The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has named 31 coaches to be part of a flagship national apprenticeship program ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Acting Director of AIS, Matti Clements said gold medal Olympians, Jared Tallent (Athletics) and Emily Barton (Rugby 7s) were among the 31 developing coaches from 22 sports who would benefit from paid two-year coaching apprenticeships as part of the inaugural National Generation 2032 Coach Program.
Mr Clements said the Program was a joint initiative between the AIS, National Institute Network (NIN) partners, and National Sporting Organisations (NSOs).
“Quality coaching is the foundation for sport at all levels, so it’s wonderful to see the Australian high performance sport system combining forces to develop the next generation of coaches who will guide Australian athletes on the world stage for many years to come,” Mr Clements said.
“The aim is that coaches involved in this apprenticeship Program will transition to become Australia’s coaching leaders of the future, and we’d hope to see many of them coaching in Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”
Chief Executive of the Australian Sports Commission, Kieren Perkins said the Program was focused on enhancing the depth and diversity within Australia’s high performance coaching ranks.
“The future success of Australian athletes and sport relies heavily on identifying, developing and retaining our best coaching talent so we can build sustainable success,” Mr Perkins (pictured centre) said.
“We want Australia to be a world leader in coach development and this is a big step in that direction,” he said.
“The coaches in this inaugural program are immersed in high performance sporting environments to fast-track their progress.”
Mr Perkins said Program participants would receive guidance from a senior mentor coach, as well as formal professional development and education through the AIS and participating NIN partners.
“The under-representation of women in high performance coaching roles is common within international high performance sport, so it’s significant that 20 of the 31 places on this Program are held by women coaches,” he said.
“Five part-time places on the Program are reserved for women coaches enabling them to work flexibly while continuing their professional development.”
