Trinity College Dublin has launched a new strategic plan to take sport at the third level institution to a new level over the next four years.
‘Realising Potential: A Strategy for Sport and Physical Activity 2022 – 2026’ covers the different elements of sport and physical activity from wellbeing and fun in a social environment to elite performance.
Its stated mission is to ‘inspire, engage and connect people through sport in a suitable, inclusive and supportive environment.’
The strategy aims to encourage the entire college community to get involved and be the best that they can be at a level of their choosing.
The document itself is detailed in terms of identifying specific enablers of individual projects and there is also a comprehensive timeline against which progress can be measured.
An interesting element of the plan, unusual perhaps in the publication of strategic objectives is that it is fully costed and a full funding plan is outlined.
The bottom line cost to implement all that is talked of has been set at a figure of €16.3 million.
This has been budgeted to be met to the tune of 41 per cent through capital investment underwritten by the College via a loan facility and by ring-fencing a portion of the overall student charge.
A further 33 per cent will come from philanthropy with positive sentiment already expressed towards the strategy.
Eight per cent will come from sponsorship, neatly pitched at a similar amount as was raised in the previous plan through partnerships with Bank of Ireland and Coca Cola.
The balance of the cost will be met by an equal mix of grants and self-funding.
“I’m delighted to launch this strategy,” said Dr Linda Doyle, Provost of Trinity College Dublin.
“Sport is such an important feature of life at Trinity; it really matters to the overall student experience and student life on campus. One of the things I really love about this strategy is that it talks about sport and physical activity in a way that ensures all students, staff and the wider community can engage in sport and physical activity in an inclusive environment.”
“Sport is an incredible vehicle for student engagement, alongside the health and fitness benefits, students that engage in sport tend to be more engaged academically and socially,” added Professor Catherine McCabe, Dean of Students.
“The targets set out will have a direct benefit for all our students and aim to provide a range of diverse sporting and activity opportunities that are accessible to all our students.”
“Sport and physical activity are a key part of campus life and a positive student experience.”
Michelle Tanner, Head of Sport and Recreation, Trinity College Dublin also commented at the launch, “This ambitious strategy for sport is dedicated to ensuring that sport is at the heart of the Trinity experience. We want to create an environment that is supportive, suitable and inclusive so that everyone can engage in sport whether they are competing competitively, playing socially, developing skills, or for health and wellbeing. We look forward to working with staff, students, sport clubs and collaborating with national governing bodies, Sport Ireland and other partners to bring this plan to fruition.”
Leah Keogh, President, Trinity College Dublin Students Union added, “The student experience is at the heart of the strategy for sport, it is fantastic to see Trinity Sport are dedicating resources to ensure that sporting and physical activity opportunities will be increased for all members of the student body in an inclusive environment.”
Matthew Simons, Chairperson of DUCAC said, “The strategy for sport is dedicated to putting the students’ needs and experiences first, it is exciting to see plans in place for the development of student sporting opportunities and facilities. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues in Trinity Sport in my role as Chairperson of DUCAC to increase participation, creating a more inclusive environment in our sport clubs and expanding the professional development opportunities for students via sport.”
Sport for Business Perspective:
At a time when student sport is most visible through colours competitions featuring some of Ireland’s leading sports stars, this is a well put together document with full accountability and realistic ways of finding funding to match the ambition.
