Ciara will take on Bobbylee Burns. The two last met in December’s Women’s Winter Box Cup 2024 where Ciara was the victor. Bethany contests against 19 year old Mary-Kate Smith. Judy steps between the ropes against Grace Buckle – the two last met in the 2023 Haringey Box Cup Final, where Grace came home with gold.
The Roaring Lions Internaitonal will be boxed at the Magna Science and Adventure Centre in Rotherham on Friday 7th February 2025 from 6pm.
England Boxing has advised the event will not be streamed, but live results will be available on englandboxing.org on the night.
National Performance Head Coach Zauri Antia says “These development opportunities are vitally important for the forward progression of Elite athletes – and we’re delighted to accept England Boxing’s invitation for Ciara, Bethany and Judy. Their preparatory training has been excellent, and we’re expecting highly competitive contests.”
Head of Performance at England Boxing Chris Connelly said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to host the upcoming Roaring Lions international, marking the first time in quite some time that we’ve held an event like this. Germany and Ireland are bringing some exceptional talent, and we’re expecting high-quality, competitive bouts that will really showcase the best of international boxing”.
193 girls participated in IABA boxing events at the Girls Active Festival in Sligo ATU yesterday.
Events like these are important in sharing the sheer fun of boxing training, and opening the doors of our sport to new communities.
Sessions were co-delivered by Sligo Boxing Development Officer Maeve Clarke, Galway Boxing Development Officer Adam Hession and Ballinacarrow BC Coach, Eamon Tighe.
The Girls Active programme, under the umbrella of Sport Ireland’s “Her Moves” campaign, is all about introducing less active teenage girls to new physical activities they might not normally try.
IABA’s Women in Sport Officer Sophie Doolan is hosting a keynote event focusing on nutrition on Sunday, January 26th, Fuelling Success. This event is open to boxers, coaches and parents.
This panel discussion will be MC’d by Paris Olympian Grainne Walsh, of St. Mary’s BC, Tallaght, and follows on from her participation in the Sport Ireland’s Body Composition: More than a Number Campaign, which you can watch here:
The panel will be composed of Paris Olympians and will be discussing how they make weight and manage eating for performance and how this has evolved for them throughout their careers.
The panel will be followed by a presentation on key nutrition points by Dr. Sharon Madigan, Head of Performance Nutrition at Sport Ireland Institute – Sharon has worked with boxing for 20 years, through 5 Olympic Games, and numerous World and European campaigns.
Date: January 26th
Time: 2.30pm
Location: the Carlton Hotel, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
IABA, through recruitment firm Ascension, is recruiting a Chief Executive Officer.
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) is the national governing body for boxing in on the island of Ireland. Established in 1911, the IABA’s main role is to develop, foster and control amateur boxing in 32 counties of Ireland.
The IABA is committed to provide the environment in which support and opportunities given to our athletes, coaches and clubs in Irish boxing.
The IABA operates from the National Stadium in Dublin, the only purpose-built amateur boxing stadium in the world and there are currently over 360 clubs affiliated to the association across the Island oof Ireland.
It is a volunteer led organization where the hard work, dedication and significant time afforded by each member has contributed to the growing success of the sport in Ireland.
Our vision is to honour our standing as Ireland’s most successful Olympic Sport, and become Ireland’s most innovative, inclusive and development-focused sporting community
Our purpose is to develop a culture of unity, promote engagement and participation in clubs and communities, and advance performance at all levels.
The Position
As Chief Executive Officer, you will lead the organisation and be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA). You will be accountable to the Board, as you drive the organisation forward.
As CEO, you will be expected to understand member’s needs, while having the ability to manage a complex portfolio of organisational responsibilities, including commercial and strategic priorities, operational effectiveness, stakeholder management, communications and financial/governance controls.
To be considered for this role you will need to be a strong leader, with excellent stakeholder management capabilities and have the ability to attract new revenue streams through sponsorship and funding initiatives. You should have excellent skills in management prioritisation and specifically be experienced in the delivery of strategic plan goals.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership / Strategic Planning
Act as an organisational culture champion. Continue to develop the values of IABA and lead by example by delivering objectives through inclusivity, integrity, respect, the pursuits of excellence and teamwork.
Maintain and develop best practice management and governance protocols.
Represent IABA and the IABA community, nationally and internationally, in a responsible manner in line with the organisation’s values.
Work proactively and respectfully with all the organisation’s key stakeholders to deliver the goals of the Strategic Plan.
Stakeholder management
Create an environment where excellent relationships with all stakeholders are maintained – including Sport Ireland, government, commercial partners, referees, coaches, volunteers, schools, colleges and clubs to help deliver IABA strategic outcomes.
Ensuring an inclusive environment, with consultation and dialogue at its core, is a key priority for the organisation.
Actively engage with the IABA community in creating an open dialogue.
Financial/Governance/Risk Management
Manage the financial dealings of the Association in a prudent manner in line with Board oversight.
Ensure IABA is at the forefront of best peer practice in all Governance matters and in full compliance with statutory frameworks with full Board engagement.
Continue to actively explore and drive existing and potentially innovative and new revenue streams outside of statutory funding vehicles.
Ensure all IABA risk management systems and policies are appropriate, current and applied.
Ensure the successful ongoing operation and resourcing of Board Committees in line with Board policies.
Commercial, Marketing and Communications
Manage commercial and sponsor relationships to maximise revenue certainty by building long-term partnerships.
Identify new programmes and other innovative opportunities to expand the revenue base.
Ensure that marketing and communications activities are structured to strengthen the reputation of IABA and that of the sport.
Assume the role of primary spokesperson for IABA, supported by the marketing/communications professionals and with board oversight.
Experience Requirements
Essential:
Degree or similar level qualification, or equivalent expertise in a sports or management-related discipline or
Strategic experience in a similar field, ideally in the sporting or not-for profit sectors.
Minimum of 5 years senior management or executive experience in a fast-paced and challenging environment nationally/internationally.
Experience managing budgets.
Experience in securing commercial sponsorship contracts with leading national and international brands.
Experience of effectively managing and motivating a team of diverse professionals.
Visionary thinker with the ability to facilitate and lead change.
Strong, yet inclusive management and leadership style, with the ability to effectively build relationships with a wide variety of IABA enthusiasts, volunteers, professionals, governing bodies and other stakeholders.
A passion for excellence while maintaining impeccable standards of integrity, both organisationally and personally.
Previous experience of reporting to a Board.
Experience of building relationships and collaborating effectively with multiple organisations and stakeholders to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes.
A leader who values diversity and inclusion at all levels, who will champion this agenda and continue to deliver real change inside the organisation and across the sport as a whole.
A confident spokesperson when representing our organisation, an ability to demonstrate previous experience in doing so with stakeholders, commercial partners, media and others.
Desirable:
A passion for sport in general and boxing in particular with a knowledge of boxing infrastructures and systems
Experience in working with a diverse range of stakeholders in Ireland and Internationally.
Experience of working with the media.
Applications
To apply for this position please send your CV and cover letter in confidance outlining why you are suitable for this position to our recruitment partner Ascension Executive Recruitment – recruitment@ascension.ie no later than 5pm on Monday 27th of January 2025, or through THIS portal.
IABA is delighted to partner with Ascension in recruitment of the National Performance Director on
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) is the National Governing Body of Sport responsible for the development and management of amateur boxing in Ireland. The IABA established a National High Performance Unit (HPU) in 2003 and since its inception the IABA HPU has been delivering consistent success for Ireland in the ring at European, World and Olympic level. Boxing is Ireland’s most successful Olympic sport with a rich history of world class boxers having won 19 medals.
A key to this sustained international success is the National Performance Director (NPD), a role that is responsible for leading both strategically and operationally to deliver key performance outcomes. The HPU prepares Irish elite and U22 boxing talent for benchmark international competition including European, World and Olympic Championships. The programme, based at the Sport Ireland Institute (SII) in Abbotstown, is dedicated to developing and nurturing elite and U22 talent from boxing clubs all over Ireland, with the primary aim being to prepare athletes to compete on the international stage, to win medals and importantly, to fulfil their potential beyond and outside of boxing.
The NPD has ultimate responsibility for all elements of the National Performance Plan (NPP), including oversight of the Ulster Medals and More Programme. The NPD reports directly to the IABA Chief Executive and is the primary contact for key high performance funding partners, governing bodies and stakeholders. Critical to the role are the close working relationships with the National Head Coach and HPU Manager, to establish a well thought out and fully costed annual and quadrennial training and competition plan. Additionally, the NPD has overall responsibility for leading and managing a team of dedicated HPU Coaches and a team of Sports Science and Medicine performance staff to deliver on targeted performance support to meet agreed targets.
Role Description
Title: IABA Performance Director
Based:
IABA High Performance Unit (HPU) at the Sport Ireland Institute (SISI), Abbotstown and Ulster High Performance Unit (UHPU) at the University Ulster Jordanstown (UUJ)
Reports to: IABA Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Line Manages:
National Head Coach, HPU Performance Coaches, HPU Manager, National Pathway Manager (to be appointed), Ulster Head Performance Coach and Ulster HPU Manager. Also has oversight of the Sport Ireland supported HPU Pool Coach programme.
Key Relationships:
Internal stakeholders: IABA CEO, Chairman and the Board of Directors, Central Council and Coaching Committee, Ulster Boxing Council and IABA staff.
External stakeholders: Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland, Sport Ireland Institute, Sports Institute Northern Ireland, Olympic Federation of Ireland and the National Sports Campus Development Authority.
Eligibility:
European Economic Area (EEA) Nationals and non EEA Nationals are encouraged to apply, however an employment permit will be required for a non EEA National
Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience
Contract Term: 4 years
Primary Purpose:
To lead and be primarily accountable for all aspects of the IABA High Performance Strategy, performance system and investment, establishing a culture that drives World Class performance while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of athletes and staff and enhancing the reputation of Irish amateur Boxing at all levels.
Key Responsibilities and Accountability
Responsible for developing and driving the delivery of IABA’s High Performance Plan to World Class standards and performance to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and beyond.
Leads high performance alignment to the IABA 2024-2028 Strategic Plan “In Your Corner” and ensures there is alignment of all high performance activity and investment to the themes, objectives and strategic outcomes of the plan.
Represents the IABA in all matters pertaining to High Performance and liaises with key funding and support agencies such as Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland, Irish Institute of Sport, Sports Institute Northern Ireland, the Olympic Federation of Ireland and the National Sports Campus Development Authority.
Prepares and presents a fully costed annual high performance programme plan, incorporating the HPU daily training environment, training and sparring camps, competition and staff rosters covering all areas of athlete and staff development, and performance.
Contributes to planning and the approval of the Ulster Medals and More Programme, incorporating Juniors, Youth and Elite athlete development and performance within the University Ulster Jordanstown (UUJ) high performance training centre and for participation and performance at the quadrennial Commonwealth Games.
Presents reports and updates as required to the CEO, IABA Board and IABA High Performance Advisory Board (yet to be appointed), Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland and the Olympic Federation of Ireland.
Develops and manages the annual high performance budget, aligning to IABA Financial Policy, with transparency around investment, and setting clear accountability for all staff in respect of expenditure for programme and work related expenses.
In consultation with the IABA CEO, plays a lead role in HPU staff recruitment processes and outcomes, utilising best practice methodology to attract and retain the best staff to the HPU.
Line-manages all IABA contracted HPU staff, ensuring that they feel supported and can operate within a professional and positive work environment with appropriate performance management and individualised professional development.
Oversees all Elite and U22 representative team and training squad selection decisions in the role of Chair, including the development and updating of appropriate policy and processes that ensure transparency and fairness for all types of selection.
In conjunction with the SII Director of Performance Support and SNII Performance Manager, negotiates the annual Sport Support Agreement for performance support in the daily training environment and establishes a clear set of key performance indicators for all areas of performance support and in conjunction with SISI and SNI monitors the work and contribution of these staff against agreed outcomes.
In collaboration with the HPU coaches and staff, co-ordinates all aspects of the HPU programme including individual and squad coaching, training programmes, training camps, sports science and medicine services, competition preparation and planning, competition performance and all other relevant aspects of the high performance programme.
Implements and monitors adherence to IABA codes of conduct for all participants within the programme to ensure a strong performance culture and set of positive behaviours, and where necessary work within IABA and HPU policy to instigate disciplinary proceedings and appropriate sanctions for breaches of these codes.
Lead on applications for the Sport Ireland International Carding Scheme and support Sport Northern Ireland Medals and More Awards applications supporting athletes to receive direct athlete financial support, overseeing all requirements of these programmes including reporting to maximise personal financial support for Irish boxers.
Ensure that systems and processes are in place that deliver a high level of duty of care to Staff and Athletes, adhering to IABA principles of Athlete and Staff personal excellence and well-being and drive a commitment to on-going personal growth and development.
In conjunction with the National Development Manager and National Head Coach, develops and identifies a programme for High Performance Coach development including integrating HPU coaches into Sport Ireland Institute professional development programmes and Pool coaches into HPU professional development activity including exposure to Sport Science and Medicine professionals, participation in training camps and competition events.
As per the IABA 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, works collaboratively with appropriate key staff to lead on the implementation of a performance pathway programme which aims to support the identification and development of athletes (ages 16-20) who have potential to progress into the HPU and to become successful elite athletes.
Work cooperatively with the IABA CEO, key staff and sponsors to support marketing and promotional activities and media requirements.
Key Requirements for the role
Minimum of 4 years working in a High Performance system in the same role, or a similar key position in a people based industry leading and managing high performance outcomes;
Demonstrated success in building High Performance systems for elite and development athletes, performance programme plans, processes and action plans, managing people and a culture of personal excellence that underpins athlete performance and deliver world class performance results;
Proven ability to plan and deliver on strategic direction, detailed operational planning, monitoring and reviews, reporting and aligning stakeholders to maximise their contributions;
Demonstrated experience in effectively managing financial resources and programme budgets, where resources need to be maximized;
Deep understanding of the key drivers of high performance to achieve International success and Sustainable International success through an aligned athlete and coach development pathway;
Demonstrated experience of managing complex partnerships, challenging and passionate personalities and inspiring and leading people to deliver and achieve world class outcomes;
Strong track record and proven leadership skills including leading change and effective team building skills to create and drive a programme that brings the best out of people;
Proven ability to manage conflict effectively, identify solutions and stay calm under pressure;
Able to show evidence of and demonstrate personal high performance characteristics including strong work ethic, professional approach with high performance demeanour, driven to achieve, honesty with integrity, team player, committed to learning and personal growth;
Outstanding communication and management skills;
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post holder is required to undergo Safeguarding Training, to be agreed with the Head of Safeguarding.
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association is an equal opportunities employer.
Applications
Suitable applicants can apply for this role by submitting a cover letter of introduction indicating how as a candidate you meet the essential criteria and experience, and any qualifications pertaining to the role. Please also include a CV that outlines previous employment relevant to the role of Performance Director, specific experience working in high performance sport or an equivalent people-based industry, and an outline of skills and achievements that align to this role. Contact details for 3 professional referees are required. Applications should be submitted here
For further information or if candidates have any questions on the role, please direct these to recruitment@ascension.ie
