Train Alongside the Comm Games Team!
What’s the opportunity?
From 8th January 2017 and 26th March 2018, a small group of female athletes with elite potential will be invited to train at the BAL Centre of Excellence (CoE) alongside athletes preparing for the Commonwealth Games. This period will include approximately 5 weeks living at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra and training at the AIS Combat Centre, and 6 weeks at overseas training camps (likely 2 x 3-week periods in Philippines).
The aim of this short program is to provide an opportunity to the next generation of elite female boxers to train in a high performance centre and develop their fitness, skills and knowledge of what it takes to develop into a world-class boxer. These athletes will also be a training partner for athletes preparing for the Commonwealth Games 2018.
What does the program involve?
- Daily coaching by Boxing Australia CoE program coach (generally 2-3 sessions per day)
- Access to training facilities and limited support services (including physiotherapy, medicine and strength and conditioning)
- Domestic and international training partners periodically at AIS Combat Centre
- Accommodation and food at AIS and at overseas training camp locations
- Travel to and from nearest state capital to AIS at the start and end of the training period, as well as international travel as part of the program.
What are the responsibilities of the athlete?
- Punctually attend all training sessions, meetings and appointments with coaches and support staff
- Abide by the BAL code of conduct
- Athletes are responsible for having their own private health insurance. Not all medical costs will be covered by BAL or AIS Combat Centre
- The costs to the athlete of being in the CoE program are $1000 for the period 8th January to 26th March 2018. Note, this is heavily subsidised by Boxing Australia and the AIS Combat Centre
- Athletes are responsible for their own behaviours and for putting in maximum effort towards attaining their full potential in boxing
- Athletes must disclose physical or mental conditions that may impact performance including injuries, illness, medications and supplements
Who can apply?
Athletes should satisfy all the following criteria to be able to apply:
- Female and aged 18+ on 8th January 2018
- Currently trains for boxing at least 6 sessions per week
- Competed in the Australian Youth or elite titles in 2016 and/or 2017
- Free from illness and/or injury (including long-term unresolved injuries)
- Preference may be given to athletes aged 18-22 yrs for this opportunity, but older athletes should also apply
How can I apply?
Complete the Expression of Interest form and submit it to Clare.humberstone@ausport.gov.au before 5pm on Wednesday 13th December.
A selection panel comprising representatives of Boxing Australia and the AIS Combat Centre will consider applications based on the suitability of the athlete to benefit from the experience; including competitive performance and results in 2016 and 2017, performance and behaviour at BAL camps and tours in 2016 and 2017, ability to cope with increased training load (fitness and injury) and perceived likelihood to progress to being an internationally-competitive elite athlete.
Only athletes for whom this opportunity would not interfere with their career and education will be considered. Athletes enrolled in high school in 2018 will not be considered. There are a maximum of 5 places that will be offered.
What does it cost to be part of this program?
The majority of the athletes’ costs will be covered by Boxing Australia and AIS Combat Centre. The cost to each athlete to be part of this program is a co-contribution of $1000.
What are the conditions for entry and exit from the program?
Up to 5 female boxers will be invited to be part of this short program. The first week of the period (8th – 13th January) will act as an assessment period to ensure each athlete will be able to cope with the demands of the program and will benefit from the experience.
Athletes may choose to exit the program at any time through discussion with BAL CoE coach. BAL and AIS Combat Centre may remove an athlete from the program at any time with immediate effect due to breaches of the BAL code of conduct.
Why is this opportunity only open to female athletes?
Boxing Australia’s high performance strategy has identified significant opportunities in women’s boxing to achieve medal outcomes. The current daily performance environment for most female boxers in Australia is limited by lack of appropriate training partners and high performance support, and therefore the Centre of Excellence approach based in Canberra has been established to address this need. The optimal strategy to achieve medal outcomes for male athletes in Australia is different and tailored specifically to success in men’s boxing.