PERFORMANCE PATHWAYS
As part of Queen’s Sport’s current five-year strategy, we have conceptualised Club, Athlete, Coach, and Team Development along a series of Pathways. These begin nominally at a basic competitive level and progress through to the elite end of sporting competition. Clubs, Athletes, Coaches, and Teams all have the chance to move along these Pathways during their time with Queen’s. From 2020/21 the Students’ Union Annual Grant Scheme, as well as our EAP, Academy, Sub-Academy, and Bursary Scholarships will all be linked directly to the Pathways model, allowing for greater clarity on the part of our student athletes. All of our Sport Development work at Queen’s is mapped to these pathways as we implement our ‘Our Game Plan’, the current strategy for sport at the University.
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Club Development
Our Sports Clubs should aspire to develop and progress in their governance, coaching, and on-field provision. We have drawn up this Pathway to help Student Club Officers conceptualise and plan progress in their club. While we hope that every club advances as far along the Pathway as possible, it may not be possible for every club to reach Level 3, due to a lack of NGB or other infrastructure at a national level. Queen’s Sport and Students’ Union Staff are here to help you build your club during your time at Queen’s and can provide you with information that may help you
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Athlete Development
The Athlete Development Pathway at Queen’s is designed to support student-athletes as they grow and progress through different levels of performance. It outlines the structures in place to help athletes improve physically, mentally, and technically, while managing the demands of university life. Whether competing at university, national, or international level, athletes have access to coaching, performance services, and ongoing support. Queen’s Sport is committed to helping every athlete maximise their potential, both on and off the field.
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Coach Development
Coaches play a vital role in the development and success of our student-athletes, teams, and clubs. This Pathway is designed to support coaches at all levels, from volunteer and student coaches to experienced professionals by providing guidance, training opportunities, and a clear structure for progression. Whether you're new to coaching or aiming to build a high-performance environment, Queen’s Sport is committed to helping you develop your skills, knowledge, and impact within your role.
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Team Development
Our Performance Teams compete at the highest level of student sport and receive tailored support to help them grow and succeed. This Pathway outlines how teams can continue to develop in areas such as coaching, performance planning, and player support. Current Performance Teams at Queen’s include Men’s Rugby 1st XV, Women’s Hockey 1st XI, Men’s Hockey 1st XI, Rowing Performance Crews, Men’s and Women’s Senior Gaelic Football 1st XV, Men’s Fresher Gaelic Football 1st XV, and Men’s Soccer 1st XI and U20 1st XI. Queen’s Sport works closely with coaches and team leads to ensure the right structures are in place for long-term progress.
