Networks

This refers to the management and facilitation of a range of sectoral networks. Such networks typically meet on a quarterly basis and are made up of professionals operating in a variety of different career/role types. The purpose of each network is to support peer learning, idea sharing, and networking between participants. There are a range of networks in operation presently, with further details below:

 

ACCELERATE Network

Purpose: To build collaboration and capability between Managers/aspiring Managers who have previously participated in the ACCELERATE Management Development Programme, through support for peer-to-peer learning, idea sharing, and networking between participants. Additionally, members are provided with ongoing CPD opportunities, in line with the target role profile of the network.

Current Organisation Profile: Members are employed in organisations including Triathlon Ireland, Clare LSP, IWA Sport, Athletics Ireland, Special Olympics, CARA, Table Tennis and Mayo LSP.

Role Profiles: Members are employed in roles including Community & Health Manager, Operations Executive, Digital Marketing Executive, Sports Programmes Manager, Women in Sport Development Officer, Special Projects Manager and Sports Development Officer

Activity: Apart from regular peer-to-peer network meetings and relevant masterclass offerings, members are also supported with a range of tailored CPD opportunities such as -

  • Attending Professional Diplomas in areas such as Mediation, Data Analytics and Executive Coaching.
  • Attending Conferences and Seminars on themes such as Leadership and Management, Mental Health and Data Analytics.

 

ASPIRE Network

Purpose: To build collaboration and capability between Graduates who have previously participated in the ASPIRE Graduate Employment Programme, through support for peer-to-peer learning, idea sharing and networking between participants. Additionally, members are provided with ongoing CPD opportunities in line with the target profile of the network.

Current Organisation Profile: Members are employed in organisations including FAI, IRFU, GAA, Athletics Ireland, Swim Ireland, Special Olympics, Horse Sport Ireland and Cricket Ireland.

Role Profiles: Members are employed in roles including Project Executive and National Anti-Doping Officer, Community Sports Club Project Coordinator, Training and Education Administrator, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, High-Performance Operations Officer, Senior Men’s Team operations Coordinator, Sports Executive and Sports Development Officer.

Activity: Apart from regular peer-to-peer network meetings and relevant masterclass offerings, members are also supported with a range of tailored CPD opportunities such as -

  • Attending Masterclasses in areas such as Marketing, Financial Management and Communications.

 

Coaching & Mentoring Network

Purpose: To build collaboration and capability between accredited executive coaches and mentors, through support for peer-to-peer learning, idea sharing, and networking between participants. Additionally, members are provided with ongoing CPD opportunities, in line with the target role profile of the network.

Current Organisation Profile: Members are employed in organisations including GAA, IRFU, Active Donegal, Camogie Association, Vision Sports, Waterford LSP, FAI and Connacht Rugby.

Role Profiles: Members are employed in roles including HR Manager, National Sports Development Manager, Sports Development Specialist and Stakeholder Manager, Chief Executive, LSP Coordinator, Education and Training Coordinator, League of Ireland Club Development Manager and Spirit of Rugby and Club Support Manager.HR Director, HR Manager, HR Generalist, HR Officer, Head of People and Culture, and HR Executive.

Activity: Apart from regular peer-to-peer network meetings and relevant masterclass offerings, members are also supported with a range of tailored CPD opportunities such as -

  • Attending Professional Diplomas in areas such as Executive Coaching and Mediation.
  • Attending Conferences and Seminars on themes in the areas of Coaching and Mentoring.

 

HR Network

Purpose: To build collaboration and capability between professional Human Resources employees within the sector, through support for peer-to-peer learning, idea sharing, and networking between participants. Additionally, members are provided with ongoing CPD opportunities, in line with the target role profile of the network.

Current Organisation Profile: Members are employed in organisations including FAI, IRFU, GAA, Athletics Ireland, Swim Ireland, Special Olympics, Horse Sport Ireland and Cricket Ireland.

Role Profiles: Members are employed in roles including HR Director, HR Manager, HR Generalist, HR Officer, Head of People and Culture, and HR Executive.

Activity: Apart from regular peer-to-peer network meetings and relevant masterclass offerings, members are also supported with a range of tailored CPD opportunities such as -

  • Attending Professional Diplomas in areas such as Executive Coaching and Mediation.
  • Receiving Certification in Strengths and Team Assessment Tools.
  • Attending Conferences and Seminars on themes such as Employment Law, Learning Technology, Mental Health, Employee Wellbeing, Learning and Development.

 

Leadership Network

Purpose: To build collaboration and capability between Leaders, through support for peer-to-peer learning, idea sharing, and networking between participants. Additionally, the network members are provided with ongoing CPD opportunities, in line with the role profile in question.

Current Organisation Profile: Members are employed in organisations including Camogie Association, Active Disability Ireland, GAA, FAI, IWA Sport, Table Tennis Ireland, Limerick LSP and Sligo LSP.

Role Profiles: Members are employed in roles including Chief Executive Officer, LSP Coordinator, Operations Director, Head of Clubs, Community & Competitions, Communications and Marketing Manager, National Operations Manager, HR Director and Development Manager.

Activity: Apart from regular peer-to-peer network meetings and relevant masterclass offerings, members are also supported with a range of tailored CPD opportunities such as –

  • Attending Professional Diplomas in areas such as Mediation, Data Analytics and Executive Coaching.
  • Attending Conferences and Seminars on themes such as Leadership and Management, Mental Health and Data Analytics.

 

Wellbeing Champion Network

Purpose: To build collaboration and capability between Wellbeing Champions, through support for peer-to-peer learning, idea sharing, and networking between participants. Additionally, the network members are provided with ongoing CPD opportunities, in line with the role profile in question.

Current Organisation Profile: Members are employed in organisations including Cricket Ireland, Active Disability Ireland, Vision Sports, Horse Sport Ireland, GAA, Basketball Ireland, Golf Ireland, Table Tennis Ireland, Meath LSP and Donegal LSP.

Role Profiles: Members are employed in roles including Sport Inclusion Disability Officer, HR Assistant, Operations Director, Active Programme Assistant Manager, Performance and Technical Support Executive and Sports Development Officer.

Activity: Apart from regular peer-to-peer network meetings and relevant masterclass offerings, members are also supported with a range of tailored CPD opportunities such as –

  • Attending Professional Diplomas in areas such as Corporate Wellbeing and Executive Coaching.
  • Attending Conferences and Seminars on themes such as Mental Health, Employee Wellbeing and Coaching.

 

Disclaimer

Sport Ireland manages and facilitates a range of sectoral networks. Such networks typically meet on a quarterly basis and are made up of professionals operating in a variety of different career/role types. The primary purpose of each network is to support peer-to-peer learning, idea sharing, and networking between participants. It is the responsibility of each network participant employed in the sports sector to ensure they have appropriate approval from their respective organisation to participate in the network and its related range of events. The range of opportunities made available to a network participant is for that individual only and must not be shared with others who are not members of the network.

For the avoidance of doubt, any advice, feedback, or information that may be sought and received informally from other network participants from time to time, including from Sport Ireland employees who are members of a particular network, should not be viewed as a substitute for advice, feedback, or information sought and received from an appropriately qualified and independent professional source.

In relation to the above, it is recommended that network participants consult the governing documentation within their own sporting organisations and engage with an appropriately qualified independent professional (including legal, financial, and governance) source where necessary.

The final decision on the policies, procedures, processes, practices, and related actions for each organisation is a matter for its senior leadership team and board / highest governing structure. The advice, feedback, or information informally sought and received from peer network participants may be of assistance with decision-making in relation to these areas but should not be utilised in place of the independent professional advice referred to above.

For the avoidance of doubt, engagement or communication with any network does not constitute formal engagement or communication with Sport Ireland. Furthermore, Sport Ireland does not accept any responsibility or liability for the nature of the advice, feedback, or information that may be informally received from peer participants within any network.