The Cycling Ireland Youth commission (CIYC) was re-formed in August 2020 on an interim basis with representatives from all disciplines and provinces along with input from Cycling Ireland staff whose remit covers youth programmes and safeguarding.  

 

The commission members are:

Gary McKeegan (Chair) (Ulster)

Brendan Whelan (Secretary) (Women’s)

Eugene Jackson (BMX)

Orla Hendron (Track)

John Crawley (Off Road)

Peter Finn (Munster)

Padraic Quinn (Connacht)
Liz Roche (Leinster)

Margo Finnigan (Cycling Ireland Programmes Coordinator)

Donal Gillespie (Cycling Ireland Safeguarding Officer)

 

 

Their role is to create fit for purpose participation and development structures for children and young people with a focus on fun as defined in the Cycling Ireland Strategy 2020-2024. 

 

Under this heading the commission plan to engage with Cycling Ireland staff at all levels, other commissions and provinces through the elected representatives within the commission, clubs, parents of youths, and of particular focus the views of the young people within cycling. 

 

Through this engagement, the commission aims to:

  • Provide a national calendar of events aimed at youths 
  • Provide guidance and a list of funding streams to support youth development for clubs and provinces
  • Listen and act on the voice of the youth people within our sport
  • Ensure a consistent experience for all youths, in all disciplines

 

 

In the few months since the commission formed, a framework has been proposed to the board of Cycling Ireland for endorsement which sets the pathway for youth development within our sport for the years to come. This proposed framework will offer development opportunities to all levels and disciplines across the island, from those just starting cycling to those with an ambition to excel. 

 

Parent/Guardians/Coaches, Cycling Ireland values the time, energy, and dedication that you all put into cycling for the young people. The commission looks forward to working with you to develop both the structures and the young people within the sport.

 

Clubs are the central pillar of cycling. However, many of our club's struggle to provide opportunities and support for young people. With this in mind, the commission aims to work with clubs that wish to develop a child-centred approach by signposting them to resources, be that financial, human or physical.




 

 

The commission to date has been able to facilitate only a handful of events, mainly BMX via Eugene Jackson and the BMX commission. Plans were in place to host more events over the midterm, unfortunately, this will not be possible with current restrictions across the island. Looking to 2021 we will reach out to all stakeholders to start the long-term development of young people. 

 

Cycling Ireland Board Member, Noel Mulroy commented:

“The Interim Youth Commission is made up of representatives from the four provinces along with a representative from Track, Off-Road, MTB and the Woman’s Commission. Between all of the members there is an excellent knowledge of road cycling.”

 

“We hope with the mix of representatives from the different disciplines on the commission that this will link all of the disciplines together to give youth cyclists the opportunity to find a discipline which suits them. The interim Youth Commission will focus on development from grassroots up and will hold camps throughout each of the provinces. Cycling Ireland is looking forward to working with the commission, we would like to thank them for their commitment to developing an island enriched by cycling and wish them well.”

 

The commission are very keen to hear ideas and examples of good practice within youth sport, and in particular we want to hear from our youth members on what they currently get and what they would like to get from cycling. We encourage you to contact us via secretary.youthcommission@cyclingireland.ie or chair.youthcommission@cyclingireland.ie 

 

 

Useful resources

 

Cycling Ireland Performance Practice Model

 

Cycling Ireland Long Term Athlete Development