NSW Athletics Pathway
We align our pathway structure with the FTEM framework to provide a best-practice, flexible approach to athlete development. This evidence-based model ensures clear alignment, coordination, and efficiency across all levels of our pathway, from foundational participation through to elite performance. By integrating FTEM, we support athletes, coaches, and clubs in navigating the progression from grassroots to high performance, fostering long-term development and success within NSW Athletics.
The NSW Athletics Pathway Academy is a key initiative designed to support the holistic development of athletes across New South Wales, providing a structured yet flexible system for progression within the state’s athletics performance pathway. Recognising that talent development is complex and non-linear, Athletics NSW has established the Academy to assist athletes from the early stages of their journey through to elite performance.
The Academy adopts a dynamic approach to nurturing both athletes and coaches, allowing for adaptability based on the individual needs of each participant across all event disciplines. In alignment with Athletics Australia’s national Pathway Transition Program (PTP) and the National Athlete Support Structure (NASS), the Academy offers long-term development opportunities with a clear vision for state and international representation. As a non-selection program, it provides open access to resources, education, and performance support for athletes, their parents, and coaches, ensuring that every junior athlete has the opportunity to grow and succeed within an inclusive and well-supported pathway environment.
The NSW Athletics Pathway Academy Talent Program (PATP) is a program that supports New South Wales Athletes who are demonstrating potential to achieve AA’s PTP Selection Criteria and targets at Benchmark Events in future years, but who are not yet categorised on AAs Pathway Transition Program (PTP) or National Athlete Support Structure (NASS).
The program provides performance support and other developmental opportunities to athletes, with the strategic aim of bridging the gap between the State Pathway and AA’s National Pathway. NSW Athletics will select athletes into the Pathway Academy Program on a yearly basis.
Aims of the NSW Athletics Pathway Academy Talent Program
The goals of the NSW Athletics Talent support program are:
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Closing the gap between sub elite and elite performance.
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Introduction to performance support services.
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Identify and develop emerging talent.
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Provide consistent, high-quality coaching and support.
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Create a clear progression pathway.
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Foster collaboration between key stakeholders.
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Support athletes and coaches wellbeing and long-term success.
Athletics NSW recognises that talent development is complex and non-linear. The purpose of the Performance Academy Program is to support athletes from the early stages of their development through to the elite levels of the athletics pathway.
Athletes and Coaches selected to PATP, will receive access to a range of resources, dependent on their stage of development. Upon selection, each athlete and coach, in conjunction with NSW Athletics, will complete a gaps analysis to better understand everyone’s needs. This report will then be utilised to guide provision of key resources, outlined below:
Performance Support Services
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Sports Medicine/Physiotherapy
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Sport Science/ Analysis
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Strength and Conditioning
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Sports Nutrition
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Sports Psychology
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Athlete Wellbeing and Support
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Coach Development
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Camps
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Centre of Excellence Access
It is expected that athletes and coaches selected to the PAP will engage with the NSW Athletics Pathway System proactively, including strong communication with NSW Athletics Pathway Staff. PAP membership has no bearing on selection for any state representational team.
LEAP is a new and exciting, invite only, athlete development program that is exclusive to a limited number of athletes. The aim of LEAP is to identify emerging athletes in each Little Athletics event and provide unique opportunities to assist in their athletics development and encourage further participation in the sport of Track and Field.
Leap will offer two “members only” exclusive live-in camps to be held at the Sydney Academy of Sport & Recreation Centre, Narrabeen offering training on a tartan track, recovery pool, indoor/outdoor courts for fun and games, all nestled within bushland surroundings.
The camp program has been designed to provide members:
- Access to nationally accredited, recognised and respected coaches and athletes
- Exclusive development opportunities (coaching & workshops) to improve their athletics ability in their qualifying event
- A pathway to towards “next level” opportunities such as ALAC & National U15 Camp
- Encouragement for long-term participation in the sport of track and field
- Social opportunities and develop interpersonal skills with like-minded others
- Develop a TEAM focused atmosphere
The Camps offers members:
- Coaching sessions planned each day, you will be able to enhance your performance in your event and improve your general fitness
- Workshops each day focussing on various topics such as strength & conditioning and stretching
- Guest appearances by senior elite athletes
- Social and fun activities to promote the TEAM aspect
The camps are all inclusive including accommodation, meals, activities and of course coaching. It is specifically designed for maximum learning, interpersonal development and most of all FUN.
NOTE: The LEAP Squad requires that all participants be registered with Little Athletes NSW for the upcoming season of 2025-26. Centre registrations open in August, and therefore you sign up with LEAP with the intention to then register with your Centre.
“The LEAP program gave my child more than I could have expected.
It developed her not only within athletics but also herself”
Parent from the 2022/23 Program
Please contact Athletics NSW Performance & Pathways Team if you have any questions