NATIONAL CENTRE ULSTER
National Centre Ulster (NCU), in collaboration with Swim Ulster and Swim Ireland High Performance, is passionately committed to nurturing both swimming talent and educational aspirations. This collaboration is bolstered by the support of Sport Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland. The centre’s dedicated staff focuses on unlocking the potential of athletes across Northern Ireland and any Irish athletes participating in the programme. As the Olympic Games of 2024 and 2028 approach, their goal is unwavering: to be a leading performance hub for swimming in Ulster, offering robust performance support to athletes.
National Centre Ulster’s approach extends beyond just coaching. NCU’s methods emphasise comprehensive preparation, development, and education for athletes. Open to targeted athletes within Swim Ireland’s Performance and Performance Pathway systems, the centre champions an inclusive approach that synergises the best minds and talents in Irish swimming.
NCU’s commitment to excellence encompasses not only athletic training but also academic development. In partnership with the University of Ulster and Queen’s University Belfast, it proudly offers two scholarship programs. These scholarships allow full-time athletes to pursue their academic goals while nurturing their swimming careers.
If you are interested in learning more about the National Centre Ulster, the programs available, or wish to become part of this enriching journey, you are encouraged to reach out. By completing an inquiry form, you can receive comprehensive information tailored to your interests and goals. The centre eagerly awaits the opportunity to assist you in achieving your aspirations in both swimming and academics.
COACHING STAFF
HEAD COACH
NATIONAL CENTRE ULSTER
KEVIN ANDERSON
Kevin is a seasoned swimming coach and sport director with a wealth of experience in high-performance. He holds a Certificate in Sport Management from Columbia University and a High-Performance Coaching Diploma from the Canadian Sport Institute-Calgary. Kevin has been a pivotal figure on Canadian and Irish National Teams, guiding athletes to break Junior and Senior National Records in both countries. His coaching prowess has led his athletes to achieve gold medals at World Cups, secure finals spots at World University Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Para Championships, as well as earn a European Junior medal and Youth Commonwealth Games gold medals. Many of his athletes have become NCAA Champions and Olympians. His recent appointment as Head Coach for the Commonwealth Games and the European Under 23 Championships resulted in Northern Ireland’s best CWG performance and a top finish at the Euro U23 Championships.
"At NCU we provide each athlete with the specific training and support they need to maximise their potential. Our athletes receive the best international competition and training opportunities to accelerate their performance."
ASSISTANT COACH
NATIONAL CENTRE ULSTER
DAVID THOMPSON
David has devoted his whole life to swimming with a competitive career spanning over 20 years before recently retiring in 2022. David attended Loughborough University from 2012-2016 before returning to train at Bangor Swim Club for a further five years and then finishing off his career training at NCU under Kevin Anderson for his final year. A sprint freestyle and butterfly specialist, David’s representative credentials include appearances at the 2014 & 2018 Commonwealth Games where he represented Northern Ireland, and the 2018 European Championships representing Ireland.
With such a substantial breadth of experience in the sport of swimming, David is an excellent role model for our athletes.
"NCU is so special because of the brilliant team dynamic we have created. Every athlete is there to work hard and everyone in the team pushes each other forward."
MEET OUR ATHLETES
Meet the athletes making waves in the swimming world whilst swimming and studying full time in Ulster.
SPONSOR AN ATHLETE
The Adopt an Athlete programme supports our talent finanically, allowing them to excel in the pool, in school and achieve success.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT NATIONAL CENTRE ULSTER
A key feature of National Centre Ulster is its collaboration with the University of Ulster and Queen’s University Belfast, offering unique scholarship programs. These partnerships provide full-time athletes with the opportunity to balance their swimming careers with higher education. The scholarships are designed to support athletes in their academic journey while they train and compete at elite levels. This dual approach ensures that athletes do not have to choose between their sporting aspirations and academic achievements, offering a holistic path to success.
If you are interested in learning more about the National Centre Ulster, the programs available, or wish to become part of this enriching journey, you are encouraged to reach out. By completing an inquiry form, you can receive comprehensive information tailored to your interests and goals. The centre eagerly awaits the opportunity to assist you in achieving your aspirations in both swimming and academics.
QUEENS UNIVERSITY
ULSTER UNIVERSITY
PROGRAM INQUIRY
SWIM IRELAND
To explore the range of programs and initiatives offered by Swim Ireland, and to understand Swim Ulster’s integral role in their mission, you can visit the Swim Ireland website for further details.
