Sport NSW wraps up Fast Track Course

Sport NSW was delighted to partner with the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) to deliver the first Fast Track for Female Coaches Course to 22 women representing 15 different sports in October and November. 

Specifically developed to address the under-representation of females in elite coaching the course moved beyond the technical and tactical aspects of specific sports to discuss and focus on further developing the coaching and leadership skills of aspiring female coaches as they progress along the coaching pathway.

“I’ve never had the chance to be surrounded by so many women coaches in one space before. It was very nice to just be able to connect with other women and have the course so relevant and specific to what I'm going through.” - Participant

Over the duration of the five-week course, participants covered topics including coaching philosophy, leadership and communication styles, sport psychology and developing high performance coaching programs.  Each week ACPE academics addressed a core topic, which was followed by an elite industry leading coach discussing their lived experience.  Over the duration of the course, guest speakers included

• Joanne Broadbent OAM – Six-time WNCL winning NSW Breakers Coach
• Louise Sauvage OAM – NSWIS Wheelchair Track and Road Coach,
• Dr Tom Patrick – NSWIS Senior High Performance Manager
• Simone Freeman – Head of Strength and Conditioning - GIANTS AFLW and Netball
• Dr Juanita Weissensteiner – Principal Advisor Talent Pathways, Office of Sport

Sport NSW CEO, Darren Simpson was grateful for the support shown by the NSW Sporting community.

“It was highly encouraging to have the elite level support and engagement from male and female coaches alike who volunteered their time to share their insights and experiences with the participants.

“The course also provided a fantastic opportunity to connect aspiring female coaches with established role models in the sports industry.”

The course provided a unique and important networking opportunity for coaches across the sports industry.  The final evening’s panel discussion and networking event included Alan McConnell – GIANTS AFLW Head Coach, Alicia Eva – GIANTS NEAFL Backline Coach (and AFLW Captain) and Briony Akle – Sydney Swifts Head Coach sharing their candid insights and experiences learned over their careers. 

The participants, invited guests and panellists then finished with a networking event that has organically resulted in the development of a women in coaching network.

Sport NSW will run further courses in 2020.  To express your interest please click here to submit an expression of interest.