The Swim Ulster annual Club Conference was held on Saturday 8th March 2025 in Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn.Attending the event, there were 36 individuals who represented 18 different clubs. We were delighted to welcome Aisling McKeever, Swim Ireland Head of Education and Community and Justin Deegan, Swim Ireland’s Clubs Manager.
Huge thanks to Kate Hills, National Children’s Officer who co-presented with Ruth McQuillan on on the following conversation: “From Grassroots to Greatness”. The Key takeaway points from this discussion were:
Support is needed for young members throughout their sporting journey:
- Building mental skills to deal with
- Anxiety
- Identity
- Disappointment
- Not achieving goals
- Controlling emotions
- Building good habits
- Time management
- Respond to situations and disappointments logically rather than emotionally
- Consistency
- Performing under pressure
- Balancing well-being, education and performance
Education is key for parents:
- Provide information on
- Club ethos
- Rules
- Communication
- Expectations
- Behaviours
- Resources
- Club Handbook
- Videos – Girl and Guy Talks
Ensuring your club is a safe environment
After this great discussion from the attendees and the panel, the focus shifted to Roisin Kelly from NICVA (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action) who delivered the second session. Roisin has facilitated workshops for Swim Ulster on several occasions and was welcomed back to deliver this session.
The topic which was discussed was “Creating a Positive Club Culture and Establishing Positive Behaviours”.
Qualities of a Positive Club Culture:
- SAFE, FUN and ENJOYABLE ENVIRONMENT
- VALUES – from the top down. Buy-in from all members
- RESPECT – How do members treat each other and behave?
- CLUB ETHOS – Club, parents, athletes all share the club ethos
Behaviours:
- Positive – How everyone should behave.
- Unacceptable – The sort of behaviour that should not happen
- Non-negotiable – Behaviour that will not be tolerated
We had excellent discussions with everyone there contributing to the day.
Reflecting on the event, Swim Ulster would like to say thank you to Lagan Valley Island and the staff for hosting the event, thanks to Stepping Stones who provided the delicious meals, to NICVA’s Roisin Kelly for delivering an amazing discussion, and finally thank you to Kate Hills from Swim Ireland for the first topic of discussion.