Commonwealth Potential 

Athletics NI support coach-athlete pairs at the Event Specialist stage through the Commonwealth Potential programme with the aim of progressing athletes towards achieving medals and top eight places at the Commonwealth Games and gaining selection onto the UKA Futures Programme or the Irish Carding System.

At this level, support includes access to physiotherapy support, centralised championship preparation camps and learning opportunities for coach-athlete pairs. By fine tuning all aspects of training and performance behaviours for each athlete, with the sole aim of performing at major championships, we will raise performance standards.

The goals for the Commonwealth Potential programme are to: 

• Ensure that athletes develop performance behaviours that will help them take the next step towards success at major championship level.
• Ensure a smooth transition of Northern Ireland’s best age group athletes into the Senior International ranks.
• Increased representation on UK and Athletics Ireland Senior teams.
• Develop athletes with the aim of selection for future Commonwealth Games teams and above.
• Support Commonwealth Potential Coaches to progress on the coaching pathway by pursuing an Event Group Qualification.

Selection onto the programme 

Athletes are considered against Athletics NI standards for Commonwealth Games nomination that show they are tracking towards Glasgow 2026 or European Para Championships. Athletes also need to demonstrate year on year progress, and commitment to their own development and to the programme.

Programme Features & Benefits:

Physiotherapy support, as agreed according to need and targets Regular planning/monitoring/review meetings face-to-face by telephone or Skype with the Athlete Development Lead or Director of Coaching and Athlete Development Up to two squad training camps per year for warm weather/altitude/acclimatisation leading towards targeted competitions.