Emerging Athlete Program

This year saw the Sports Department launch the Emerging Athlete Program. This initiative is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of female athletes.

Our mission is to provide these emerging athletes with the resources, training, and support they need to reach their full potential.

A key focus of this program is to empower female athletes, providing them with equal opportunities to thrive in sports. By nurturing their talents and supporting their ambitions, we aim to help them overcome barriers and achieve their dreams. Our holistic approach ensures that young female athletes receive the encouragement and guidance they need to excel, both on and off the field.

Recognising the importance of academic success, the Emerging Athlete Program also emphasises the balance between sporting and academic commitments. We offer tailored support, including flexible schedules, study sessions, and academic mentoring, to help athletes manage their time effectively and excel in both arenas.

To apply for the program, athletes should meet the criteria listed below.

Please note, if your daughter is already a member of the EAP, you do not need to reapply. Your daughter will be involved in a review meeting in the new year.

Criteria

Level 1

Individuals representing NSW or Australia in their chosen sport
Individuals who have been talent identified by their state or national sporting body
Individuals who have been selected into two or more CIS teams through qualification processes
These athletes must also be completing a significant number of training hours that cause extraordinary interruptions to school life (8 – 10 hours per week)

Additional criteria that will be considered:

Demonstrate their ‘trainability’ (sport-specific skill acquisition)
Demonstrate their commitment
Demonstrate their motivation
Demonstrate their ‘coachability’
Demonstrate their positive psychological, self-management and relevant traits

Level 2

Individuals representing NSW or Australia in their chosen sport
Individuals who have been talent identified by their state or national sporting body
Individuals who have been selected into two or more CIS teams through qualification processes
These athletes must also be completing a significant number of training hours that cause extraordinary interruptions to school life (upwards of 12 hours per week)
Additional criteria that will be considered, same as Level 1 and including: commitment to sport specific practice and investment in high training volumes
striving for continual performance improvements

Inclusions

Level 1

Sport specific strength and conditioning program, access to MLC School Gym facilities
Support system and mentoring around peak training times
Group mentoring sessions
Time management assistance and access to additional learning support programs
Education seminars covering a variety of subjects relevant to the field of high-performance sport
EA Program athlete sporting kit
Breakfast if arriving at school early to train

Level 2
Level 1 inclusions, plus:

Personal staff mentor that meets fortnightly with athletes and aids in liaising with athlete support network (Heads of Year, Teachers, Parents/Carers, Coaches)
Curriculum considerations for senior students, including additional spare periods to complete training homework and assignments
The option to apply to complete the HSC over two years or IB Diploma programme as a split program
Leadership development through participation in the buddy system – being paired with a Level 1 athlete to encourage and motivate them to dare to be more

The Emerging Athlete Program Handbook has been updated for 2025 and can be found:

In Omnia by clicking here
Online by clicking here

If your daughter meets the criteria and you would like her to be considered for the EAP, please submit the application form linked below.

EAP Application form

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport