Two further third-level institutions join Accreditation for Student Athlete Support network

Two Higher Education Institutions have been awarded the Sport Ireland Institute Accreditation for Student Athlete Support, which recognises good practice in ‘dual career’ support for student athletes.   

The Accreditation for Student Athlete Support (ASAS) Programme is rolled out annually by the Sport Ireland Institute in partnership with Student Sport Ireland. 

Dublin City University was awarded full accreditation for a further three years, after their initial award in 2022. Atlantic Technological University were named as an ASAS Affiliate as a first-time recipient. The 2024 awards bring the membership of the ASAS network to 12.  

ASAS is based on providing equal opportunity to all high-performing student-athletes to combine sport and education and is grounded in the right to education.  

The accreditation outlines clear dual career criteria that third-level institutes must have to receive the accreditation. 

The accreditation aims to identify and establish a network of accredited institutions which support elite athletes to achieve dual career excellence by applying guiding principles. 

Director of Sport Ireland Institute Liam Harbison said: “The main aim of the ASAS programme is to formalise and raise the level of dual-career support for student athletes throughout the higher education sector in Ireland.   

“Our goal was to have a majority of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) ASAS Accredited by 2025, which we have successfully achieved a year early.   

“I congratulate and commend all the dual careers practitioners across the ASAS Network for their incredible work in driving the support for student athletes in Ireland to new levels.” 

The value of dual career policies in third-level institutions is evident by the volume of student athletes and HEI alumni who participated at the Paris 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games for Team Ireland. 20% of Irelands Olympians this year are actively pursuing third-level studies with 72% of the team third level graduates.  Similarly, 21% of Ireland’s Paralympians are studying at third level, with 60% graduates of third level institutions.  

Dr Michele Glacken, Registrar & VP for Student, Teaching & Learning, Atlantic Technological University, said: “We are delighted to be formally recognised by Sport Ireland for the dual career support we provide to our student athletes at ATU.   

“This milestone highlights our dedication to enabling athletes to pursue their sporting dreams while achieving their academic and personal goals.   

“We value our student athletes and look forward to enhancing our dual career supports for them into the future.” 

James Galvin, Dublin City University Director of Sports and Wellbeing, said: "DCU Sport is delighted and honoured to be recognised by Sport Ireland as a university that supports student athletes to achieve their dual ambition of academic and sporting excellence.  

“We believe we have a duty to help young people to achieve their potential, whilst prioritising their education, welfare and wellbeing.  

“The ASAS award recognises and validates our commitment to ensuring that student athletes have the chance to pursue an education and enjoy a more well-rounded approach to life. 

“The award also recognises the contributions of our academic and professional staff across DCU who strive to provide a student-centred approach offering flexibility while supporting our student athletes competing at the highest level in their sport.  

“We look forward to growing our partnership with the Sport Ireland Institute in supporting our high-performing athletes throughout their journey through DCU.” 

ASAS Accredited Higher Education Institutions 

• Queens University Belfast 
• Setanta College 
• Technological University Dublin 
• University College Cork 
• University of Limerick 
• Ulster University 
• Dublin City University 

Affiliate Level Accredited Higher Education Institutions 

• Trinity College Dublin 
• National College of Ireland 
• University of Galway 
• South East Technological University 
• Atlantic Technological University 

See our video on the Sport Ireland Career Forum below.