That’s where the AIS Practitioner Development Program (PDP) comes in. The program aims to fast-track the development of early career performance support staff by equipping them with the knowledge, strategies and tools to become world-class practitioners.

This year’s cohort features 15 early career practitioners from across the high performance system, including Performance Analysts, Sports Physiotherapists and Dieticians, Strength and Conditioning Coaches and more.

“It is imperative that we invest in personal and professional development opportunities for performance support practitioners at an individual, team and system level,” AIS National Performance Support Systems Manager Miranda Menaspa said.

“The Practitioner Development Program is aligned with our National Performance Support Systems strategic pillar of developing high performing people who contribute to podium success.

“These are the individuals who will develop into effective and impactful world class practitioners in the green and gold decade.”

Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) Performance Psychologist Dean Cooper said he joined the PDP to develop his own skills and understand how people operate in different disciplines.

“This opportunity has been incredible and really given us a chance to stop and reflect on our own practice,” Cooper said.

“I personally have taken a lot away just being connected to other people in other disciplines and understanding some of their strengths and where I can leverage some of their ideas and abilities as well.”

Likewise, Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Performance Scientist (Physiology) Tahleya Eggers said: “Hearing other people's experiences gives you a sense of validation of what you're going through and gives you different approaches that you'd never thought of.”

Having already completed two residential workshops, the 2023 PDP cohort will now complete five weeks of work integrated learning.

Learn more about the AIS Practitioner Development Program .