Erasmus+ Sport: Athletics Ireland

In 2024, Athletics Ireland took their first step into international knowledge exchange by participating in an Erasmus+ Sports Mobility, with the aim of improving coaching for High Jumps. Despite a long history of athletics, including being credited with the invention of the triple jump, Ireland’s performance in jumps had fallen behind, something that Athletics Ireland hoped to address and improve through international exchange.

Athletics Ireland sports staff travelled to Gothenburg, Sweden, with the aim of shadowing High Jump coaches, exchanging expertise and exploring ways to progress the sport in Ireland. The impact of this visit was profound – the following year, Athletics Ireland celebrated a historic achievement as three athletes reached the European U18 High Jumps finals for the first time.

Since their first steps with Erasmus+, the organisation has immersed itself in international exchange. Athletics Ireland have participated in projects with partners across Spain, Germany and Sweden, expanding to other athletics sports and creating a collaborative network of volunteer coaches across Europe.

Although the performance increases are clear, the impact of Erasmus+ on the organisation goes far beyond competition results. As Olivia Scully Hahne, RDO at Athletics Ireland explains, “The connections formed through shared love of athletics, particularly the specific event participants shadowed in the mobility programme, brings rewards that go far beyond simply gaining knowledge.”

As Athletics Ireland continues to expand its international partnerships, Erasmus+ is playing an important role in supporting coach development, fostering collaboration and strengthening the future of athletics at grassroots level across Ireland.

Erasmus+ Sports offers clubs and coaches the opportunity to gain new knowledge and develop strong partnerships with grassroots organisations across Europe. Hear about the transformative impact of Erasmus+ in the video below: