Coaches from 20 different sports participate in AIS Experiential Learning Programs

The latest editions of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Experiential Learning Program (ELP), held in Melbourne last week, saw the participation of more than 30 coaches from 20 different sports.

The AIS Experiential Learning Program (ELP) is an 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), the program has now expanded as part of the Para Uplift - 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 six 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.

To learn more about the program and other ways the AIS supports high performance coaches, visit the Australian Sports Commission website. 

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

Image top. The Para Coach ELP cohort came together for a two-day session in Melbourne; Image below. Australian Blind Football coach Bess Hepworth is one of 19 taking part in the inaugural AIS Para Coach Experiential Learning Program. Credit AIS