Clare Walker MBA GAICD

Data and trends are telling us there are shifts happening in the way we deliver, engage and experience sport in Australia. The sport we knew, particularly pre-COVID is vastly different to where we are now and where we're going. Getting ahead of the curve is the best way to embrace these changes, Kieren Perkins OAM has articulated this beautifully in the piece below. We need sport. How we connect with sport is up to us, and its time for all sports to get in the boat and row.👏 #australiansport #sportforall #femaleparticipation #futureofsport

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To thrive (and survive), sports must look beyond the sons and daughters of former players. Australia’s identity is increasingly defined by its multiculturalism, and the next generation will be even more diverse. As our population evolves, sports organisations must engage with multicultural communities, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it is a strategic imperative. To survive and then thrive, we must look beyond the children of former players. For sports to flourish, they need to nurture talent from all backgrounds, ensuring that everyone has a place in sport. Embracing our nation’s rich diversity will be crucial for the continued success of sports. To support an understanding of multicultural communities, the ASC, led by Dana Assenheim, Adam Cassidy and Nader Daher, and supported by the The LOTE Agency, has developed a presentation on the Changing Face of Australia. This presentation provides valuable insights and information that is a must read for all sports administrators.

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ICYMI: LATEST NEWS: The NSW Government’s Level the Playing Field Program gives women’s football a necessary boost Read here 👇 #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

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Football Coaches Australia As the trial period is current, it is important to understand and recognise the value of good coaching At NPL we often get lost in the fantasy of ‘club’ but what is ( or should be ) more attractive is understanding their coaching staff, their football philosophy but more importantly what the club believes good coaching looks like. In some clubs the “canteen crew” can win trophies with some teams as coaching actually has little impact on the result - some players and teams are just “better” Parents of aspiring players should look at the evidence of performance not only on the league table but to see what kind of humans are being developed by the coaches therein. Some Clubs will spit you kid out at 18 when the only focus in senior football will be three points on the weekend. Coaches, good coaches have the ability to influence young peoples lives, well away from the pitch - and forever . Teaching football through instruction but mentoring and supporting players when they fail - and they will Sometimes this means hard conversations and actions. Great coaches take a longer view ( I see Ange ripped his best player off last night at 1/2 time against West Ham ) and look at how that action will ultimately assist and progress the player and the individual I am lost at why EVERY coach in Australia is not a member of Football Coaches Australia and why they think their licence course alone is the panacea to developing the very skills that should underpin their work on the pitch It is so much more than session plans guys As football and life are the same game - just played on different pitches Join today - (because you all think you are so busy I have attached the link)

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Is your sports club looking into the future? A key factor that sports clubs need to consider when strategic planning is the future trends of the county and how these will impact on how we cater for our players, coaches, administrators and every other connected stakeholder. Population projections in New Zealand predict we may reach 6 million people in the next decade or two. Add to this the regional migration trends of residents moving out of the main centres and we could have a very different looking sports system in years to come. From infrastructure to human resources to finance, these are all going to be stretched to the limits. Are you ready? https://lnkd.in/gfhERj6C

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ICYMI: Establishment of Australia’s Physical Literacy Coalition Building physical literacy—encompassing the ability to move, think, feel, and connect—is essential for Australians to enjoy lifelong participation in sport. The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has launched the Physical Literacy Coalition, bringing together industry leaders to champion the development of a comprehensive Physical Literacy Action Plan. This initiative aims to embed physical literacy principles across the sector. The action plan, to be developed in consultation with key stakeholders and overseen by the Advisory Group, will provide a clear roadmap to enhance the sporting experiences of Australians. Learn more - https://lnkd.in/gQDNfW2Y

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An important day for Para-sport in Australia, Paralympics Australia and the sports sector. An historic $283 million investment in sport announced by the Federal Government. This unprecedented funding, which includes an additional $54.9 million for Paralympic sport, represents a monumental shift in the recognition and support of Para-sport in Australia. Thanks to the leadership and unwavering support of the Federal Government, who have set a new benchmark for the advancement of Para-sport, and we are profoundly grateful for your commitment. This investment is the single largest increase in Paralympic spending by an Australian Government. It signifies not only a significant financial boost but also a renewed dedication to addressing the systemic barriers that Para-athletes face. #ImagineWhatWeCanDo

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LATEST NEWS: Football Queensland Academy leads Northern player development Read here 👇 #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

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Ever wondered how you can engage with you participants more and cater training to what motivates them? Find out more in this new video about the Self-Determination Theory from the Australian Sports Commission.

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RESEARCH - Sport Integrity Spectator racism in three professional men's football codes in Australia: Observations from White spectators Jamie Cleland, Daryl Adair, Keith Parry, and Conner MacDonald International Review for the Sociology of Sport (June 2024) Australia’s first large-scale study of its kind has examined the extent of racist behaviour and language among spectators of the three major men’s football leagues – AFL, NRL and A-League. In a survey of more than 2000 spectators it was found that half of AFL fans had witnessed racist ‘barracking’ such as name calling at matches compared to 36% of NRL fans and 27% of A-League fans. Fans of all three sports say the situation has worsened in the last two years. ◾ Media release - https://lnkd.in/gqnJyrfc ◾ Report (open access) - https://lnkd.in/gKhtC_au #UniveristyOfSouthAustralia, University of Technology Sydney, Bournemouth University If you've conducted, planned, or are currently engaged in sport research in Australia, consider adding it to the Clearinghouse for Sport, Register of Sport Research - https://lnkd.in/gjjZRCp5 #evidencebase #AusNSRA #clearinghouseforsport, #winwell #playwell

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1 Hour Session in 6 Minutes 🎥⚽️ _ Since the end of the 2023/24 season last month, I have been using the time differently in the build up to the start of the new futsal preseason. I have restructured club training sessions with the aim to focus on working closely with small groups of players in the “off” season. This allows us to make the sessions specific to individual player development and in particular, the futsal position that they play. This gives plenty of opportunities for repetition in practice - focusing on movements, 1v1 situations and different types of finishing that would be limited in a weekly team training session where the focus can often be more tactical or specific to our league opponent. _ This week’s group included: 1 Goalkeeper 🧤 & 3 Cierre-Ala 🛡️ Warm Up 🔹 Square rondo (5 vs. 1) to maximise touches in small space. 🔹 4 station SAQ circuit (1 minute rotations) 1️⃣ One legged hops - important to hold the balance for a second upon landing. 2️⃣ Shuttle runs with the ball - no turn, dragging the ball back with the sole of the foot to the starting position. 3️⃣ Two legged jumps with sprint and stop. 4️⃣ T-test with the ball - emphasis on small touches using both feet. 🔹 3-man weave to include blocking movement in front of opposition and back post finish. Part One 🔹 1 vs. 1 in wide areas. 1️⃣ Step feint with “la croqueta” outside. 2️⃣ Drag roll across body outside. 3️⃣ Flick and chop inside. 🔹 Blocking to create shooting opportunities. 1️⃣ Block to create space inside for central shot or dribble. 2️⃣ Block to create space for reverse pass and finish 1 vs. 1 with GK. Part Two 🔹 2 vs. 1 defending in central areas - getting tight (but not too tight) to the Pivot in order to anticipate pass or block shots and to prevent the Pivot turning the Cierre. Part Three 🔹 Kick-ins from both sides, particularly focusing on the weak foot - striking the ball first time into back post areas. 🔹 Volleys - including mini forfeit - if volley misses the target, player must complete 20m run at 75% intensity. Usually a fun drill to end the session that creates competition between players! The video is organised to follow the order of the session above ☝🏼 Enjoy! ⚽️

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In junior cricket, understanding the difference between a participation competition and a talent pathway competition is crucial for all sport parents. **Participation Competition**: This type of competition is all about getting as many kids involved in cricket as possible. The focus here is on enjoyment, inclusiveness, and learning the basics of the game. It’s designed to encourage every child, regardless of their skill level, to have a go, build confidence, and develop a love for the sport. Winning is secondary to participation. These competitions often have modified rules to make the game more accessible and fun, such as shorter boundaries, smaller teams, or a softer ball. **Talent Pathway Competition**: In contrast, a talent pathway competition is more structured and competitive, designed for those young players who show a higher level of skill and potential. These competitions aim to identify and nurture talent, with a stronger emphasis on performance, strategy, and skill development. The pathway helps talented players progress through higher levels of cricket, potentially leading to professional opportunities. While still enjoyable, the environment here is more competitive, with a focus on helping players reach their full potential. We are making great strides in developing the future talent pool Cricket ACT https://lnkd.in/gSCGT9vK

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How good is this! A modern coaching webinar discussing the 'Principles of Play' Back to the Future! 👍🏼🇦🇺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿⚽️ I hour CPD available as well.

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Seeing academic papers that back your inherent feeling/thoughts/experience to reinforce your work is great BUT more importantly it shares with you thoughts and avenues for your mind to roll down that you may not have considered before. Rochelle Eime et al. in their latest publication titled "The motivations to play organised club-based sport in Australia" has done that for me today. I particularly liked the results showing that those who participate more in sport, want to keep doing more! For me it reinforces the need for everyone to get a good, consistent dose of sport early on in their lives so the act of participating and being active is not a barrier in itself (harder to start the older you get). Findings like these combined with the Play Well Strategy from the Australian Sports Commission gives me optimism that we can turn around these declining physical activity numbers if we're focused on people having positive sport experiences that suit their needs. Well done Rochelle, Jack, Melanie, Aurelie, Hans and Christopher on the publication! https://lnkd.in/e-v6ZbXJ

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ICYMI: Football Queensland aiming for six-figure participants by 2026: Football Queensland (FQ) have remained busy on the tools in building the framework required to materialize their aspirations, all through the implementation of The 2024-2026 Game Development Strategy. Acknowledging the popularity of the world's game within the state, CEO Robert Cavallucci disclosed that the development strategy plan is to make football “the game of choice” amongst Queenslanders. In correlation with the strategic referee plan released earlier in the month, the Development Strategy plan highlights women’s football, 50/50 parity amongst male and female participants FQ wishes to achieve 128,000 registered football club participants. The monumental hype that surrounded Australia’s maiden tenure as World Cup hosts has culminated in football governing bodies looking to transcend the sport within their respective states to unprecedented heights. It is common knowledge that the success and appreciation for the Matilda’s throughout their 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign leaves in its wake a tangible interest within football amongst potential female participants. FQ are also seeking to achieve 200,000 social participants, while vying to achieve further diversity amongst its existing participants. But how are FQ going climb the steep mountain? Pillar One: Recruitment and Opportunity In order to have a significant percentage increase within the number of official and social participants across the board involves a proactive approach. The fundamental aspect of achieving parity between genders is to amplify the dedicated focus upon fostering inclusivity. Through events crafted towards a vast variety of varying demographical and geographical communities, the programs created in order to showcase the sport of football, while attempting to attract new participants. In order to break the barriers FQ will investigate and identify strategic growth areas by conducting a geographical and demographical review. Upon this, the establishment and implementation of a strategy where football within schools becomes more inclusive will be exercised. Pillar Two: Delivery and Experience The pursuit of excellence spearheads the secondary pillar featured within the strategic plan. The experience of every participant is paramount. Underscored by a pledge to deliver 10/10 experiences enabling its participants in the development of existing skills while garnering new ones. In order for participants increase and remain active, FQ has dedicated attention towards a coach’s development through upskilling initiatives and creation of a coach's community. Regular coaching workshops creating opportunities for professional development of community club coaches, a feedback loop for participants, a reward and recognition program and imperative quality assurance are the aspects in which FQ will… #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

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Have a read of the AUSPORT / ASC Modern Coach Approach!!! Spread this far and wide. Its about participation, enjoyment and retention. Its about winning well not winning at all costs. The only way to generate this change is to share and spread the word. #coaching #moderncoachapproach #ASC

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Sport New Zealand has recently released a futures report on how Sport and Recreation in New Zealand will navigate future uncertainty to build a resilient and sustainable future. 🌟 This comprehensive document dives deep into the 15 drivers of change that will shape our sector, providing invaluable insights for decision-makers and stakeholders alike. I will be posting more about each of the drivers but among these drivers, social and technological factors stand out as two of the most influential and disruptive forces we will face in the coming years. 🌍💻 As we adapt to shifting societal norms and embrace rapid technological advancements, the way we engage with sport and recreation will transform dramatically and at a rate we may not be ready for. What do you think? How can we best leverage these social and technological changes to enhance participation and foster community well-being? What other drivers are you seeing will have a large impact in your sport/organisation oin the near future? 🤔💬 #SportNZ #FutureOfSport #Innovation #CommunityEngagement #SportExperience #Technology #EmergingTechnology

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**For academics and researchers with interests in, or adjacent to, sport...** In the lead up to the Sports Technology Conference as part of Sport Innovation Week in Melbourne next week, Deakin University is hosting the  Academic Day on Wednesday 23 October: https://lnkd.in/gmW-q_ji The session aims to bring together researchers and universities with an interest in areas of data, technology and innovation within sport. A range of short presentations (spanning media tech, VR and virtual sport, wearables health applications, consumer behaviour and on field analytics) will be followed by a short industry focussed workshop activity for participants For those interested, here is how you can be involved: ⭐Register to present: Presentations will be 5-6 minutes and provide an opportunity to share some background on your work or areas of interest. These might be projects or areas with a current application to sport or could be an area which might have a potential future application to the sport industry. ⭐Register to attend: There will be places available for those who want to attend the presentations or learn more about different areas of sport and technology. Please register via the link - or reach out directly if you would like to share your work as part of the session.

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