Athlete Development Program

Athlete Development Program (ADP)

The Canberra High School Athlete development program (ADP) has been designed to support young athletes in excelling both academically and in their chosen sports. Through this program students receive specialised training, mentorship, and support to balance their athletic commitments with academic responsibilities.

ADP is targeted for students who have demonstrated achievement and are committed to making improvements in their chosen sport. Students applying for ADP are required to be currently playing club level in the sport they are applying for with ambitions to continue their development.

Who can apply?

Anyone can apply who is participating in a chosen sport and wants to continue their development. Existing Canberra High students must have satisfactory school attendance and consistently attend ADP sessions and adhere to the C.A.R.E.S. values. They are also expected to maintain school grades and submit all school assignments. Finally the athlete's current level of sporting achievement will also be considered when selecting students through the application and the trialling process.

How to apply?

To apply for ADP in 2026 please fill out this google form https://forms.gle/iohuLtHyQFx5hiUT6

Please note you can only be accepted into one program and there is a cost associated with this program. Successful applicants will be invoiced $240

Term 1- 2026

Week 2- ADP information session to be held for those students interested. Information on the application process for ADP supplied to students.

Week 3- ADP coordinator available at meet the teacher evening

Week 4- Applications close

Week 6- Trials for students that have applied for ADP (selected sports only) Please check year group google classroom for days of trials

Week 7- Successful applications emailed and invoiced

Week 8- Program commences

* Applications are unable to be considered outside these time frames. For students that enrol at Canberra high after the application process they will be assessed case-by-case basis.

How does the Athlete Development Program work?

• Athletes attend coaching sessions delivered by a specialist coach during school hours.
• Sessions are run at Canberra High School and Aranda Oval to minimise the impact of coaching sessions on the athlete's studies.
• Participants will be involved in a total of 20 coaching sessions throughout the year, consisting of ten sessions each semester. Each session is 1 hour.
• Teachers are aware of athletes' commitments and work with athletes to keep them up to date with their studies.
• If the athlete's sport is not offered they will be considered for placement in other programs. e.g. an AFL player may be placed in Strength and Conditioning.
• Students will be subject to formal presentations once a semester from sporting stars or experts in the field.

What does a session look like?

Sessions are run at different time slots during week A and week B to make sure that athletes are not missing the same class each week. An example of a Soccer session line D is:

• Athletes attend normal schooling until their scheduled session on line D.
• The bell will ring to signal the end of line C and the start of line D.
• The athletes will make their way to the school gym and get changed for their session.
• The coach marks attendance during the session to keep a record of who is attending.
• The athlete participates in the Soccer session until the bell rings to signal the end of line D and the start of recess.
• Athletes get changed and have recess, then continue their day as usual.

Sessions run at Aranda Oval follow a similar format but involve travel time to and from the oval with the coach, which means sessions start earlier or finish later.

2026 Programs on Offer and Cost

Below is the list of sports being offered in 2026 along with the estimated cost and the location of sessions. The total cost is for the whole year which consists of 20 sessions.

Please note that a certain amount of athletes will be required for sports to run.

The cost for ADP depends on the coach and the facilities the sport requires.

Invoices will be emailed to parents with details on how to pay in term 1 2026.

Payment plans are available, if there are any concerns regarding payment please contact the school or the ADP Coordinator.

Conditions of Enrolment

By accepting the offer of a place in the Athlete Development Program, a student agrees to the terms and conditions specified. This will require you to;

• Work towards realising your full potential in sport and studies
• Conduct yourself in a manner that meets with the school's expectations and rules
• Be respectful to coaches and follow their directions
• Demonstrate sportsmanship and fair play principles when competing
• Wear the ADP uniform to all sessions
• Attend school sporting carnivals such as the Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country
• Catch up on work missed in class
• Hand in all assessable items of work for all classes
• Follow all school rules
• Maintain a grade average that is reflective of the students ability.

If an athlete breaches any of these conditions they may be removed from the program.

Any questions or comments, please contact the ADP coordinator;

Naomi Evans 

Athlete Development Program Coordinator- SHAPE Dept.

• Canberra High School
• 61420800
• naomi.evans@ed.act.edu.au