Sport Ireland has unveiled a refreshed Accreditation for Student Athlete Support (ASAS) framework, reinforcing its commitment to raising the standard of support for high-performance student-athletes seeking to balance elite sport with education.
Launched at the annual Sport Ireland Dual Career Forum, the enhanced ASAS model introduces a new tiered structure — Gold, Silver and Bronze — designed to provide a clear benchmark for excellence across higher education institutions (HEIs).
The accreditation is grounded in the principles of equal opportunity and the right to education, ensuring that talented athletes are supported in pursuing both academic and sporting ambitions in parallel.
ASAS sets out clear dual-career criteria that third-level institutions must meet to achieve accreditation, and establishes a national network of recognised providers committed to best practice in student-athlete support. Since the scheme’s introduction in 2021, 14 HEIs have achieved accreditation, reflecting the growing demand for structured and consistent dual-career pathways.
These are Queen’s University Belfast, Technological University Dublin, University College Cork, University of Limerick, Ulster University, Dublin City University, Maynooth University, National College of Ireland and Setanta College, with the following having achieved affiliate status: Trinity College Dublin, University of Galway, South East Technological University, Atlantic Technological University, Technological University of the Shannon.
Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, said the revised framework would help align expectations across sport and education.
“In order to achieve their best, our student-athletes need to be supported, not just by their sports and coaches, but also by their educational institutions and lecturers,” he said. “I welcome the new guidelines for National Governing Bodies, as well as this new tiered approach for Higher Education. Together, they will help to create clear expectations and provide pathways to ensure that everyone feels valued in this system.”
Charlie McConalogue, Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, added that the introduction of tiered accreditation raised standards across the system.
“ASAS ensures that high-performing student-athletes across Ireland can successfully balance sport and education,” he said.
“Now this new Gold, Silver and Bronze ASAS accreditation raises the bar even higher. Supports such as this are vital in helping student-athletes achieve their potential both academically and in their sporting context.”
The importance of collaboration between the education and sporting sectors was also highlighted by James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
“It is encouraging to see the ASAS scheme continue to grow, recognising more higher education institutions for the vital role they play in supporting dual careers,” he said.
“High-performance sport and higher education share core values of ambition and resilience, and when these sectors work together, they create powerful opportunities for student-athletes.”
Irish sprinter Marcus Lawler and Irish Olympic rower Margaret Cremen also addressed the forum, outlining how flexible academic structures and institutional understanding — delivered through the ASAS framework — have been central to their ability to perform at the highest level.
Liam Harbison, Sport Ireland Institute Director, said the refreshed programme gives athletes greater certainty around support.
“At Sport Ireland, we place a high importance on supporting athletes, and providing student-centred support for dual careers is one of the supports we’re most proud of,” he said.
“ASAS offers athletes real confidence that both their academic and sporting ambitions will be supported.”
The revised accreditation has been developed by the Sport Ireland Institute ASAS Steering Committee and approved by the Sport Ireland High Performance Committee.
According to Eoin Rheinisch, Head of Performance Life Skills at the Sport Ireland Institute, the introduction of Gold, Silver and Bronze levels reflects the maturity of the programme.
“Now that a critical mass of HEIs have achieved the current accreditation, it is time to push standards to the next level,” he said, adding that new National Governing Body guidelines will run alongside the enhanced framework to promote fully integrated athlete support.
Jeff Gomez, Dual Careers Lead at the Sport Ireland Institute, said the refreshed model aligns Irish provision with international best practice and empowers institutions to deliver consistent, high-quality support.
Three institutions — Maynooth University, National College of Ireland, and Technological University of the Shannon — received ASAS awards on the day, as the programme continues to evolve as a developmental pathway for institutions supporting Ireland’s next generation of high-performance athletes.
Read More: Sport Ireland CEO Dr Una May on Campus Planning and High Performance
Image Credit: Sport Ireland
Upcoming Events
SPORT FOR BUSINESS
Sport for Business is Ireland’s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies and public institutions through high-quality content, events and insight. Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.
Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practice and make better-informed decisions. Its work positions sport not just as entertainment, but as a vital contributor to Ireland’s social and economic fabric.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
