INSIDE SPORT: Interview with Andrew Meredith, National Men's Hockey Coach

Aug 29, 2013

FIS talks to Andrew Meredith, National Men’s Hockey Coach, Irish Hockey.

Fresh from delivering Olympic gold to the German Men’s Hockey team at the last two Games, as Assistant Coach, Andrew Meredith was appointed as National Men’s Coach in November 2012. Andrew competed at international level for Australia and played professionally in Europe for 15 years before finally taking up a full time role in Coaching, being an accredited FIH High Performance Coach.

It has been a really busy and successful summer for your team, what have been the highlights for you?

I think probably the main highlight of 2013 is the fact that we have been able to maintain the same level of results and ranking while transitioning the athletes involved in the program post the 2012 Olympic qualification process. There are a number of players who have been extremely committed to the Senior Men’s program, who are now finding it difficult to combine work , and meeting the demands of a full international year. The Europeans is a good example where we were missing 6 of some of Irelands most experienced players, who combine to make 654 caps. You cannot replace that overnight, but the fact we were not only competitive, but missed a place in the semi-finals in the Europeans by only 1 goal, against teams ranked inside the world’s top 4, is certainly very encouraging and a good way to finish the international calendar for the year.

What changes did you make or systems did you put in place when you first took up your role with Irish Hockey?

I think that whenever you enter a new role, it is vitally important to understand what has been in place prior to your arrival, what has worked what areas you identify as needing improvement, and what potential roadblocks are in place. I am working hard to get the athletes as much support as possible and expand the High Performance program as much as possible.

After taking up the job, I thought it important to understand where we were in regards to what players could deliver in an international environment, and using that as a benchmark, we started to look at how we could begin evolving the squad towards the qualification process for Rio.

What challenges or opportunities do you see in Irish Hockey?

We have an extremely dedicated group of players with a fantastically strong mindset, who amongst the other sacrifices that all elite athletes make to compete for their country, currently have to pay their own way to travel to training camps and  home host each  other, and try to extend the group contact time as much as possible and therefore give themselves the best opportunity to be competitive internationally.

The major challenge is how do we continue to be competitive with teams that are ranked in the top 10. Post London a lot of programs are in a rebuilding phase, and we currently measure up pretty well given our recent results, but to progress it will all come down to funding. Other countries above us have full time programs, have athletes that receive funding, have extensive support services for their athletes, and have a budgetary capacity to play an extra 15-20 international games per year.

As an example, we have lost 2-3 and drawn 2-2 with England in the two last international tournaments, a program that is rebuilding, but have a current ranking of 4 in the world. For both their HP programs they have funding in excess of €20 million towards 2016. That’s a massive platform to build a sustainable High Performance program from, and in comparison, we are reliant on the funding we receive from a single source in the Irish Sports Council, have no Major Sponsor for the men’s team, and have had very little in the way of support services up till now.

The question is how we can go about to continue to develop players on the same curve as our competitors, given the fact that we are extremely limited in our funding, and do not have that financial capacity to have a lot of group time together outside of when we compete in international tournaments.

The Men’s Hockey team are on a pathway to Rio in 2016, how are they progressing towards reaching that goal?

As I have said, I think we have started to lay some pretty strong foundations, have some exciting talent coming through, but the next 14 months is pretty critical in regards to what we can deliver to the athletes, and how we continue to progress and achieve our goal to qualify for the Olympic Games. The level of support we receive will be key to that process.

Are there any particular challenges with many players having to play professionally abroad?

No question that from a program perspective, while there is significant individual athlete development from playing in some of Europe’s top leagues, is it is incredibly difficult to have (currently 15) players based outside of the country, and still maintain collective group development through a cycle. The Domestic (European) clubs see things from the perspective that any Irish player contracted to their particular club, are there as an asset for them to manage, and for the club commitments to take priority whenever possible. Due to an expanding international calendar, we are now seeing players not being released by their clubs for the few limited training camps we can put in place, which of course affects group development. I think that one possible way forward is to target specific foreign clubs, that are onboard with what is important for an international athlete in terms of preparation, and look to support that as much as possible. It is important that we look at ways that we can still look to manage athletes and their programs who  are based outside of the country. This is one example of the use of technology and its specific application can assist us to provide transparency for anyone involved in the program.

How does the high performance system in Ireland compare to what you have experienced in Germany?

I am not sure that the two are comparable. The difference in the level of government support, through the Deutschen Olympischen Sportbundes (DOSB), is probably most reflected by the current economic situation of both countries. Every High Performance program is structured in a different way, but the Support services ( sports science for example) and systematic approach to youth development is certainly a major element as to why German teams have that stability throughout international competitions, particularly toward the critical phase when playing for semi-finals and medals.

What advice would you give to any young athlete aspiring to play at the top level with Ireland?

Watch as much elite level competition as you can and keep working hard! There are no short cuts to the elite level; it’s about what sacrifices you are prepared to make to achieve your goals. Good international athletes are people who can execute basic skills, at speed, in a pressured environment. The better the basic skill level base, the better foundation you have to compete as an international athlete.

Many thanks for taking the time to talk to us, finally what are your hopes for 2014?

To be able to put in place a program that maximizes the very promising talent that is currently coming through in the men’s program. We have the Champions Challenge in April, where again, we will look to sustain our current performances, and continue our qualification process for Rio (through the World Leagues) which will start toward the end of 2014.

For more information on Irish Hockey, read here: www.hockey.ie or follow Irish hockey on twitter and facebook.

Industry Interview: Barry O'Brien, CEO, National Sports Campus Development Authority

Aug 29, 2013

We talk to Barry O’Brien, CEO, National Sports Campus Development Authority about his time in charge of the campus development, the challenges they have faced and upcoming developments.

What was the situation when you took up post in 2008?

The National Aquatic Centre (NAC) was already well established and back under State control;  the FAI HQ was already opened; the Irish Institute of Sport was under construction; the Design and project teams for the overall Campus project were appointed; and there was a budget of up to €160 million in the National Development Plan for the complete development of the Campus.  However, around that time Minister for Sport Seamus Brennan T.D. passed away; the State’s finances collapsed; the Current Budget was halved and the Capital Budget had all but disappeared.

It was a time to keep focussed on the overall Master Plan and to keep everybody on board.

Full Planning Permission was achieved and remains in place. Ever since then we have “chipped away” at delivering elements of the plan; refurbishing existing buildings; upgrading facilities at the NAC and Morton Stadium Santry thereby enhancing our operational reputation; and retaining the confidence and support of the NGBs of sport, the Department of Sport, and successive Ministers.

Were there any particular challenges that you had to overcome in the intervening period?

Retaining confidence and support was the biggest challenge.  In this respect we are forever grateful to the NGBs in general and the Federation of Irish Sport in particular who always pressed our case.

Eventually, when the State realised it would no longer afford the original plan, it fell to us to come up with an affordable incremental development strategy – which is what we did.

Another critical element was land ownership.  In this respect we insisted that ownership of all the State lands and buildings at Abbotstown be transferred to the Authority.  This was done by the Government at the instigation of Leo Varadkar T.D. soon after his appointment as Minister.  This proved to be a “game changer”.   It meant that when we went to the major field sports (GAA, FAI, IRFU and IHA) with the bad news of diminished State funding, I could at least offer to give them their sites fully serviced and at a nominal rent.  This offer was gladly accepted and has released a whole new set of energies and funding sources.  As a consequence, it is expected that both the GAA and FAI will commence ground-works on site before the end of September 2013, with the other two following as soon as this own funding circumstances permit.

In the meantime, we continued with our building refurbishment programme, converting the former Marine Institute building into Irish Sport HQ which is today the administrative home for 20 NGBs including the Federation.

What projects are coming on stream soon?

We are delighted to confirm that new High Performance Training facilities for Equestrian, Fencing, Pistol Shooting and Diving will be completed in September this year.  This is a huge boost for those athletes pursuing medals at international competitions.  In addition, floodlit multi-sport, all-weather Pitches and Pavilion are also nearing completion and these will be open to the public and the NGBs for hire before the end of 2013.

How about long-term projects?

The National Indoor Training Centre for Athletics, Court Sports and Gymnastics continues to be our prime target.  It is designed, approved and “ready to go” as soon as funding becomes available.  We are hopeful that the Government will see fit to include it in its National Stimulus Plan or some other investment programme.

In the meantime, we also have developed costed plans for both an extension for the Irish Institute of Sport and also a Coaching and Conference Centre for all the NGBs.  We are hopeful that the Government will see fit to sanction both of their projects in the forthcoming Budget in October.  If it does so then both facilities can be delivered within 2014 and will be of immense benefit to all Irish Sports on the run-up to the Rio Olympics.

What’s your overall impression of Irish Sport?

• I am hugely convinced of its importance to the health, psyche and spirit of our nation.  It plays a vital role which is hard to encapsulate in financial terms.
• I am amazed by the on-going determination and commitment of all involved especially athletes, parents, volunteers and administrators.
• Irish sport deserves a sufficient and sustainable funding support mechanism with tax revenue on those who make money from the sporting performance of others and tax relief for those who support clubs and make donations.

Any final comments?

Yes – a very big “thank you” to the NGBs, the Federation of Irish Sport, Chairman Sean Benton and the Members of the Authority for all their commitment and support.

Similarly – a big “thank you” to all my colleagues at NSCDA, notably David Conway and Stephen Ryan for all their determination and hard work.

Finally, – a big “thank you” to Minister Leo Varadkar T.D. and Michael Ring T.D. for their unstinting support for Irish Sport in general and the National Sports Campus in particular.  We are blessed to have 2 Ministers – all we need now is one more major capital allocation to deliver the world-class National Sports Campus which Irish Sport deserves.

National Sports Campus Development Authority

Federation of Irish Sport Vetting Service

Aug 28, 2013

Please contact the office for details, 01-6251155

Better Boards Stronger Sport: Improving governance in Europe – new toolkit launched

Aug 28, 2013

A new Better Boards, Stronger Sport toolkit has been launched to help sport and recreation organisations improve their governance across Europe. It comes as part of a European Commission project, which the Federation of Irish Sport and the Irish Sports Council has been a key part of.

What is Better Boards, Stronger Sport?

The Better Boards Stronger Sport project has been carried out by the Sport and Recreation Alliance in partnership with seven other countries to improve governance across Europe.

Led by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, the group has produced a toolkit to empower European sports organisations to take responsibility for governing their future successfully.

It has been built on three underlying principles:

1. The board is the key: The board is the core from which all good governance flows.
2. Sports governance is unique: Any lessons learnt from corporate governance need to be adapted for sport’s specific needs.
3. Governance is not a tick box exercise: Real improvement will only be achieved if the sports movement is allowed to drive themselves forward.

The toolkit is organised into three key sections:

1. The ten features of good governance – outlines the key features of good sports governance as identified by the sports movement.
2. Case studies – sharing best practice examples of how organisations have implemented the ten features of good sports governance.
3. Tools and resources – tools to help organisations implement the ten features of good sports governance.

If you would like to discuss how this toolkit might help your organisation please contact Conn McCluskey, Federation of Irish Sport: E: conn.mccluskey@irishsport.ie P: 01-6251155/083-1285169

Download the online optimised Better Boards, Stronger Sport toolkit

Download the print Better Boards, Stronger Sport toolkit