YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: BUILDING SKILLS, CONFIDENCE, AND PATHWAYS IN ATHLETICS

The Youth Development Program (YDP) is designed to empower young athletes by giving them hands-on experience in coaching, officiating, leadership, and personal development. Through workshops, practical learning, and mentoring, the program equips participants with the skills they need both on and off the track by creating pathways not only for performance but also for future roles within the sport. 

More than just an educational opportunity, the YDP helps young people discover new passions, strengthen their confidence, and connect with mentors, peers, and officials who share a love for athletics. The program continues to be a transformative steppingstone for athletes who want to give back to the sport and pursue long-term involvement within the athletics community. 

We had a chat to State Record holder Lauren Kelly, who participated in the program in previous years to find out how the YDP Program has influenced her athletics journey so far – check out her responses below! 

How did the Youth Development Program help you develop as an athlete, coach, or official? 
 
It gave me a great insight into what goes on behind the scenes regarding coaching and officiating and helped me start my own officiating and coaching journey. 

Have you completed any further coaching or officiating qualifications since the program? If yes, which ones and what inspired you to pursue them? 
 
Yes, I recently completed my Level 2 Coaching. 

How have you used the skills or accreditations you gained through the YDP in your club, centre, or community? 
 
I have done some officiating at junior states, and I also did some coaching at holiday clinics for sprinting fast, as well as morning coaching at local schools. 

Can you share a moment where your YDP training made a real difference at training, a meet, or in a leadership role? 
 
At my sports carnival I was able to use the coaching skills I learned on camp to help take younger students through their warm-ups and prepare for their events. This really helped take some load off my sport teacher, helped build team morale, and helped the younger students feel more confident and prepared. 

What would you say to young people who are thinking about applying for the 2025/26 Youth Development Program? 
 
I would highly recommend this program to any young athlete as it really helps you have a better understanding of your sport, it helps you upskill, and it opens the door for new opportunities within the sport with certification and training behind you. 

Why do you enjoy coaching or officiating, and what motivates you to stay involved? 
 
I enjoy officiating as it feels like my way of giving back to a sport that has done so much for me. I really enjoy being on the other side of the field during competitions and being part of the team that makes these competitions possible. 

I love coaching as I really enjoy helping the younger athletes and watching them learn and grow as they develop in a sport that I love just as much as they do. 

How has being part of the YDP influenced your confidence or leadership skills, both on and off the track? 
 
It has made me more confident out on the field as I know the process behind the competition and I know that all the officials there are people who also love the sport and follow great procedures to help events run smoothly. My leadership skills have significantly improved as I now understand the process it takes to coach, and after the course I feel as though I have the knowledge and skill set to coach, which has made me a better leader. 

Looking back, how has the Youth Development Program shaped your journey in athletics and your future goals in the sport? 
 
The Youth Development Program has helped me map out a way for me to stay in the sport when I am no longer able to compete myself, through coaching and officiating. 

REGISTRATIONS FOR THE 2025/26 YDP PROGRAM ARE NOW OPEN! ELEVATE YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT TO YOUR ATHLETICS JOURNEY BY REGISTERING BELOW. 

REGISTER FOR THE 2025/26 YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM