Australian sport has taken an enormous step in its bid to become a world-leader in coach development ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) today naming 31 coaches as part of a flagship national apprenticeship program.
Olympian Bernadette Wallace is among the 31 developing coaches from 22 sports who will benefit from paid two-year coaching apprenticeships as part of the inaugural National Generation 2032 Coach Program.
Launched today at the Victorian Institute of Sport in Melbourne, the National Generation 2032 Coach Program is a joint initiative between the AIS, National Institute Network (NIN) partners, and National Sporting Organisations (NSOs).
AIS Acting Director Matti Clements said: “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.
“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.”
Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins said the program is 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,” Perkins said.
“We want Australia to be a world leader in coach development and this is a big step in that direction.
“The coaches in this inaugural program are immersed in high performance sporting environments to fast-track their progress. They’ll have guidance from a senior mentor coach, plus they’ll receive formal professional development and education through the AIS and participating NIN partners. It’s a national approach.
“This program also aims to help increase coach diversity across multiple sports. 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. Five part-time places on the program are reserved for women coaches enabling them to work flexibly while continuing their professional development.”
Paddle Australia National Performance Director Kim Crane said she is excited for Wallace, and this opportunity.
“What we value about the National Generation 32 Coach Program is the AIS have supported us to identify, transition and build the capability of a young emerging coach, in Bernadette, who we think has all the experiences, knowledge, competencies and personal style attributes to be successful,” Crane said.
“Knowing we could tailor, and create a part time role for Bernadette with additional support for flexibility and family shows both Paddle Australia and the AIS recognise the importance of diversity, female coaching solutions and development initiatives.
“As leaders, sometimes we can fall into the trap of only looking to the end of the current Olympic and Paralympic cycle, so to know this program has a long term view to Brisbane 2032 allows us to monitor and manage the individuals development, and build sustainable athlete and stakeholder relationships.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for both Paddle Australia and Bernadette, and I look forward to seeing her develop and flourish as a coach as we all continue to build the green and gold runway to Brisbane 2032,” she said.
National Generation 2032 Coach Program recipients are: Aileen Reid (Triathlon); Ashlee Ankudinoff (Cycling, SASI); Ashleigh Meneses (Diving, WAIS); Ben Walkemeyer (Sailing); Bernadette Wallace (Paddle); Brooke Kemp (Swimming, WAIS) Collis Birmingham (Athletics, VIS); Danny Kevan (Athletics, WAIS); Elissa Kent (Netball, VIS); Emilee Barton (Rugby 7s); Ethan Topalovic (Snow); Hally Chapman (Rowing, NSWIS) ; Hongbo Liang (Table Tennis); Jackson Holtham (Snow, NSWIS) ; Jade Shellback – (Golf) ; James Greathead (Triathlon, NSWIS); Jamie Green (Athletics); Jared Tallent (Athletics, SASI) Jay Thompson (Surfing, NSWIS); Kat Smith (Football); Kate Jenner (Hockey, NSWIS); Leah Blayney (Football); Leigh Godfrey (Softball); Lillian Foster (Diving, SASI) Lynsey Clarke (Bowls); Nicole Parks (Snow, NSWIS) Rebecca Stafford (Diving, VIS); Renuga Veeran (Badminton); Rowie Webster (Water Polo, VIS); Shara Romer (Boxing) and Shayne Watson (Baseball)
