The search is on for Para sport coaches of the future

QAS High Performance Coach Advisor Michelle Hemley said the QAS the program was designed to develop participants into world-class Para sport coaches through a tailored four-year employment and learning pathway in partnership with sports.

“Gen 2032 was created by the QAS in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Sport as a pioneering program that combines practical coaching experience with innovative professional development,” she said

“With a focus on Para sport in this cohort, we are partnering with key sports and calling on aspiring coaches from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to apply. We are particularly interested to hear from candidates who may not be associated with Para sport or coaching but have transferrable skills and experiences and a strong passion for sport coaching.

“This is an incredible opportunity to become part of the next generation of high-performance Para sport coaches. Candidates with early career coaching experience or experience in exercise science, allied health or a disability-related field are encouraged to apply.”

Casey Atkins graduated from the Gen2032 program in 2024. With a background as an exercise physiologist, the program supported her to develop her coaching skills in a role as the Paralympic Swimming Hub Assistant Coach with Swimming Australia.

“At university, I had a couple of lectures on classification which was my first introduction into Para sport and really sparked my interest,” she said.

“Having clinical experience and sport science skills is super helpful as in high performance sport we’re working in a multidisciplinary team to support Para athletes.

“It allows us to have a deeper understanding and to think outside the box whether that’s around training loads or working with athletes with different impairments. We’re looking at them as whole person and how their impairment can be an advantage to them.”

Gen2032 Coaching Graduate, Paralympic gold medallist and head coach of the QAS Wheelchair Rugby Program, Ben Newton OAM PLY said coming into the program as a retired athlete, he was supported to transfer his skills and experiences into coaching.

“Meeting people who were experienced coaches was super valuable to me including being able to share tips, tricks and learnings that I could put into action in my coaching practice,” he said.

“Coaching Para athletes is uniquely challenging and professionally rewarding, the principles are no different but the way you need to apply them is highly individualised. If we're going to achieve our goal of Australia's best ever results at the Brisbane 2032 games, developing more coaches to support our current and future Paralympians is a vital piece of the puzzle.”

“This program is a game-changer for coaches as it allows them to focus on developing their coaching skills in a secure and salaried coaching position. For sports it allows them to have coaching support in strategic areas such as Para sport to grow this capability in their sport,” said Michelle Hemley.

Up to 10 full time coaching positions are available with the option to explore part time roles for the right candidates. Roles will employed by key Para sport partners across sports such as athletics, swimming and cycling and be co-funded by the QAS. Program participants will engage in three annual ‘learning labs’ where they will work with sport leaders and experts on hands-on training and social learning opportunities.

Who can apply?

The QAS is seeking individuals from diverse backgrounds to become trailblazers in Para sport coaching. Potential candidates include:

• Early-career coaches working with Para or non-Para athletes.
• Graduates in fields such as exercise science or allied health with a passion for coaching.
• Professionals in disability-related sectors interested in transferring their skills to sport.
• Experts in sport or disability keen to apply their knowledge to Para-athlete development.
• Applicants must hold or be willing to pursue a coaching accreditation and possess a current Blue Card. Retired elite athletes are also encouraged to apply, provided they can fully commit to the program's intensive requirements.

What’s involved?

Successful candidates will coach developing Para athletes, contribute to talent identification and collaborate with experienced Paralympic coaches. They will also participate in performance planning, professional development and local or international travel for camps and learning opportunities.

How to apply

To express interest, applicants must submit a resume and cover letter detailing their preferred role type and chosen Para sport to QASTalent.Coaching@dtis.qld.gov.au. Applications close on 10 January, with the program set to begin in early 2025.

This landmark program offers a rare chance to shape the future of Para sport in Australia, positioning coaches to make an enduring impact on the road to Brisbane 2032.

Download the expression of interest here.