The Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) has led the first pilot for the Gen2032coach program, with 10 coaches graduating after two years of training and mentoring.
The QAS pilot is part of the Australian Institute of Sport’s (AIS’s) Generation 2032 Coach Program which aims to increase the number and diversity of Australia’s high-performance coaches ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The graduating cohort includes retired surfing champion, Chelsea Hedges and Wallaroos flanker, Shannon Parry.
Swimming Australia Para Coach, Casey Atkins said the diversity of learning opportunities in the program had been valuable to her development.
“I’ve really enjoyed the fact that as well as laboratory experiences where we learn about coaching theories we can apply in our daily coaching environments, we’ve also been able to learn from mentors and other coaches,” Ms Atkins (pictured) said.
“The program provided us with new skills we can practice through hands-on learning opportunities, which are the key to building ourselves as coaches.”
Ms Atkins is one of eight women from the QAS cohort who will be continuing into the AIS National Gen2032 Coach Program for a third year of development and learning.
“It will be fantastic to get a third year of on-the-job training through the national program. It’s an awesome development opportunity to be able to continue receiving support from mentors and collaborating with other coaches,” she said.
Chief Executive of the QAS, Chelsea Warr welcomed the additional support from the AIS to further develop the next generation of female high-performance coaches.
“We are grateful for the AIS supporting an additional third year, bolstering the opportunities for more women coaches in the Australian high-performance system,” Ms Warr said.
