AIS enhances coach development support through new program

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has further strengthened its coach development initiatives with the launch of a new program supporting high performance (HP) coaches to thrive as people, leaders and enablers of performance.

The new ENHANCE Coach Program is an 18-month learning and development initiative targeting experienced Australian high performance coaches.

The ENHANCE Coach Program has been designed for HP coaches with significant international senior coaching experience to provide opportunities to strengthen their leadership, strategic, and collaborative skills.

The introduction of ENHANCE means the AIS now caters for coaches at every level of high performance sport, with the new offering bridging the gap between the highly successful Summit Coach Program for national head coaches and the National Generation 2032 Coach Program (Gen 32) for those just beginning their HP coaching journey.

It will also ensure coaches have the support and tools to balance the pursuit of excellence with wellbeing, aligning with Australian sports united vision to win well.

Australian Athletics General Manager Andrew Faichney has welcomed the new program, saying investing in coach development is essential for national sporting success.

“Our Australian coaches are world leading and investing in their ongoing development and leadership is extremely important for sports and the national sporting system,” Faichney said.

“The AIS ENHANCE program creates the opportunity for experienced coaches to come together, learning from each other’s successes and challenges, and understanding best practices from across sports.”

A total of 30 coaches will take part in the 18-month program, which will include one-on-one mentorship, discussions with seasoned experts, and in-person workshops focusing on self-awareness, strategic leadership, and leveraging the broader sporting system for enhanced performance.

Applications close on February 27 with details on the selection criteria and guidelines available on Programs | Australian Institute of Sport.