Coaching scholarships announced
19 Dec 2008
Nine coaches will begin their two year coaching scholarship program in 2009, joining 17 coaches currently on scholarship as part of the Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) National Coaching Scholarship Program.Former Olympic silver medallist, Mathew Helm, is one of the new scholarship coaches who is turning his sights to coaching after a distinguished diving career that resulted in silver and bronze medals at the Athens Olympics. He is joined by other former Olympians, including Andrew Schact (beach volleyball), and Carrie Quigley (shooting), as well as dual Paralympic gold medallist Peter Brooks (cycling).
Other coaches involved in the scholarship program are those on the cusp of a national coaching position in their sport, such as Robbie Hooker (football) who is currently a member of the Matilda’s coaching staff.
The scholarship program is a partnership between the ASC, the national sporting organisation, and the Australian Institute of Sport or a state institute/academy of sport. The scholarships provide opportunities for potential and current elite coaches to develop skills and knowledge working alongside a mentor coach within a high performance program.
Coaches also undertake an educational component to complement the practical learning during their scholarship and will be involved in professional development workshops specifically for scholarship coaches. Scholarship coaches will also have individual professional development programs.
Commencing their first year in a scholarship role in 2009 are:
Peter Brooks (Australian Paralympic Committee-Cycling), Warwick Draper (Canoe/Kayak), Mathew Helm (Diving), Robbie Hooker (Football), Tom Westgarth (Rowing), Carrie Quigley (Shooting), Michael Palfrey (Swimming), Raelene Ryan (Swimming), Andrew Schacht (Volleyball).
