VACANCY: National Centre Pathway Coaches (Limerick)

Irish Sport; Limerick; Hybrid; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Formal coach education opportunities

Coach development programme membership

National Centre internships

Job summary

Swim Ireland Performance at the National Centre Limerick seeks a National Centre Pathway Coach from January 2027 to join a high-performance team dedicated to developing world-class swimmers. The role combines in-service coaching with formal and informal education, and aligns national centre activity with regional clubs and pathways.

We welcome applicants with a clear commitment to Ireland’s performance pathway and experience in delivering coaching programmes, while building strong links with

Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop, organise and deliver coaching programmes that enhance athlete potential.
• Strong relationship-building with athletes, clubs and partners.
• Excellent communication and ability to drive short- and long-term programme development.

Responsibilities

• Support and oversee a designated group of athletes within the National Centre programme.
• Deliver coaching hours at the National Centre.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with clubs to develop links with the National Centres.
• Bridge between club programmes, regional pathways and National Centre activities.
• Support development of athletes and coaches through National Centre activity, regional engagement, camps and competitions.

Skills

Coaching experience

Relationship building

Programme development

Job description

Oct 29, 2026

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 a talented, motivated and ambitious swimming coach to take up the role of National Centre Pathway Coach, at National Centre Limerick, from January 2027 (or earlier).

We are seeking a coach with a clear, long‑term commitment to coaching at Performance level in Ireland. This role combines in‑service coaching with structured formal and informal education, alongside continued professional development opportunities both within Ireland and internationally.

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 Coach will report to the National Centre Head Coach and work within a collaborative coaching team to deliver world‑class Performance programmes in the Centre environment.

In collaboration with the Regional Pathway Development Coach in their region, 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, the successful candidate will:

• Support and oversee a designated group of athletes within the National Centre programme
• Contribute to coaching initiatives associated with the National Centre
• Deliver coaching hours at the National Centre
• 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

The role forms an integral part of the Swim Ireland Performance Plan 2024–2028, 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:

• Knowledge and experience in developing, organising, and delivering coaching programmes that maximise athlete potential
• Strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to establish credibility with athletes and partners
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to support short‑and long‑term programme development
• A desire to contribute to the evolution and success of the Swim Ireland Performance programme, with the National Centre Limerick playing a central role 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 National Centre Head Coach (Limerick), John Szaranek [emailprotected]

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.

Closing date for applications: Close of business on Monday 16 th November 2026.

This is a full‑time position, with a preferred start date of 1 st January 2027 (or earlier), offered as an initial fixed‑term contract to 31 st August 2028.