Australian pathways program bolstered – Bowls Australia

by Val Febbo on January 31, 2023

Bowling Australia’s (BA) route program has been strengthened by the appointment of five full-time route coaches, as well as two satellite coaches who will lay the foundations of success for the future generations of bowlers across the country.

The aim of the program is to develop Australia’s future champions, with the enhanced workforce increasing as a result of a strategic funding investment for both the pathways and para programs of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the various state and area associations across the country.

The appointed road coaches are Lynsey Clarke (Queensland), Matthew Northcott (South Australia/Northern Territory), Ian Ewing (Victoria), James Reynolds (New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory) and Therese Hastings (Western Australia) with Tasmania remain vacant for now.

The route coaches underwent their induction and personal development events at the AIS headquarters in Canberra last week, with sessions including coach support, wellbeing and engagement, planning and time management, stakeholder management and mapping.

They will work directly with Pathways, Emerging and Para Jackaroos squad members in their day-to-day training environments in their home state or territory.

Satellite coaches in Ben Twist and Claire Turley will work alongside the track coaches, who will be appointed to specific areas of the country that comprise a larger group of athletes to ensure that all bowlers receive a high level of service.

The pathway program focuses on six key areas of development, including one-on-one coaching and technical support, sports psychology, increased competition opportunities, athlete wellness and engagement, coach development, workforce opportunities and an individualized training program.

BA High Performance Manager and ex-Jackaroo Rebecca Van Asch is supported by the strengthened program and is looking forward to seeing the group in action with their respective teams.

“The trail program is an integral part of our high performance program and allows us to continue to develop both open and para athletes in our sport as we aim to continue to raise the bar on the international stage.” Van Asch said.

“We are particularly proud of what we have achieved at important benchmark events over the past decade, but we want to ensure that we continue to look to the future and continue to develop our future champions.

“We were able to increase the hours of some of the coaches who were already working with us and we were also fortunate to welcome James and Claire to the team, who give us the highest caliber of insight for our athletes.”

Van Asch is equally optimistic about how the program will benefit the next generation of Open and Para Jackaroos, as bowlers will receive more coaching and insights than they ever have before.

“This is a very exciting time for the future of the sport at a high performance level, with our developing players receiving more support and services than ever before,” she said.

“Our Pathways coaches will also work with their local state body to identify further talent at local level as well.

“No matter what state or territory an athlete lives in, they will receive the same level of service, which is something we are very proud of.

“We sincerely thank the AIS for their continued support of our sport and making our vision a reality.”