Australian pathways program bolstered
Bowls Australia’s (BA) pathways program has been bolstered by the full-time appointment of five pathways coaches, as well as two satellite coaches that will lay the foundations of success for the future generations of bowlers across the country.
The program’s aim is to develop Australia’s future champions, with the increased workforce increasing due to a strategic funding investment for both the pathways and para programs from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the various State and Territory Associations across the nation.
The appointed pathways coaches are Lynsey Clarke (Queensland), Matthew Northcott (South Australia/Northern Territory), Ian Ewing (Victoria), James Reynolds (New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory) and Therese Hastings (Western Australia) with Tasmania remaining vacant for the time being.
The pathways coaches underwent their induction and personal development opportunities at the AIS headquarters in Canberra last week, with sessions including coach support, well-being and engagement, planning and time management, stakeholder management and mapping.
They will work directly with Pathways, Emerging and Para Jackaroos squad members in their daily training environments in their home state or territory.
Working in conjunction with the pathways coaches will be satellite coaches in Ben Twist and Claire Turley, who will be appointed to specific areas of the country that consist of a larger cohort of athletes to ensure all bowlers are receiving a high level of servicing.
The pathways program focuses on six key areas of development, including one-on-one coaching and technical support, sports psychology, increased competition opportunities, athlete wellbeing and engagement, coach development, opportunities for the workforce and an individualised training program.
BA’s High Performance Manager and former Jackaroo Rebecca Van Asch is buoyed by the bolstered program and looks forward to seeing the group in action with their respective squads.
“The pathways program is an integral part of our high performance program and enables us to continue developing both open and para athletes in our sport as we endeavour to continue raising the bar on the international stage.” Van Asch said.
“We’re proud of what we have achieved at key benchmark events over the past decade in particular, but we want to ensure that we continue to look to the future and keep developing our future champions.
“We have been able to increase the hours of some of the coaches that were already working with us and we’ve also been fortunate to welcome James and Claire to the team, giving us the highest calibre of insight for our athletes.”
Van Asch is equally as optimistic about how the program will benefit the next generation of Open and Para Jackaroos, as bowlers will receive more coaching and insights than they ever have before.
“This is a really exciting time for the future of the sport at a high performance level, with our developing players receiving more support and services than ever before,” she said.
“Our Pathways Coaches will also work with their local state body to identifying further talent at a local level as well.
“No matter what state or territory an athlete resides in they will receive the same level of servicing which is something that we are very proud of.
“We sincerely thank the AIS for their continued support of our sport and helping make our vision a reality.”
