Athlete Development
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The Academy provides a holistic and comprehensive approach to athletes' outcomes by enhancing their
• physical development (muscular-skeletal screening, strength & conditioning training, physical therapy, injury management)
• technical skills development (coaching by experienced local & state coaches)
• personal development (goal setting & time management, nutrition, drug awareness, media awareness, sports psychology, public speaking, sponsorship & marketing).
Physical development
Musculo-skeletal screenings – these are conducted by a physiotherapist, compulsory for all athletes, and must be completed prior to commencing training in Academy programs. These are usually completed at Induction Days.
Strength and conditioning is ongoing during the coaching period. Specialised coaches assist athletes to develop their strength skills specific to their individual needs and to their chosen sport.
Injury Prevention and Management (1.5 hrs) - This program is conducted on Induction Days. The session focuses on preventing injuries and discussing treatment strategies based on the latest medical and scientific research. Sessions are sport-specific and athletes can learn skills such as blister prevention and care, ankle or hand taping techniques.
Personal development
Goal Setting (30 mins) – Included in induction days, the session focuses on setting achievable short and long term goals, and developing strategies to achieve them.
Time Management (30 mins) – Another induction day session, it teaches time management strategies to enable athletes to balance their educational, sporting, family and social commitments.
Sports Psychology (1hr) - This session is held during the training sessions and helps athletes develop strategies to remain focused on their training and be resilient.
Nutrition (1hr) - Is conducted during coaching sessions and focuses on improving nutrition strategies which build strength and endurance and aid recovery.
Australian Olympic Committee Drugs in Sport presentation . This session is conducted annually at the Athlete Conference Day and focuses on teaching athletes about current policies and actions to remain drug-free athletes.
Media skills (1hr). This session is also conducted in the Athlete Conference Day and allows athletes to explore the skills and strategies necessary to communicate effectively with the media and conduct themselves confidently when being interviewed.
Other athlete education and skills units may include sponsorship & marketing, public speaking, resume writing and career planning.