Talent and coaching
At the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS), a key pillar of our 2032 High Performance Strategy is about working in partnership with sports to foster elite sporting talent and develop exceptional coaches.
Through our Youfor2032 talent search program, we identify and support athletes who show extraordinary potential to achieve medal success at the Brisbane 2032 Games. These athletes are typically coming from outside of the traditional sport talent pathways. We also offer sport-specific talent identification opportunities in early specialization sports including diving, skateboarding, and BMX freestyle. Our commitment lies in maximizing the potential of every athlete, whether they qualify for the Youfor2032 program or not.
In 2023, we introduced the Talent Support Plan (TSP) Program, an initiative designed to propel athletes already known to sports towards medal-winning success. The program focuses on the unique journey of each athlete, providing personalised support to help them reach their potential. We aim to place these athletes and their sports on a performance trajectory, envisaging future Olympic and Paralympic medal success.
In collaboration with the Australian Institute of Sport, we have created the Gen2032 Coach Program, which provides aspiring coaches with invaluable support and access to resources. This allows them to develop their skills and make a lasting impact on the future of Australian sports.
Talent Identification and Development
Finding Queensland’s next sporting stars
Queensland is a prolific nursery for sporting superstars. Everyone’s story is different, but most who have climbed to the upper echelons of sport have had a lot of support, development, and assistance along the way. Identifying and nurturing sporting talent at the right time is a huge factor in achieving success.
We want to give talented Queenslanders the opportunity to excel in sports by supporting them with specialised development, training, and coaching programs.
Youfor2032 Talent Identification Program
In partnership with 15 Olympic and 9 Paralympic sports, the Youfor2032 program is Australia's largest athlete talent identification initiative. Spanning across the state, this program aims to unearth athletes with extraordinary elite sporting potential. By providing them with the necessary resources, training, and guidance, the QAS aspires to foster their development and help them reach their full potential.
For more details, please visit our Youfor2032 website.
Talent Support Plan (TSP) Program
This innovative initiative is specifically designed to support 40 aspiring athletes who are demonstrating attributes that are aligned to medal potential for a future Olympic or Paralympic cycle. Opportunities exist in the following areas:
- Pre-categorised athletes from sports that are QAS supported.
- Categorised athletes (EG: Emerging and Developing athletes) in sports where there is no QAS sports program.
- Talent transfer athletes.
Our TSP program provides selected athletes with targeted resources and opportunities that are aligned with each athlete plan and development needs. The objective is to accelerate their development so we can progress them to the QAS sports program or Medal Support Plan program.
By focusing on development and the nurturing of potential, the TSP Program aims to bridge the gap between untapped talent and professional recognition. It empowers athletes to reach their highest potential and represents a significant stride forward in our commitment to fostering elite sporting talent in Queensland.
At different times of the year, the QAS invites applications from National and State Sporting Organisations to put forth athlete nominations for the TSP program. The QAS does not accept nominations directly from athletes.
For more details in relation to this program, please contact Ben Southwell via email Ben.Southwell@sport.qld.gov.au.
Coach Development
Coaches are a critical enabler of athlete performance and the one role, that rides the highs and lows most closely with the athletes. The modern high-performance coach is more than just the coach with many now also leading a team of performance support experts and managing a range of stakeholders. Our coach development approach maximises the learning opportunities that come with supporting 20 different sports and cross sports learning and collaboration.
For more information, please visit information for coaches: https://www.qasport.qld.gov.au/information-for/coaches.
Last updated: 24 Jun 2025