We have proudly supported the development of the 2032 High Performance System Coaching Strategy, which sets out a shared commitment to better support, recognise and value coaches across high performance sport. Developed in collaboration with partners across the performance landscape, it reflects a collective belief that coaches are central to success and wellbeing in sport. The strategy provides a clear, coherent, and aligned mission, bringing partners together around five shared priorities to coordinate action, reduce duplication and amplify impact. By working in a more joined‑up way, the system can create better experiences for coaches, clearer pathways for development and recognition, and stronger foundations for sustained success to 2032 and beyond.
Over the past 18 months Sport NI has held regular meetings with colleagues from UK Sport, Sport England, Sportscotland, Sport Wales, UK Coaching and CIMSPA. These meetings have been instrumental in developing the strategy collaboratively, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of performance and pathway environments across the UK.
Sport NI will collaborate with our partners throughout the strategy timeline to ensure progress is made across the five pillars. We will also provide learning and development support to coaches within this performance and pathway environment.
We have recently established a Performance Pathway Network to support governing body performance pathway leads. This network aims to create a sustainable athlete-centred performance system prioritising pathway development talent nurturing and enabling all Northern Ireland athletes to realise their full potential. By striving for this goal, the network will provide learning and development opportunities for leads across the five strategy pillars.
Alongside the delivery of the Performance Pathway Network, two further key areas will be the delivery of the Coaching Collective in partnership with Ulster University and the Commonwealth Futures programme in partnership with Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland.
The Coaching Collective provides a mechanism to support regular shared targeted learning and development opportunities for coaches operating across local pathway and performance environments. Delivered three to four times per year, it is an informal opportunity for local coaches to come together, hear the thoughts of subject matter experts and spend time reflecting on three key areas: Focus on Self; Focus on the Athlete; and Focus on the Environment.
The Commonwealth Futures provides a range of Learning and Development opportunities for 40 ‘key’ coaches and practitioners, identified by their governing body in conjunction with Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland. While the primary consideration for their recruitment will be their inclusion in coaching roles at the Games, it is anticipated that they will also play a role in broader pathway and performance events for their sport (e.g. European, World, Olympic). This model has been established following insight that identified a challenge in succession planning and learning and development opportunities for the performance and pathway workforce.
Alan Curran, People Development Manager said: “Together we are building a future where coaches are valued, supported and empowered to craft excellence; that inspires, leads and transforms lives.
We look forward to continuing to work closely with UK Sport and partners across the system to deliver on these shared ambitions.
2032 High Performance System Coaching Strategy
About the High Performance System Advisor Group (HPSAG)
HPSAG a cross-system advisory group that brings together senior leaders and experts from across the high performance sport system to provide insight, challenge and alignment on major strategic issues (for example coaching, system alignment, major events, and cross‑home nation collaboration).
Supporting coaches. Strengthening the coaching community. Powering success.