LITTLE As PICTORIAL

THE Gold Coast Academy of Sport (GCAS) has been in operation since 2009 and has touched more than 1500 athletes in a wide range of sports.

From its inception, GCAS has proved its ability to fill an important role within the broader community to help further the development of state and national representatives in sports.

Through programs we aim to help raise the standard of performance of athletes along with striving to improve their overall “life skills’’. The Academy is also proud to have introduced the AIS base camp to Upper Coomera State College where we run a Future Stars program for students from years 7 to 12.

This partnership is the only one of its kind in Queensland and is a pilot program.

It is an online program aimed at preparing pre-elite athletes for high-performance sport.

The program provides fun and challenging physical and educational sessions in five key areas of athlete development.

These are strength training technique, ball skills, postural strength, running technique, athlete lifestyle and skills (nutrition, psychology, selfregulation, physical preparation, personal excellence, recovery and video analysis).

This pilot program has been well received by students and parents.

Last year GCAS was extremely pleased to be able to work with Surf Life Saving Queensland to deliver a program that provided more than just water skills.

Athletes were presented lectures on correct nutrition, dealing with social media issues, how to prepare for competition and success, and strength and conditioning.

This program produced the GCAS male athlete of year at our major awards night.

Awarded to Sam Frost for his performances throughout the year and also his commitment to the program, he was a worthy recipient. This year, the program has begun again and is operating from Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club.

Athletes will again be taken through myriad water skills to further their knowledge on how to deal with surf conditions.

A number of “life topics” will also be covered.

This has become a pathway program with the sport body and Gold Coast Academy of Sport is proud to be offering a helping hand.

Young surf lifesavers benefit from a Gold Coast Academy of Sport program that provides more than just water skills.

All athletes who have been involved in the many Gold Coast Academy of Sport programs this year will be presented with a certificate of participation at the awards night on October 18.