Athlete Development Pathways in Intellectual Disability Sport: A Mixed-Methods Examination of Development, Participation, and System Structures in Special Olympics Ireland

About the Project

The Department of Sport Science and Nutrition at Maynooth University is pleased to announce that a Maynooth University Doctoral Scholarship will be available for a suitably qualified and successful applicant intending to commence their PhD studies in September 2026.

Project Title: Athlete Development Pathways in Intellectual Disability Sport: A Mixed-Methods Examination of Development, Participation, and System Structures in Special Olympics Ireland.

This PhD project will examine athlete development pathways within intellectual disability sport through a strategic partnership with Special Olympics Ireland (SOI). SOI is sports organisation dedicated to providing children and adults with intellectual disabilities opportunities for year-round training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports from grassroots clubs to national and World Games. The organisation aims to foster physical fitness, confidence, social connection and community inclusion; enabling athletes to demonstrate courage, experience joy, and share their skills both on and off the sports field. The research will provide the first in-depth, multi-level exploration of athlete, family, and stakeholder experiences within the SOI system. Using a mixed-methods design with a strong longitudinal focus, the project will investigate how athletes with intellectual disabilities experience sports participation and progression, how families perceive developmental and community impact of affiliation and participation with SOI, and how organisational structures facilitate or constrain engagement across stakeholders. The project will generate evidence-based recommendations to strengthen sports pathways for athletes with intellectual disabilities, enhance stakeholder experience, and support inclusive sport policy and practice nationally and internationally. This project is funded by the Maynooth University Doctoral (MUD) Scholarship Scheme.

Value of Maynooth University Doctoral Scholarship Award

The award is fully funded for 4 years, commencing September 2026 and running to completion in August 2030. The following funding is committed:

• Student stipend: €25,000 per annum
• Annual Tuition Fees Support

Application and Selection Process

Applicants should submit the following documents:

• Personal Statement (maximum 3 pages) clearly outlining why the candidate is suitable for this PhD, how they meet the essential and desirable eligibility criteria, and motivations for undertaking this specific project. It should demonstrate candidate understanding of inclusive sport and athlete development pathways, as well as a capacity to manage a mixed-methods, longitudinal research project
• Curriculum Vitae detailing academic qualifications, relevant research experience, skills, and any applied work in sport and/or community settings
• Copies of final transcripts for relevant degrees where relevant
• Names and contact details of two referees who can provide academic references

All eligible candidates will be considered for open positions. Applicants may be shortlisted for interview and, if so, will be contacted directly by the Department. Late applications will not be considered.

Closing Date: 1st July 2026

Please submit applications directly to: Dr Liam Sweeney at Liam.Sweeney@mu.ie by no later than 5.00 pm on 1st July 2026. Please title the subject of your email application as ‘MU Doctoral Scholarship - Department of Sport Science and Nutrition 2026’.

For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Liam Sweeney via email at Liam.Sweeney@mu.ie