- Background to the Dublin City Sports Network
Dublin City Sports Network (DCSN) was established in 2000. The network is comprised of representatives from statutory bodies, organisations and groups/clubs operating in Dublin City with a responsibility for or an interest in sport, recreation and physical activity.
The DCSN also forms part of the Irish Sports Council’s local Sports Partnership Scheme. The Network is facilitated by Dublin City Council and operates within the Sport & Recreation Section of the City Council
Partners and key stakeholders represented on the Dublin City Sports Network are:
Health Service Executive, An Garda Siochana, , Dublin City Council, Federation of Irish Sport, National governing bodies of sport – FAI, GAA, IRFU, IAWA, Age & Opportunity Primary/Post primary school sector, DIT , IABA , Leinster Rugby , Leinster Cricket
The introduction of the Local Sports Partnership initiative has allowed the network to work in partnership with the statutory, voluntary and community sector to promote sport & physical activity in an integrated way at a citywide level.
- Aim of the Dublin City Sports Network
The network aims to provide a sustainable infrastructure to assist all those involved in local sports development. The network also aims to deliver sport and recreation programmes to local people by working closely with partner agencies, by increasing usage of existing local resources and working towards promoting life long involvement in physical activity and sport.
- Sports Development Staff
Dublin City Sports Network /Dublin City Council Sport & Recreation Section have a team of over 35 sports development officers who are strategically placed across the City and their role is to engage with people of all ages and all abilities by using sport & physical Activity as a tool. We also have sports specific co funded offices who engage with schools, youth groups and community groups to deliver their programmes.
- Expected outcomes
- To have a more co ordinated approach on promoting and developing high quality sport, recreation and physical activity strategies for the city
- Greater co-ordination and planning of sport programmes at local and citywide levels.
- Club Development and volunteer training
- Maximising the use of existing sport and leisure facilities
- Supporting and facilitating the staging of sporting events in Dublin City
- To deliver high quality programmes, services and activities to all people living, working in or visiting Dublin City.
- To achieve the aims and objectives of the Dublin City Sports Network a team of Dublin City Council Sports and Recreation Officers are providing programmes and services across Dublin City. Their aim is to promote and increase sport and physical activity among all ages with a special focus on: Older adults, Under 10’s, New Communities, Women & Girls and people with a disability.
- The role of the Sport and Recreation officer is to:
- Organise sport and recreation programmes for the key target groups identified by the network and by involving those target groups in the design & planning of programmes.
- Working with National Governing Bodies of Sport, Youth Service Projects, Garda Special Projects, Community groups, older adult retirement and Active age groups, schools and disability groups.
- Assisting sports clubs and groups in applying for funding.
- Accessing training for coaches and volunteers.
- Working in partnership with community groups and facility managers to increase access for people of all ages and abilities to sports and recreational facilities.
- List of programmes delivered ; to be added
The Dublin City Sports Network is all also responsible for the delivery of core Irish Sports council participation programmes including:
- Code of Ethics & Good practice in Children’s Sport
- Buntus Start and Generic
- Active Leadership.
- The Dublin City Sports Network also administers the Sport for Young People Small Grants Scheme on behalf of the Irish Sports Council.
Lord Mayor 5 Alive Challenge – A programme aimed at supporting people to get active by using running as a tool . Over 250 participants take part in 5 key City Races and if they complete all five , they are presented with a scroll, commemorative medal and a reception with the Lord Mayor. Programme is in partnership with local AAI running clubs.
If you would like further information on any of the above please feel free to contact the DCSN as follows:
Aideen O’Connor – Sport & Active Living Co Coordinator
Or our Sport and Recreation Team at:
T: 01 2227852.
Local Sport & Recreation Officers
Lj Mc Ginley – Sport & Recreation Officer
Catherine Flood – Sport & Recreation Officer
Paul Donnelly – Sport & Recreation Officer
Antonia Martin – Sport & Recreation Officer
Michelle Malone – Sport & Recreation Officer