World of opportunity for coaches through AIS Experiential Learning Programs

More than 30 coaches from 20 different sports gathered in Melbourne last week to take part in the latest editions of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Experiential Learning Program (ELP) — a unique initiative giving emerging coaches a front-row seat to sport at the highest levels.

The ELP offers up-and-coming coaches invaluable international experience by supporting travel to major global events and fostering a cross-sport professional network. Designed to build capability, confidence, and community, the program provides career-defining exposure to high-performance environments.

Originally developed to support women coaches through the AIS Women in High Performance Coaching Project (WiHPC), opens in a new tab, the program has now not only expanded to include male coaches but also to form part of the Para Uplift, opens in a new tab — an initiative to elevate Para sport in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

Funded through the Australian Government’s historic investment in Para sport, the Para Uplift aims to remove barriers and create opportunities for Para athletes by enhancing access to classification and fit-for-purpose training environments, as well as increasing the number of coaches supporting Para athletes.

Over the next seven months, participating coaches will travel to major international competitions across the globe, including the Para Cycling Road World Championships in Belgium, the World Para Athletics Championships in India, and the World Aquatics Youth Artistic Swimming Championships in Greece. These experiences will not only shape their own development but also enable them to share insights and learnings with their ELP peers and home programs.

Keep an eye on the AIS social media channels to follow our coaches' ELP journeys. To learn more about the program and other ways the AIS supports high performance coaches, visit the Australian Sports Commission website, opens in a new tab.

AIS Para Coach ELP Cohort:

Jacqueline Budiarto – Table Tennis, Table Tennis Australia

Jo Whittet – Blind Football, Blind Sports Australia

Liam Mulcahy – Blind Football, Blind Sports Australia

Anel Radford – triathlon, AusTriathlon

An Duy Phan – Table Tennis, Table Tennis Australia

Jamie O’Laughlin – wheelchair basketball, Basketball Australia

Samantha De Riter – cycling, AusCycling

Jennifer Langridge – Table Tennis, Table Tennis Australia

Alex Hirschauer – swimming, Swimming Australia

Andrew Perry – goalball, Blind Sports Australia

Bess Hepworth – blind football, Blind Sports Australia

Katie Edwards – athletics, Australian Athletics

Anthony De Castella – athletics, Australian Athletics

Rowan Vergano – athletics, Australian Athletics

Jan Vokaty – alpine skiing, Snow Australia

Mateo Dvorani – Table Tennis, Table Tennis Australia

Alex Hirschauer – swimming, Swimming Australia

Bobbi Kelly – alpine skiing, Snow Australia

Dawn Watt – ice hockey, Ice Hockey Australia

AIS Coach ELP Cohort 3:

Ti Coleing – Skate Australia

Randall Martin – University of Queensland Boat Club, Rowing Australia

Sam Holland – Brisbane Bandits, Baseball Australia

Tom Squires – Australian Sailing

Neven Cirkovic – NSW Institute of Sport, Water Polo Australia

Arthur Voulgaris – Gymnastics Victoria, Gymnastics Australia

Brianna Mears – Volleyball Australia

Jenny Borlase  – South Australian Sports Institute, Netball Australia

Katie Healy – Scots College, Rowing Australia

Amanda Fairley – Softball Australia

Shyanne Chew – Artistic Swimming Australia

Jade Wheatley – Surfing Australia