Follow Waterford Sports Partnership on Facebook
Follow Waterford Sports Partnership on Youtube
Follow Waterford Sports Partnership on Twitter
Follow Waterford Sports Partnership on Instagram

Bike Week 2024

Published: April 17, 2024

National Bike Week is a celebration and promotion of all that’s great about bikes and cycling. Held over an extended week each year, with bike themed events organised by local authorities, community groups and cycling groups throughout Ireland.

This year, Bike Week begins on Saturday 11th May finishing on Sunday 19th. Over the week, a range of cycling activities, events and workshops will take place across the county. There will be activities for all ages and levels from new to advanced cyclist planned by Waterford City and County Council and Waterford Sports Partnership

In total, we are planning 19 events with 13 events open to the public. Opportunities include: Learn to Cycle for People with a Disability, Schools Bike Maintenance Workshops, Women and Men Social Cycle Programmes, Women  Only Bike maintenance and a Lunchtime Cycle.

All events are free and if you have no bike, no problem, we have access to some bikes that we can loan to you free of charge!

BOOK THE FOLLOWING EVENTS FREE NOW HERE!

For more information please call Peter Jones (WSP) on 087 214 2385  or Jemma Jacob (WCCC) on 087 214 2385

 

 

Job Opportunity – Outdoor Recreation Officer

Published: March 11, 2024

 

We are delighted to be part of the new Outdoor Recreation Officer pilot programme, funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and supported by Sport Ireland, and to start the recruitment process for an Outdoor Recreation Officer for Waterford.

Title: Outdoor Recreation Officer (ORO)
Salary:  Salary in line with the Grade 5 Local Authority pay scale (from €48,089)
Hours: The ORO will work 35 hours a week.  This position will require flexibility around working hours with regards to evening and/or weekend work to accommodate the service needs, for which time off in-lieu can be taken.
Annual Leave: 30 days annual leave
Travel Expenses: Travel expenses will be reimbursed where appropriate.
Location: The post will be based in the Waterford Sports Partnership (WSP) offices at the Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. A level of flexibility and remote working will be considered.
Reports to: WSP Chief Executive Officer
Contract type &  Duration: 3-year fixed term contract subject to satisfactory completion of a 6-month probationary period.

Application: Please apply by uploading a COVER LETTER and CV via the following link HERE
by 5pm Tuesday 2nd April 2024.

Interviews: Those shortlisted will be invited to attend for interview on Wednesday 17th April 2024.

Job Purpose
The role of the Outdoor Recreation Officer is paramount in the realisation of Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, and stands as a linchpin in driving its successful implementation at a county level. This strategic position holds a pivotal responsibility in creating and overseeing the strategy’s leadership mechanisms at the county level, fostering sustainable development in outdoor recreation. By supporting the establishment of a County Outdoor Recreation Forum and facilitating the formation of a County Outdoor Recreation Committee, the successful candidates will play a central role in bringing together key stakeholders from various sectors. This collaborative effort is essential for shaping and executing a comprehensive County Outdoor Recreation Plan. As we strive to harmonize national objectives with local needs, the Outdoor Recreation Officer will be instrumental in forging partnerships, promoting best practices, and ensuring the seamless integration of the strategy into the fabric of each county. This position represents a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the transformative journey of Ireland’s outdoor recreation landscape, fostering a legacy of sustainable and accessible outdoor experiences for generations to come.

Background
Every day in communities across the country, Sport Ireland through its network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSP) helps people to get active and removes barriers to sport and physical activity. Working with trusted professionals and valued volunteers, the LSP network engages communities across the country to deliver inclusive, impactful and sustainable opportunities tailored to local needs, to get Ireland more physically active, involved in sport, and improving the mental and physical health of the nation.

The Outdoor Recreation Officer pilot programme is being funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and supported by Sport Ireland. In total, six Outdoor Recreation Officers pilot programmes will be rolled out in Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) across the country in 2024. Waterford Sports Partnership (WSP) has been selected as one of the six counties for this pilot programme.  The Outdoor Recreation Officer will be employed by WSP as a member of the WSP team and will work in collaboration with Sport Ireland and the other pilot LSPs, the local authority, local development company, state agencies and other key stakeholders to support a more coordinated, cohesive approach to outdoor recreation at county level. The Outdoor Recreation Officer will coordinate the development of a County Outdoor Recreation Plan to support the sustainable development of outdoor recreation in their county. The position will aim to support and increase the number of people active in the outdoors while ensuring that best practice is implemented. The programme of work may be revised based on the success of these pilots and the findings from the evaluation of the programme.

 Responsibilities – Role Specific

  • Identify and engage stakeholders for the County Outdoor Recreation Committee (CORC) and Stakeholder Forum, and support their operation.
  • Coordinate the development and implementation of the County Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP) with the CORC, and monitor and report on progress.
  • Build partnerships with key stakeholders to strengthen and develop outdoor recreation initiatives.
  • Identify skills gaps and training needs in the County, and coordinate training and events for stakeholders in partnership with Sport Ireland Outdoors.
  • Host County Forums/Groups twice per annum and actively participate in national networks.
  • Facilitate and support the relevant stakeholders to deliver the actions from the County Outdoor Recreation Plans, and report to Sport Ireland within LSP structures.
  • Provide timely, standardised data and reporting on activity and outcomes aligned to national and local strategies.
  • Promote national standards and best practices locally, and engage with national governing bodies and practitioners.
  • Coordinate the local delivery of national communications campaigns on responsible behaviour in the outdoors and consistently advocate this messaging through engagement with stakeholders.
  • Support the expansion of nature-based physical activity programmes and coordinate the local delivery of national communications campaigns.
  • Ensure the accuracy of outdoor recreation opportunities listed on the National Digital Database.
  • Provide advice and guidance on aspects of outdoor recreation, and embed good practice into multiple stakeholders’ organizations.
  • Act as a point of contact for all outdoor recreation stakeholders in the County, and guide community groups to the appropriate support for trail planning, build, and maintenance process.
  • Undertake any other relevant and related duties as required
  • Act as secretariat for the CORC and provide support for the Chair.

General Responsibilities

  • Contribute to and assist with the preparation and implementation of the WSP Strategic Plan and annual operational plans.
  • Implement WSP monitoring and evaluation processes to understand the effectiveness of activities.
  • Report with regular updates to the CEO, WSP Board, and Sport Ireland as required.
  • Prepare promotional material for various platforms and audiences on upcoming events and achievements.
  • Record accurately, and in accordance with WSP`s financial policies and procedures, all relevant financial transactions and prepare timely and accurate budgets and financial reports.
  • Promote best practice health and safety awareness and reporting of all incidents.
  • Be flexible in approach to work and undertake any other duties that may be required within the remit of WSP.
  • Ensure that all activities undertaken as an officer of WSP are in line with WSP values, codes of conduct and relevant legislation.

If interested in applying for the position, please apply by uploading a COVER LETTER and CV HERE by 5pm Tuesday 2nd April 2024..

Candidates may be short listed based on information provided in the Cover Letter and CV.
Canvassing will disqualify any candidate from the competition process.

Those shortlisted will be invited to attend for interview on Wednesday 17th April 2024.
WSP shall require the person to whom the appointment is offered to take up the appointment as soon as possible.

Waterford Sports Partnership is an Equal Opportunities Employer

NOW Booking – Women on the Move

Published: December 12, 2023

Women on the Move is a community based physical activity programme suitable for adult women (18+) that would like to take part in some form of moderate exercise.

It is suitable for beginners and women returning to exercise.

Each session will include cardio (walking/jogging) and upper and lower bodyweight exercises (squats, lunges, press ups, shoulder presses, etc.).

Exercises will be adapted to individual ability levels.

First time participants will feel:

  • A little bit sweaty
  • Be aware of their breathing.
  • Able to carry on talking.
  • ‘Talk Test’ Intensity Score => 5 – 6 = ‘Moderate Intensity Activity’

Venue: Indoors
Equipment: None. All exercises are using your own bodyweight only. Equipment may be introduced during the duration of the programme but is optional to use.

NOW BOOKING . . .

Women on the Move | Dungarvan
Starting Wednesday 17th January | 7 to 8pm
@ Causeway Tennis Club | Abbeyside

Women on the Move | Carrickphierish
Starting Wednesday 17th January | 7 to 8pm
@ Carrickphierish Sports Hall

€20 per person for full SIX WEEK PROGRAMME

BOOKING YOUR PLACE HERE

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Natalia Pocelujko on 086 165 4305 or email npocelujko@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

 

 

 

 

SportsAbility Day a Great Success!

Published: October 5, 2023


Waterford Sports Partnership and Waterford SportsAbility Forum in association with SETU Arena ran Waterford’s SportsAbility Day on Sunday 1st of October from 11am to 3pm in SETU Arena, this was a great opportunity for people to find out what sports and activities are on offer across the city and county for people with a disability.

SportsAbility Day 2023 was a fantastic and very memorable day. The event started with local clubs and National Governing Bodies hosting information stands providing information support and advice on what is happening in Waterford at present. From 12-3pm, a wide range of taster sessions took place for people to try out. This included: Table Tennis, Football for All, Athletics, Muay Thai, Pitch & Putt, Rugby, Hockey, Badminton, Powerchair football, Wheelchair basketball, Boccia, GAA for all, Footgolf, Archery, access to the High-Performance gym and Sprinting Track and access to all different types of bikes such as two wheelers, trikes, handcycles, trishaw and balance bikes.

The event was hosted by the very talented Teresanne O’Reilly. Paralympians Hayley Fitzsimons, Niall Mc Veigh and Damien Vereker joined us on the day. Hayley and Niall gave a very informative interview about their sporting careers while Damien helped and took part in the cycling activities.

Waterford’s Sports Ability Forum was established in 2016, with representatives from various Disability Organisations, Voluntary and Statutory Organisations and National Governing Bodies. The aim of the forum is for organisations to meet quarterly and share information on what physical activity opportunities are available for people with a disability in Waterford. The forum’s secondary aim is to increase the awareness of the physical activity opportunities for people with a disability in Waterford. The SportsAbility Day is the perfect platform for this!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making SportsAbility such an incredible day. A huge thank you to all the NBG’s and Clubs who hosted very fun and enjoyable taster sessions. These include: Table Tennis Ireland, Football For All clubs – Cappoquinn and Park Rangers, Irish Wheelchair Association Sport for hosting Wheelchair Basketball and Athletics, John Walsh from Muay Thai Waterford, David Hayes from Dungarvan Golf Club, Brendan Woods from Hockey Ireland, Brendan Cornish and the Wexford FC staff for Powerchair Football, Brickey Rangers and Munster GAA for GAA For All, Ben Swindlehurst from Munster Rugby, WSP staff member Sinead Brannigan for Boccia, Declan Kelly and Conor Colman for looking after the bike area and SETU Arena for the use of their High Performance Gym, Sprinting Track and Archery and Footgolf.

Thanks to everyone who hosted very informative information stands. These include Alex Malone from Paralympics Ireland, Adam Sommers from Active Disability Ireland, Little Vikings Special Olympics Young Athlete Club, Waterford FC, Park Rangers AFC, Irish Wheelchair Association and Motivate Fitness.  Thank you so much to Teresanne O’Reilly for her professionalism in leading MC duties and to special guests, Paralympian Hayley Fitsimmons, Niall Mc Veigh and Damien Vereker. We appreciate SETU Arenas wonderful facility and the assistance of their staff in setting up the sports hall and to the volunteers and staff of WSP who kindly gave up their time to help.

For more information on opportunities for people with a disability please contact Jordan Kelly by email at jordankelly@waterfordsportspartnership.ie or call 086 167 5642

 

 

Golf Fore Schools


In partnership with Golf Ireland, we are hosting a one day taster session (60 minutes) for 4th class students in SETU Arena. Students will have an opportunity to try putting, chipping and full swing shots into inflatable driving nets, rotating through each activity every 20 minutes.

Cost: FREE
Logistics: Schools contact WSP, taster sessions will be delivered by Golf Ireland in SETU. Opportunity to avail of FREE training for teachers to deliver a Golf Programme in their school.

To register your interest for the Golf Fore Schools Programme,
please complete this online Expression of Interest Form

For more information please contact Jordan Kelly at jordankelly@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

Sports Capital and Equipment Grant Workshop

Published: July 12, 2023


Sports Capital and Equipment Programme 2023
Waterford Sports Clubs – Getting Grant Ready!
Sports Capital and Equipment Grant Workshop (via Zoom)

Wednesday 2nd August | 7.30 to 9pm

Waterford Sports Partnership is delighted to announce a Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) Grant information session for Waterford sports clubs. The session will cover the dos and don’ts of the SCEP and how to avoid the common pitfalls. This is your opportunity to gain valuable insight on applying for a grant.

The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is operated by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and provides grants to assist in the development or refurbishment of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment.
For more information visit www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie

The deadline for registration on the online Sports Capital Register (OSCAR) is 5pm
on Friday 25thAugust. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 8th September.

So it’s important for clubs to get started on the application process
in order to be ready for the deadline.

FREE ONLINE EVENT | Register HERE now!

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Sinéad Brannigan on 087 459 6179 or email sbrannigan@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

Lismore Permanent Orienteering Course

Published: May 23, 2023

We are delighted to launch two course at Ballraggartmore Towers in Lismore, the maps & answers are now available to download FREE here…

The orienteering course is open to all – families, individuals, clubs, uniformed groups and schools.

To tackle your chosen distance:
1. Download the map for your chosen distance (as well as the answer sheet for checking at the end);
2. Find the controls in the order shown on the map;
3. Complete the numbered code of the marker post in the corresponding box;
4. At the end of the Course, check your answers are correct (by referring to the answer sheet);
5. Good luck and enjoy!

FREE MAP DOWNLOADS
Course A (1.9km)
Course B (1.9km)

THE ANSWERS
Download the ANSWERS

To organise a specific event please contact:
Liz McEnaney 086 783 7385
or email lmcenaney@waterfordsportspartnership.ie

Please note that Orienteering is an adventure sport that involves crossing rough and uneven terrain, tracks and paths. Please wear appropriate footwear. Waterford City & County Council and Wato do not accept responsibility for any injuries.

 

Teach your child to cycle videos!

Published: April 12, 2023

Waterford Sports Partnership, Cycling Ireland and Waterford City and County Council are delighted to provide these useful videos for parents to help them to teach their children to learn to cycle safely in our award winning Learn to Cycle Park in Fairlane Park, Dungarvan.

The videos (see links below) cover development of cycling skills for balance bikes, teaching a child to pedal, road safety skills and fun games!

Balance Bike Development
Introduction, safety,
and helmet check		 Simply video  showing how to cycle safely and fit your helmet appropriately. Video 1 – YouTube
Bike Safety Check Check that your bike is safe prior to cycling. Video 2 – YouTube
Balance Bike Stride & Glide (balance) Three progressions for your child using open space to develop balance. Video 3 – YouTube
Balance Bike
(turning)		 Simple activity for your child to develop turning which can also be used for children on pedal bikes. Video 5 – YouTube
Balance Bike
(turning progression)		 How to develop turning skills and bike handling with your child. Video 7 – YouTube
Balance bike (turning) Bike handling progression for balance  or pedal bike. Video 8 – YouTube
Balance Bike (gliding and turning) Blast off – develop your child’s balance through gliding and turning ability. Video 13 – YouTube
Teaching your child to Pedal
Teaching a child to pedal Teach your child to pedal using this video as a step-by-step guide. Video 15 – YouTube
Teaching a pedal how to start pedalling themselves This video highlights the progressions using the learn to cycle track of showing children how to begin to pedal from a standing start. Video 16 – YouTube
Road Cycling Development
How to cycle a roundabout (handling) Using the markings on the learn to cycle park, how to teach your child to develop necessary bike handling skills to be able to cycle a roundabout with three progressions. Video 18 – YouTube
How to cycle a roundabout (handling) Progressions to develop roundabout skills. Video 19 – YouTube
How to cycle in traffic Using the learn to cycle park, how to get your child to learn to cycle safely in traffic with you leading, or cycling with them. Video 22 – YouTube
Cycling games / Skill development with your child
Colour cones (turning) You can play this game with your child using colour cones to develop turning. Video 11 – YouTube
Race your parent Looking at bike handling skills with your child racing you around the perimeter. Video 12 – YouTube
Stop Box challenge (stopping/handling) Video showing simple game to develop stopping, balance, and bike handling. You can ask your child to do this, or have your own bike and challenge them. Video 23 – YouTube
Track stand challenge (balance/handling) Video showing a simple game focussing on balance and handling skills which you can ask your child to do, or get your own bike and do the challenge with them. Video 24 – YouTube
Follow my leader (all skills) Video showing how to use the learn to cycle track to play follow my leader with your child. You can lead by walking, running or cycling. Video 25 – YouTube
Slow Bike Race You can ask your child to do this to develop balance and bike handling skills, or race against them by doing fairy footsteps, or on your own bike. Video 26 – YouTube
Track stand
(balance and bike handling)		 How to teach a track stand to your child using the markings on the learn to cycle park. Video 17 – YouTube

For any questions or feedback, please contact Peter Jones pjones@waterfordsportspartnership.ie
or Rosin Hickey coaching@cyclingireland.ie

Get Active & Stay Active

Published: February 2, 2023

Being physically active is one of the most important steps that you can take to improve your health, whatever your age or ability. Some physical activity is better than none, more is better than some, and any amount of physical activity you do results in health benefits.

Exercise Guidelines for adults (aged 18 – 64)
At least 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity activity, five days a week
(or 150 minutes a week).

Exercise Guidelines for older people (aged 65+)
At least 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity activity, five days a week
(or 150 minutes a week).

Focus on aerobic activity, muscle strengthening and balance.
To start, try and aim for 10-minute bouts. Start off small and build up from there.


THE ‘TALK’ TEST will help you to determine if your activity is moderate to vigorous’ level?
THE ‘TALK’ TEST is a scale of effort, 0=no effort and 10=maximum effort.

Moderate activity corresponds to 5-6 on the scale which is generally ‘aerobic exercise’. This generally makes people feel ‘a little bit sweaty’ and more aware of their breathing. If walking at 5-6 it should be easy to carry on a conversation.

Vigorous activity would be 7-8 on this scale – at this level it would be difficult to continue a conversation while undertaking physical activity

 

PACC Process Evaluation Report Nov 2022

Waterford Sports Partnership

Waterford Sports Partnership (WSP) was established in 2002 by Sport Ireland (formerly the Irish Sports Council) as part of the Local Sports Partnership initiative with the aim of increasing participation in sport and physical activity in County Waterford.

Sport Ireland

Useful Links

Sport Ireland
Sport Ireland plans, leads and co-ordinates the sustainable development of competitive and recreational sport in Ireland.

LSP Contact Finder
Find contact details for other Local Sports Partnerships.

NGB Contact Finder
Find contact details for National Governing Bodies of Sport.

Social Media

Follow Waterford Sports Partnership on Facebook Follow Waterford Sports Partnership on Youtube

Company Info

Waterford Sports Partnership Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
CRO Number: 378713

Registered Office –
Civic Offices
Dungarvan
Co. Waterford
Ireland

Contact Details

County Office:
Civic Offices
Dungarvan
Co. Waterford
Tel: 058 21194

City Office:
Regional Sports Centre
Cork Road
Waterford

Email: info@waterfordsportspartnership.ie
Website By: Déise Design