University College Dublin’s Athletic Union Council (AUC) has launched its Strategic Framework 2026-2030, a values-driven roadmap designed to shape the future of club sports at UCD. The AUC is the governing body for UCD sports clubs, and all clubs are affiliated with the AUC.
More than just physical activity, club sports at UCD foster confidence, leadership, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging. Aligning with the University Strategy, in particular the Student Experience and Wellbeing initiative (SE1-SE7) and University for All, the framework champions sport as a powerful tool for inclusion, fairness, and community.
University sports face evolving pressures, from rising academic demands to a heavy reliance on volunteer coaches. The new framework positions the AUC as both a support and a safeguard, strengthening governance, accountability, and resourcing while firmly protecting UCD’s traditional, student-led sports culture.
The Framework is built around three core strands:
Participation: Supporting inclusive, accessible sports for all backgrounds and abilities.
Performance: Enabling high-performance pathways and elite sporting excellence.
People: Developing students into tomorrow’s leaders, volunteers, and engaged citizens.
The Framework can be read in full at ucd.ie/sport