activity regional engagement camps competitions and aligned coach development opportunities

These roles form an integral part of the Swim Ireland Performance Plan supporting athletes preparing for national and international junior and senior competitions with the ambition of developing world-class performers for the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games.

Our Vision for Performance Swimming in Ireland

Through a unified endeavour across Irish aquatics power a dynamic system and an ever-evolving culture to develop and support identified aquatic talent those who wear the Green Jacket with pride and particularly those who are driven to stand on World & Olympic podiums.

Our work is guided by the following core principles:

Commitment to a long-term Performance programme aimed at recurrent sustainable success

Dedication to developing a system that enables athletes to reach their full potential consistently

Aspiration to deliver success at Olympic World and European level

A people-centred Performance programme focused on developing world-class athletes coaches and practitioners

A commitment to ensuring the Performance pathway is a positive and transformative experience for all involved

What Successful Applicants Will Benefit From

Formal coach education opportunities from Level 2 through Level 3 plus Team Management qualifications as required

Membership of the Sport Ireland Performance Pathway Coach Development Programme

Sport-specific mentoring from the National Performance Director and Performance Team members

Annual domestic and/or international coaching internships (expenses provided)

The opportunity to work within a high-performance Multi-Disciplinary Team environment

Ideal Candidate Profile

Applicants will ideally demonstrate:

1. Knowledge and experience in developing organising and delivering coaching programmes that maximise athlete potential

2. Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to establish credibility with athletes and partners

3. Excellent communication skills and the ability to support short- and long-term programme development

4. A desire to contribute to the evolution and success of the Swim Ireland Performance programme with the National Centres in Dublin and Limerick playing central roles in the national pathway

Key Expectations of the Role

Applicants should understand that they will:

Support the transition of athletes from club environments into Performance programmes capable of delivering international success working constructively with clubs and pathway partners to strengthen alignment across the Performance pathway.

Attend swim meets and/or training camps as required to support National Centre Regional Programme National Programme and National Team athletes

Work unsocial hours including early mornings evenings and weekends as required

Operate as a key member of the Regional and/or National Programme and serve as National Team staff when needed

Coordinate and deliver education opportunities as required

Maintain their Swim Ireland Coach qualification in line with the Register of Aquatic Professionals

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be directed in the first instance to the relevant National Centre Head Coach:

National Centre Limerick John Szaranek

National Centre Dublin Steven Beckerleg via

Equality Diversity & Inclusion

We particularly welcome applications from female candidates and from Black and minority ethnic candidates who are currently under-represented within our Performance Team. Swim Ireland appoints strictly on merit.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Ireland at the time of application.

All applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Applicants may indicate their current salary and/or remuneration expectations during the application process.

How to Apply

Please click on the following link (INSERT FACTORIAL LINK) and upload the following:

Cover letter including a personal statement addressing the role requirements outlining how your skills experience and values align with the position and indicating whether you wish to be considered for the Dublin role the Limerick role or both

Comprehensive CV relevant to the role including details for three referees (one of whom must be your current employer)

Closing date for applications: 12:00 GMT on Friday 7th August 2026.

This is a full-time position with a preferred start date of 1st October 2026 offered as an initial fixed-term contract to 31st August 2028.