Pathways funding boost as players selected for competition
Bowls Australia’s High Performance Pathways Program will receive a sizeable funding injection to bolster its capabilities, as National Selectors confirm the names of ten pathways members entrusted with upcoming representation.
The Pathways Program will be the beneficiary of a $500,000 Performance Pathway Strategy grant courtesy of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), which will support the expansion of the program and related workforce.
At the core of the grant is an increased employment capacity for the six existing part-time Pathways Coaches, who work directly with Developing, Emerging and Para athletes.
The funding will also contribute to the creation of a national event for pathways and emerging jackaroos that simulates international competition and provides important real-world development.
The scope of the program will be further enhanced through improved strength and conditioning delivered in conjunction with the AIS, the delivery of a new a Mental Performance program, tailored leadership development linking pathways players to High Performance athletes, and further Athlete Wellness and Education support.
The additional funding commitment comes as BA’s National Selection Panel confirm the players identified to take part in upcoming event opportunities.
Broadbeach’s Nick Cahill, who leads the national player rankings going into the calendar’s final month, and St Johns Park’s Brianna Smith have had their boarding passes stamped to travel abroad in the green and gold uniform for the World Under-25 Championships, to be staged at Northern Ireland’s County Antrim Indoor Bowling Club from December 3-9.
A further eight emerging players have been tapped on the shoulder to compete at the $100,000 prize-money BCiB City of Dubbo International Fours, from November 3-5.
An emerging women’s team, featuring NSW’s Kate Matthews, South Australia’s Kate Argent-Bowden, ACT’s Chloe Morrison and Victoria’s Cass Millerick, will compete alongside an emerging men’s team, consisting of Tasmania’s Lachlan Sims, Western Australia’s Jack East, South Australia’s Nathan Black and NSW’s Beau Prideaux, in the event dubbed ‘the world’s richest fours event’.
National Coach Gary Willis said he was appreciative of the considerable funding provided by the AIS, which contributes greatly to providing additional opportunities for his charges.
“On behalf of Bowls Australia and the entire High Performance team, I’d firstly like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to the Australian Institute of Sport for their considerable and generous funding of the Pathways Program, which will go a long away to helping develop and prepare the next generation of international competitors and ensure that Australia remains well positioned to be successful on the world arena for many years to come,” Willis said.
“I’d also like to congratulate the players that have been chosen for upcoming pathways competition; the selected individuals possess immense and complimentary skills, and all will benefit from the opportunity afforded at these significant events.”
BA acknowledges and appreciates the contribution AIS and Sport Australia make to the preparation and success of the Right at Home Australian Jackaroos and Pathways squads on the world stage.
