Stability and consistency for young sportspeople

STAFF at FedUni WestVic Academy of Sport knew one thing as COVID-19 hit in March – that they would stand by their young athletes and engage them remotely.

WVAS executive officer, Corey Saitta said it was crucial training adapted and continued, with lots of online contact.

He was tenacious, ensuring 2020 didn’t become a “gap year” for the elite youths in their community, while mindful of sport’s ability to teach valuable life lessons.

“We were determined not to walk away and say, this is all too hard. These athletes are only teenagers for once in their lives,” Mr Saitta said.

“I spoke to WestVic strength and conditioning coordinator and Federation University senior lecturer, Dr Scott Talpey, and we developed strength and conditioning resources.”

With preparation and warm-up exercises, bodyweight and backpack strength circuits, there was something for every WVAS athlete, whether a netballer or badminton player, and as term two progressed, the programs became more challenging.

“Each athlete’s home inventory would differ. Some might have a mini gym studio, some might have a few dumbbells, others have nothing,” Mr Saitta said.

“Scott filmed eight programs and circuits that the kids could follow in their own time.

“We peeled it right back so all they needed was a space in the bedroom, lounge room, yard or shed, their own body weight or materials everyone has access to in their household.”

Thirteen-year-old golfer, Liam Howlett is one of 135 athletes in the unique performance model which independently works to complement club training.

Focussed on his swing in the backyard, with coaching via Facetime, Howlett has made the most of his home golf net. Accompanied by personalised WestVic strength and conditioning exercises, he’s feeling fresh.

“Just before iso, I wasn’t playing my best golf, so I’ve been able to focus on technical stuff,” he said.

“The bodyweight exercises have really helped my game. I’m feeling stronger in my core, arms and legs.

“The virtual lessons have been really helpful with the mental side of stuff because there’s a lot of challenges at home, not being able to see other people or play sport.”

A digital athlete education program has also been delivered to the team, their families, and coaches fortnightly via Zoom.

Stephen Rendall, psychologist at the North Melbourne Football Club presented on parenting for performance, and a session called Striving and Thriving Through COVID-19.

Dr Talpey and physiotherapist, Tharindu Ranabahu covered safe ways to return to training and competition, and speaker and author, Sue Anderson talked about developing “unshakeable” self-esteem strategies.

Divided into sport groups, WVAS athletes had weekly conference calls last term to see each other’s faces, chat, check-in, debrief about their physical, mental and emotional health, and give feedback.

Usually in the pool six times a week, 13-year-old swimmer, Taylor Mason was grateful for WVAS’ support structures while she couldn’t get in the water for three months.

“It was good to keep in contact and talk with other teammates on Zoom every week about how we were going,” she said.

“Meetings about self-esteem and keeping motivated during quarantine were very helpful because our sport is not like others where you can train on land as you usually would.”

Upon reflection of the “up and down” pandemic period, Mr Saitta is proud.

“There’s been no start or finish line to this. No fixtures in the calendar or championships to aspire to, and even as an administrator, trying to advise the board and members has been tricky,” he said.

“But we’ve been honest to one another about how we feel. Sometimes the athletes are highly motivated, and other times they lack motivation and incentive, and that’s okay. We’re here to support them.

“Our role recently has been more around general exercise and physical wellbeing, as opposed to a strictly high-performance aspect. We’re stable and consistent for families in this swirl of change.”

The academy’s sport specific skills sessions are back for golfers and tennis players. A swimming session is set for these school holidays, while netball, cycling, and strength and conditioning workshops are planned to return next term.

Individual athletes commenced strength and conditioning training at the RAD Centre last week.

WVAS is grateful to their partners who have continued supporting the academy to ensure athletes had products and structures they needed to maintain form.

These include the VIS, Federation University, Ballarat Renault, Jeep and Carworks, Ballarat Sportsmen’s Club, RSM Ballarat, RAD Centre, Eureka Concrete, RIX Avis Ballarat, Ballarat Golf Club, Ballarat Regional Tennis Centre, the State government and the City of Ballarat.

Athletes from the ages of 10 to 19, living between Melton and Stawell are currently part of the WVAS family.