Swim Ireland Clubs Conference 2025
Strengthening Club Communities Through Support and Connection
Swim Ireland’s 2025 Clubs Conference took place at the Limerick Strand Hotel on Saturday, March 22nd, bringing together club committee members and volunteers from across the country for a full day of learning, discussion, and shared insight.
Following on from the excellent Swim Ulster Clubs Conference which took place earlier in the month at Lagan Valley Island, this year’s event marked an important milestone, as it reflected Swim Ireland’s renewed commitment to club development through a restructured Clubs Department built around a dedicated and experienced team. With improved alignment between club support, governance, education, and membership functions, the department is better positioned than ever to provide consistent and meaningful assistance to clubs nationwide.
The day opened with a lively icebreaker before moving into a series of sessions that encouraged collaboration and practical reflection, including:
- Club Support 2025 & Beyond – an overview of findings from our 2025 Club Survey and how they’re informing future supports for club committees and structures.
- Club Congress – a dynamic forum for open discussion, covering topics such as mandatory training, governance practices, and the importance of aligning roles with the right individuals.
- Managing Behaviours in Your Club – a practical session exploring real-life challenges and strategies for fostering positive, respectful club environments.
The atmosphere throughout the day was open, energetic, and solution-focused. Of the 45 attendees, over half provided feedback through our post-event survey, resulting in an 86% satisfaction rating.
Attendees highlighted the value of:
- Meeting and learning from fellow club volunteers
- Gaining insight into Swim Ireland’s direction and resources
- Engaging in peer-led conversations that sparked ideas and confidence
Key suggestions for future events included:
- Sharing complex materials in advance to allow more informed input
- Allocating more time for open discussion and club-led contributions
- Expanding representation for all club types, including Masters and open water
Looking ahead, the Club Support Workshop Series beginning in April will offer continued learning and support, covering:
- Committee Role & Induction Toolkit (April)
- Communication & Engagement Best Practice (May)
- Affiliation 2025: Getting a Head Start (June)
Watch out for dates to be announced very shortly on our website and social media channels.
The 2025 National Clubs Conference demonstrated the collective strength of our club network – and Swim Ireland’s commitment to nurturing that strength through consistent support, improved communication, and a shared sense of purpose.
The post Swim Ireland Clubs Conference 2025 appeared first on Swim Ireland.