Athletes
The Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) supports the integrated holistic development of athletes that encompasses physical, emotional, mental and social requirements, to achieve sustained success as a person and in their athletic pursuits.
Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement (AW&E) is a performance enabler that contributes to performance by supporting athletes with:
- individual career and education goals
- identifying personal strengths and values
- facilitating personal development opportunities
- linking athletes to community engagement opportunities that align with identified social issues and causes.
The QAS AW&E team provides direct, specialist support to athletes as they navigate the demands of high-performance sport. Working as part of each program’s broader Performance Support Team, AW&E practitioners help athletes achieve balance between their wellbeing, personal development, and the expectations of elite competition.
Support for athletes
The QAS AW&E Team support athletes with resources and individualised advice around:
- Career exploration and readiness
- Community Engagement
- High-performance behaviours
- Learning and Education Pathways
- Media Skills and Training
- Mentoring
- Personal Brand and Sponsorship
- Storytelling and Effective Communication
- Transition Support
- Values-based decision making
Resources for athletes
Education and career
The ideal time to plan and prepare for life after sport is right from the start of your career. Not only will this benefit you when you transition away from high performance sport; it will also help you lead a more balanced life during your time as an elite athlete.
The QAS Dream Twice Athlete Employment Program partners with Queensland businesses to provide QAS supported athletes with flexible, paid employment. Interested athletes are encouraged to speak to their AW&E Practitioner for more information and to find out how they can support you to be Dream Twice ready.
The Career Practitioner Referral Network (CPRN) enables Australia’s categorised athletes’, high performance coaches and high performance staff members to access to a variety of professional career advice and guidance services. Access and bookings are available through the QAS AW&E Team. More information can be found on the AIS website.
Personal and professional development
Personal and professional development fosters a mindset of continuous growth and learning, enabling you to broaden your knowledge, acquire new skills, and unlock your potential. By consistently challenging yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone, you create opportunities for new experiences and possibilities.
In addition to the QAS Learning and Development Framework, the QAS AW&E team supports a wide variety of opportunities that align with the interests and goals of categorised athletes. Personal development activities and topics include but are not limited to:
- Personal Brand and Sponsorship
- Storytelling and Effective Communication
- Media Skills and Training
- Mentoring
- Building your Business
- Financial Wellness (Financial literacy and planning)
- Values-based decision making
- High-performance behaviours
Mental health
The AIS Mental Health Referral Network (MHRN) is a group of expert psychologists and mental health clinicians who understand the pressures and complexity of life in a high-performance setting. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach or a support staff member, they can assist when things are tough or if you want some advice on how to improve your wellbeing.
More information on the MHRN and details on how to connect to free and confidential support is available on the AIS website.
Sport integrity
The QAS is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all athletes, children and young people, coaches and staff that are involved in our supported sport programs as well as protecting the integrity of sport.
We are committed to fostering a culture where every athlete, coach and staff member feels safe, respected and supported. We believe performance and wellbeing go hand in hand, and a safe environment is the foundation of long-term success.
If you've seen, heard or feel something that concerns you, you are encouraged to say something. You can use the QAS athlete safeguarding report form or contact the QAS Sport Integrity Manager on 0475 373 077.
Your voice matters. You will be listened to with care, and your courage can help protect the wellbeing of others.
You can find more information topics such as anti-doping, participant protection, safeguarding, competition manipulation or the improper use of drugs and medicine on the QAS sport integrity page and view the QAS sport integrity policies for more information.
Last updated: 24 Jun 2025