Earlier this year the Victorian Institute of Sport in Melbourne launched the National Generation 2032 Coach Program as a joint initiative between the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), National Institute Network (NIN) partners, and National Sporting Organisations (NSOs).

Having launched the apprenticeship program in July, 31 coaches from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) have begun their journey, making major steps in establishing Australia as a global leader in coach development in advance of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The program’s ultimate goal is to better prepare Australia to send coaches to the next Olympics, Paralympics, and Commonwealth Games by increasing the number of coaches with high-level experience in high-performance sports and broadening their backgrounds. 

This initiative works to improve the coaching of future generations of athletes through the cultivation of cutting-edge technological know-how, advanced interpersonal and leadership abilities, and a deeper comprehension of athlete development.

Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins explains the importance of this program not just in regard to the development of high-performance coaching but encouraging more women to take part. 

“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,” said Perkins. 

“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 the international high-performance sport, so it’s significant that 20 of the 31 places in 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.”

With 31 aspiring coaches including 20 women from a total of 22 different sports receiving a paid two-year coaching apprenticeships as part of the first-ever National Generation 2032 Coach Program, including Olympic gold medalists Jared Tallent (Athletics), Emily Barton (Rugby 7s) and Rowie Webster (Water Polo).

Prior to starting their journey, Tallent, Barton and Webster expressed their excitement and the importance of this program to not just themselves but to all future coaches. 

“Mostly, I’m looking forward to working and learning from my mentor in the program to expand my knowledge and expertise. The opportunity to participate in the ‘Learning Labs’ will also be a fantastic opportunity to learn and embrace new ideas from my fellow mentee coaches,” said Tallent. 

“Even though I am taking this on a part-time basis it means that I will get to continue to develop my skills as a coach while allowing me to focus on all areas of my life. It will give me the ability to learn skills that can be transferred between my coaching, my working life and my personal life,” said Godfrey.

“This opportunity is important to create a pathway for homegrown coaches to propel into the Australian sporting world, increase the diversity of coaches in Australia, especially female coaches and make an impact and commitment to the sustainability of Australian sport,” said Webster.

AIS Acting Director Matti Clements is excited to see the high-performance sport system combining forces to help develop the next generation of coaches. 

“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,” said Clements. 

“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.”

The Confederation of Australian Sport congratulates the Victorian Institute of Sport, Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), National Institute Network (NIN) partners, and partnering National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) for this exciting initiative.