IABA, through Education & Training Officer, Nikki Foley, is conducting a survey of all coaches, to pinpoint the kinds of workshops, seminars and learning opportunities that coaches would most value.
Every coach in your club is invited to take part – the survey is anonymous.
IABA will use the information to design and deliver the kind of development opportunities that coaches share will have the most impact for them in the clubhouse, and covers elements including technical/tactical, S&C, nutrition, mindset supports, periodization, session planning. Coaches are invited to include additional areas in which they feel education/training may benefit them.
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
Central Council has issued an advisory in advance of the opening of entries to the 2025 National Youth Championships.
Advance Notice – 2025 National Youth Championships
Details:
Entries Open: 20th December via Blocworx
Closing Date: 3rd January 2025
Draw: 7th January 2025
Boxing Dates: January 10th, 11th, 12th and 17th, 18th 19th
Times: To be confirmed.
A circular will be issued prior to the opening of Blocworx.
Championship Up-Dates
All Coaches must be registered via Blocworx in order to enter the Field of Play & Changing Rooms
Coaches must be Garda Vetted or in the process of getting Vetting.
Must be Qualified Level 1 Coach or Fundamental Coach (As 2nd in Corner)
Wristbands will be issued by Stephen Connelly to Coaches to allow them to enter the Field of play & Changing Rooms, coaches can collect these at the weigh in or prior to your bout.
OLNY coaches with wristbands will be allowed access to the Field of Play & Changing Rooms.
2025 Calendar
Work is ongoing on the 2025 calendar. Much of IABA’s championship calendar rests on the competition schedules at European and World level and, unfortunately, we are restrained from completing the 2025 calendar as neither the EUBC or the IBA have released their competition schedules for next year. IABA’s calendar will be made available to all clubs as soon as the EUBC and IBA have provided their championship dates.
The latest installment of the Seconds Out: Stories of Irish Boxing series is a profile of Monivea BC’s Gus Farrell.
Gus Farrell was selected by the Provincial Council as a person who has made a singular contribution to boxing in Ireland.
Gus was born in Wexford, and is the county’s first ever National Elite Champion. He has two Elite titles under his belt (bantamweight and feather), and is a multi-Elite silver medalist. He has boxed for Ireland and as part of the Irish National Senior Team which toured the US in 1977. During that time, he visited Deer Park to watch Mohammed Ali prep for his bout with Leon Spinks and had a now historic interaction with The Greatest. “I started at 9. I’m 67 now. I’m a very years in this game and I love it. I’ve never looked back since I came in the door in St. Pat’s in Enniscorthy”
In the early 1980s, Gus moved to Galway and founded Monivea Boxing Club, which has gone on to produce multiple provincial and national champions, and international boxers. Gus also shares how he “accidentally” founded Monivea BC after an announcement by the town’s Parish Priest at Mass. “I went to the local priest to look for somewhere to leave and to keep training, because I was married with two kids at that time. He announced it at Mass the following Sunday – he said, there’s a boxing club starting next week in the old hall. I said to myself, what’s he talking about? I just wanted somewhere to keep fit. Low and behold, I went home. The next Thursday night we came up, and there was about 60 kids and 20 parents and it blossomed from there. We’ve been very lucky. Very lucky with the community and with the people that get involved”
Gus’ coaching career is impressive. He was a High Performance coach before the formalizationof HP coaching in the early 2000s. He became an Olympic coach as part of the backroom team for the Atlanta 1996 Games. Gus is a qualified IABA Coach Developer, which means he can deliver training to qualify people to coach boxing. He is also a member of the IABA Coach Education Committee, responsible for design and delivery of coach qualification courses.
In 2023, he was elected a member of Connacht Provincial Council. After filming of this piece concluded, Gus won election as Interim President of Connacht.
This profile includes contribution from members of Gus’ family and the wider Galway community, including High Performance boxer, Adam Hession, Galway County Board Secretary and now Interim Connacht VP Alan Donnellan, and Gabe Cronley
Adam says “Gus has had a massive impact on where I am today. Jesus, without Gus, I definitely wouldn’t have achieved what I have achieved to date. He’s a role model. He has definitely a role model for me, inside and outside the ring”.
Alan says “He gives so much to the kids in his club in the community. And that’s really what he’s about. He really is about representing the community, doing as much as he can. Even though he is synonymous with boxing, he does so much more for people outside boxing in the community”
This short film is part of a series of shorts on Irish Boxing – Seconds Out: Stories of Irish Boxing, commissioned by IABA and produced by Lowki Culture, and supported by Sport Ireland
Check out the full suite of Seconds Out: Stories of Irish Boxing pieces.
IABA is delighted to welcome Nikki Foley as the Association’s Education and Training Officer.
Nikki is a Coach at Tralee Boxing Club, is a qualified Coach Developer, delivering IABA Coach Education in Fundamentals and Level One.
She is a certified Coach Developer Assessor, and has a background in adult education.
The Education & Training Officer supports the development, coordination, and delivery of educational and training programs. Nikki’s role involves working closely with internal and external stakeholders to create a blended learning experience and providing support to learners. She will also collaborate with various departments to develop and implement digital educational resources.
Nikki says “I’m here to support everyone in the organisation with Coach Development – working towards shared goals. I have been helping with coach education programmes in the IABA for two years, prior to the role of Training and education officer”
