Advanced Athlete Development Program

To be eligible for the program, students must already be competing at a district, state or national level and consistently maintaining their academic studies.

Application is via interview and written submission, which includes references from a coach and classroom teacher.

As part of the program, Tatachilla’s student-athletes are equipped with crucial skills in strength and conditioning; coaching and mentorship; mental preparation and sports psychology; injury prevention and rehabilitation; nutrition; leadership; time management; sportsmanship; umpiring; and sports event management.

They have the opportunity to apply these skills to their chosen athletic discipline, which may include (but is not limited to) athletics; Australian Rules football; basketball; cricket; cycling; gymnastics; hockey; netball; soccer; surf lifesaving; swimming; table tennis; triathlon; and volleyball.

Students enrolled in the program gain vital industry experience through collaborations with international sporting experts from Flinders University, the South Australian Sports Medicine Association, the Olympics Unleashed program, the AFL MAX Education program and HP Consulting and Coaching.

They also have the opportunity to step up as voluntary coaches at their local clubs and attain an introductory level coaching qualification.

Additionally, Advanced Athlete Development Program students are supported to coordinate one or more all-schools sports tournaments, enabling them to hone their skills in event management, scoring, time-keeping, equipment management, communication and problem-solving.

Tatachilla’s advanced athletes work hard to grow as high-functioning sportspeople on and off the field and play a key role in supporting the college’s junior athletes to stay focused and motivated at college sports days and interschool sports carnivals.