Internationally renowned high performance coaching mentor Neil Craig will work regularly with the 12 coaches in small groups during the six-month pilot program, which will help inform expanded coach development programs in 2022. The group will also come together for a two-day summit, to complement the learning and contribute to the health and wellbeing of participants, encouraging them to stay connected.

The coaches taking part in the program represent a wide cross section of high performance sports, including Olympic, Paralympic, Winter, Commonwealth Games, as well as team and individual sports.

AIS Coach Development Manager Bill Davoren said the key to the program was creating common connections among coaches.

“Participants will catch up fortnightly, facilitated by Neil Craig, to explore the unique demands and challenges of high performance coaching,” Davoren said. “This is a professional development opportunity to help progress adaptable leaders across sport, but on top of that it’s also about creating authentic settings where coaches can share their real-world challenges and insights with each other.

“Our aim is that these coaches from all different backgrounds will be able to form a lasting connection with each other, so they can collaborate professionally but also be a supportive network for each other when it comes to health and wellbeing. High performance coaching can also be a high pressure environment, so programs like this link back to our ultimate goal of building sustainable success.”

2021-22 AIS Coach Summit Program participants

Colin Batch, Hockey
Tim Decker, Cycling
Myriam Fox, Canoe kayak slalom
Adrian Hinchcliffe, Diving 
Stacey Marinkovich, Netball
Peter McNeil, Mogul freestyle skiing
Alois Rosario, Para-table tennis
Louisa Sauvage OAM, Para-athletics
Rohan Taylor, Swimming
Tim Walsh, Rugby sevens
Belinda Stowell, Sailing
Brad Tutton, Beach volleyball