Sporting Excellence Programme 2023

EXCELLENCE PROGRAMME

EXCELLENCE PROGRAMME

Camp /Lifestyle An introduction camp will be held over a weekend, where athletes will commence their education on the various topics offered in the Excellence Programme. The initial workshop will concentrate on the six Foundation Principles, namely: 1. Thoughts and Emotions 2. Breathing patterns 3. Hydration 4. Nutrition 5. Movement 6. Sleep To provide a comprehensive understanding of how these principles work in harmony to yield optimal results, an external provider will deliver the sessions. The focus will be on illustrating the interconnectedness and mutual influence of each principle, emphasising the importance of a holistic approach. The primary objective is to empower each individual to realise their full potential in all areas of their lives.

Strength and Conditioning Our Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Programme provides sport-specific strength, conditioning, and injury-prevention programmes to enhance, support and improve students’ participation and performance in sports. Sessions aim to target and develop students’ physical qualities of strength, power, speed, agility, and aerobic fitness. SEP athletes will have access to three SEP-Student only Strength sessions at various times throughout the week, during term time, with the expectation that students attend one to three sessions per week. SEP athletes will also have access to S&C School Holiday Clinics (held every school holiday period- Dec/ Jan (Summer), April (Easter), June/July (Winter) and September) at no additional charge. The sessions will be available in Term Four, 2023: • Monday 7.00am to 8.00am | 3.30pm to 4.30pm • Tuesday 7.00am to 8.00am • Friday 7.00am to 8.00am Testing Regular testing is essential for every athlete as it allows them to assess their strengths, weaknesses, and progress over time. Testing provides valuable insights by showcasing the positive outcomes resulting from their hard work or indicating areas where adjustments may be necessary to achieve desired effects. The programme offers up to three athlete testing sessions, strategically scheduled at the beginning, midpoint, and completion of the programme. These testing sessions serve as critical checkpoints to evaluate athlete progression and identify any areas that require improvement. They provide important feedback to both athletes and coaches, enabling them to track progress, make informed training decisions, and adjust strategies as needed. By analysing the results, athletes can understand their performance trends and set goals for continuous improvement throughout the program. Students will have the opportunity to discuss their testing results with the Head of Athletic Development – Miss Sophie Dodd, to review results and create and/or update performance goals surrounding results.

To participate in the programme there is an annual levy of $500. The programme will run from the beginning of Term Four 2023, to the end of Term Three, 2024. To be considered for acceptance into the programme, parents of students must complete an online registration form. Applications will close on Monday, September 18, 2023. Before applying, we kindly ask that you review the guidelines provided below. Eligibility for programme acceptance is as follows: • Students in Year 7 to Year 12 • Willingness to commit 100% to the programme • Students have participated or been selected to participate at the following level in the past/next 12 months: o An international competition as a member of an official Australian team, squad or School Sport Australia and/or o A National Championship event as a member of an official state team, squad or team and/or o A State Championship event, squad or team Final selection will be at the discretion of the Dean of Participants to 20. Where students have competed at the same level, preference may be given to those who have achieved at top 3/podium performance. Where multiple students have achieved at the same level, preference may be given to students in older age levels. Where athletes of the same age level have achieved at the same level of representation, preference may be given to a student who may have assisted the College in the following manner: • Captaincy in their sport at a college level • Demonstrated leadership skills in their sport at a college level • Coaching in their sport at The College • Officiated/Refereed in their sport for The College Activities and Head of Athletic Development. Initially we have capped the number of SEP

Sport holds great significance in the lives of Somerset College students, as it supports and promotes their overall well-being and personal growth. The College firmly believes in providing a comprehensive sports programme to all students, recognising its positive impact on their health and development. Currently, the College understands that our high performing athletes, who excel or aspire to excel in their respective sports, would greatly benefit from additional support in managing their sporting commitments, alongside other aspects of College life. To cater to these athletes, we have developed the Somerset College Sporting Excellence Programme (SEP). This new programme aims to nurture, support and motivate these athletes, helping them strike a balance between their high-level sporting pursuits, academic studies, and personal lives within the college. By embracing a philosophy of ‘Holistic Development’, we seek to identify, support, and celebrate Somerset College students who possess unique sporting talents. The programme is open to students in Years 7 to 12. Students must apply to be in the SEP. Services offered in the programme include (but are not limited to) strength and conditioning programming, athlete testing, nutrition guidance, time management education and support, sport psychology support and well-being support services. These resources aim to assist athletes in maximising their potential while maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

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