Women in High Performance Coaching Program 2025-27

9 Sept

WOMEN IN HIGH PERFORMANCE COACHING PROGRAM 2025-2027

Applications close October 5, 2025.

Australian Athletics invites expressions of interest from developing high performance women coaches for the Women in High Performance Coaching Program Cohort 2.

Who this is for

Women coaches who have coached athletes onto Australian teams at senior or under 20 level in the last two years

Program length

Two years starting November 2025

Location

Melbourne workshop with travel and accommodation provided

Submit your expression of interest

Background

The inaugural WiHPC program from 2022 to 2024 delivered rich development experiences that built knowledge, skill and confidence. In line with the Australian Athletics High Performance Strategy to broaden opportunities for under represented groups in coaching, Cohort 2 supports women coaches with the potential and ambition to thrive in high performance.

What the program involves

Individual Coach Development Plan

Co design your plan with High Performance coaching staff
Community of Practice or Mentor Program

Join a monthly group or the High Performance Coach Mentor Program
Three day workshop

Melbourne 19 to 21 February 2026 with flights and accommodation provided
Light touch reporting

Provide brief progress updates and complete evaluation surveys

Community of Practice

A safe space to connect and share. The first three meetings occur before the workshop so participants can help shape the content.

Workshop focus

Clarify coaching motivations
Identify barriers and challenges on the pathway
Map how WiHPC can support career goals and progression
Learn from Cohort 1 journeys
Develop leadership, communication and networking skills

Other opportunities

Support to attend national event group camps
International team coaching opportunities
Additional coach development and education as appropriate

We appreciate the demands on coaches. This lead time is designed to help you plan for time away from family, work and training.

Selection criteria

Coached an athlete onto a senior or under 20 Australian team in the last two years
Available for the Melbourne workshop 19 to 21 February 2026 and ongoing program participation with travel and accommodation included
Genuine desire to coach high performance athletes and pursue a coaching career
Athletics Australia Level 2 or Level 3 accreditation or actively working toward it
Working With Children Check and Police Check held or obtainable
Ability to complete Sports Integrity Australia modules: Anti Doping Fundamentals, Annual Update, Safeguarding Induction, Competition Manipulation and Sports Gambling

Australian Athletics values coach workforce diversity and inclusive opportunities. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander coaches, culturally diverse coaches, and coaches who identify as LGBTIQ.

How to apply

Expressions of interest close on 5 October 2025.