Applications open for new Athlete to Coach pathway program

Athletics Australia is aiming to fast-track the development of a new generation of world-class coaches, with the launch of its new Athlete to Coach pathway program.

The pathway program, funded by the AIS Performance Pathway Grant, aims to assist recently retired athletes and current athletes considering retirement to develop their knowledge to support the future of the sport ahead of the Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Athletics Australia National Coaching Coordinator Mark Stewart said the idea behind the program was to recruit more coaches into sport that have an understanding of a high performance environment, while also fostering the talent and knowledge that already lies within the Australian athletics community.

“Throughout their competitive careers, athletes gain high level sports specific knowledge and incidentally learn skills from their own coaches, however transferring these tools and delivering the pre-existing knowledge can be a challenge for anyone new to the coaching space,” Stewart said.

“Instead of losing talent and vital experience within the sport, we have developed a pilot program that will see us nurture athletes and guide them to become successful coaches, to fuel the success of our sport in years to come.”

The pilot program will take place over two years, with successful participants undergoing a needs analysis to establish an individual development plan which will identify the support and resources for each future coach.

Personal development opportunities, valued up to $25,000 per annum, will include funds for coaching related education opportunities; attendance at national event group camps; international coach shadowing opportunities; and assistance to access necessary facilities and equipment.

Three-time Olympian and AA Event Group Lead – Pole Vault, Paul Burgess said the program is a fantastic initiative which will not only afford new opportunities to athletes nearing the end of their careers, but will have a significant impact on the success of the sport in years to come.

“This program is an incredible initiative and one that I believe could develop top coaches and subsequently, generations of world-class athletes,” Burgess said.

“As a former athlete, I understand the importance of great coaching from grassroots through to the elite level, but I also have an appreciation of just how valuable the knowledge I gained as an athlete has been to me becoming a successful coach.

“I’d like to encourage athletes with an interest in coaching to take advantage of this opportunity. Not only will it help you in making significant headway into your coaching career, you could make an impact on the sport at a greater level.”

The closing date of applications is Friday, 9 July, with the successful candidates announced in August.  The Expression of Interest document can be found here, while applications will be taken here. 

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 17/6/2021