The Graduate Athlete High Performance Program exists to essentially close the 'GAHPP' between junior and senior sport participation.
This program is targeted at providing ongoing training support, education and development of athletes from within the Academy Sport Programs, who have either graduated (i.e. no longer age-eligible) and show both athletic and leadership skills, or who are age-eligible, however are unable to commit to the full program due to State or National junior program commitments.
And where it is identified that the athlete may gain an additional benefit from participating within parts of the high-performance programs conducted by the South West Sydney Academy of Sport, such as sport education, strength and conditioning, sport science testing, and athlete wellbeing and support services.
Where program athletes are able to participate alongside squad athletes in a training environment, further opportunities and mentoring are provided to assist in the transition from athlete to coach, supporting participants looking to transition into the coaching ranks, whilst still competing within their chosen sport at a higher level.
Participants will benefit from having continued access to their sport program training and education sessions, including participation with athletes and coaches within the performance pathway, whilst being provided the opportunity to observe the training techniques, styles and structures coaches put in place.
Participants will be encouraged to communicate regularly with athletes and coaches, including mentoring younger athletes, to develop communication skills as a part of the athletes leadership development program, and assist in the transition for those interested from athlete to coach. And receive ongoing access to the athlete sport education program within their sport, as well as additional athlete leadership development opportunities such as Sponsorship Negotiation Skills and Media Training as an example.
Participants will be included within their sport programs strength and conditioning program, and health and wellbeing support services within the Academy.
Where opportunities exist, may participate in scrimmages, practice matches or Alumni teams within Sport Program training sessions or tournaments as provided by the Academy.
Eligibility
- The Athlete must be a Graduated Athlete from within the South West Sydney Academy of Sport program they are applying for, and be no older than 19 years of age as of 31 December 2025.
OR:
- Be eligible, (that is, still meet the age and eligibility requirements of the sport program) and have Nominated to be selected in the Academy Sport Program.
In addition,
- The Athlete must have maintained a strong attendance record at both training and education sessions within the Academy.
- The Athlete must have maintained a good financial record within the Academy.
- Athletes who are age-eligible are required to show evidence of their participation in a higher-level of performance within that sport to be eligible for inclusion within this program. For example;
- Professional or Semi-Professional sporting league,
- NSW State or National Team above the age level of the current sport program.
Selection Process
Where the Athlete is a Graduate Athlete from within the Sport Program;
- Following the sport program conclusion, the Academy will discuss with the program coach and support staff on the suitability of Graduating Athletes to return to the program under the Graduate Athlete Program.
- As a part of the following program period's nomination and selection process, the Academy will invite the athlete to participate within the program.
- The invited athlete may be required to attend an interview. There is no obligation for the athlete to accept the position within the program, nor attend any trial or selection process.
Where the Athlete is still age-eligible for the Sport Program (Competing at a higher-level);
- The athlete is expected to nominate for that sport program with the intent to participate in the selection process as normal.
- The athlete is then able to provide evidence of competing at a higher-level to the Academy, as well as an outline of their anticipated commitments to that program, (ie declare clashes) as well as availability to participate in Academy Activities.
- Subject to this information being received, the Academy will discuss with the coach and support staff who will assist in the final selection decision.
- Should the athlete be selected into the Graduate Athlete Program, they will be advised whether they are required to attend a trial or interview, as well as any financial benefit or discount to their athlete scholarship levy.
For more information on the program, email sport @ swsas.org.au
