Future Stars

Program Overview

In 2021 the Future Stars program focused on the sport of Track and Field, specifically, “Little Athletics”.  All local Little Athletic clubs were invited to nominate up to 4 athletes who they felt would benefit from a program of education in relation to the development of their talent to be able to run, jump, throw and walk.

In the past the Gold Coast Academy of Sport (GCAS) had provided a program for aspiring young athletes from within the Gold Coast region in a number of sports which sat outside of the team sports offered by the Academy.  Sports such as Tennis, Triathlon, Swimming, Ice Hockey, Go Karting, Softball and Cheering to name a few.

The program (regardless of sport) caters for basic fitness elements of athletes, building their awareness of important issues/aspects that are essential in the development as an elite performance athlete.  The Academy understands all sports have different individual skill needs which the athlete has to target, but the underlying strength and basic movement patterns are general areas that can be worked on, regardless of the competition sport.

In addition to these skill development sessions, athletes will be involved in a number of core educational sessions to help them develop and grow to become a ‘student of their own event and sport’.  These sessions include topics such as nutrition, sports psychology, body maintenance and time-management to name a few.  All sessions are delivered by professional presenters in their respective fields and are focused on helping athletes develop into an all-round athlete on and off the field of play. This high-performance development program provides physical and mental skills which will benefit the athlete outside of normal individual, club and association trainings.

It is understood and accepted that once an athlete commences the program, to gain full benefit, they should attend all training and educational sessions as set down by the coordinator.  If, for some reason, the athlete is unable to attend due to sickness/other commitments, it is expected that the coordinator / GCAS is advised.

On completion of the program, all athletes will be recognised at the ‘End of year graduation’ ceremony conducted at the RACV.

Selection Process

To apply for a GCAS future stars academy position, potential athletes are required to complete an academy future stars application form and must attach supporting materials advising of achievements within their specific sport.

Once completed and submitted, applications are advised of the specific program.

Eligibility

• Athletes must be representing their chosen sport at a regional level
• Athletes must be aged between 12 – 18 years of age in the applicable year (contact GCAS if you wish to be eligible but do not fall in this age category)
• Athletes must reside within the Gold Coast, Scenic Rim or Logan City Councils
• Athletes must be participating in a sport outside that of the current GCAS sport programs OR must be outside the applicable age of a particular GCAS sport program

The following requirements apply to selected Academy recipients:

• Athletes must report to the GCAS any sporting achievements / selections
• Athletes who are age relevant will receive a 6 month gym membership at the Southport Sharks whilst the program is being conducted. It is expected that the athletes use this membership to use information learnt in the program and to put into practice skills learnt
• Personal screening and personal training session – highlight strengths and weaknesses to further the athlete’s abilities (testing is completed to highlight any specific strengths and weaknesses)

*Please note that GCAS reserves the right to withdraw athletes from the future stars program if the above requirements are not being met.

Athlete Benefits

There is a levy that goes along with being part of the program but for this fee, future star athletes receive the following benefits:

• 6 month gym membership with Southport Sharks, which includes gym and an initial personal consultation session with a qualified fitness instructor. **6 month Gym Memberships only available to those 16 years and older.
• A full GCAS uniform kit including a polo shirt, training t-shirt and training shorts
• Fitness testing conducted by coordinator of Future Stars program and associated personnel
• Access to attend educational seminars presented by the GCAS.

We encourage each athlete to use as many of the additional optional benefits as possible that are on offer to gain maximum benefit from the program.

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