Winter Development Program (WDP)

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) is seeking expressions of interest from athletes interested in being involved in the upcoming 2022 Victorian Winter Development Program (WDP).

The Program is available to all members aged U12-U17 and will provide athletes with coaching and skill training opportunities throughout the winter season. The program includes surf skills, specific technique skills, competition training, providing an excellent opportunity for athletes to develop their skills, train with other athletes throughout the state and be coached by a number of quality coaches from various clubs.
About the Program:
• Open to athletes U12 – U17
• 5 sessions (incorporating general fitness/technical skills/dry land/recovery/athlete wellness/teamwork etc)
• Development/Performance/Club coaches to assist
• Initial bay beach sessions to involve fitness and basic techniques & beach skills
• 3 x surf beach sessions – specific to disciplines (i.e. beach/ board/ski/lifesaving events etc)
• All athletes to be involved in all disciplines (e.g. board/beach/swim/lifesaving events etc)
• Guest speakers (nutrition/physio etc)
• Approximate squad numbers – up to 150 athletes (U12 – U17 age groups)

The purpose of the Winter Development Squad is to:
1. Provide an opportunity for technique development and understanding of the disciplines in lifesaving.
2. Expose athletes and coaches to new opportunities and experiences to further their development.
3. Provide development in the winter months (off season) and to ensure athlete and coach connection with lifesaving and to promote meaningful contact between coaches and athletes.
4. Develop the skills of all lifesaving athletes to continue throughout the pathway program to State and National competition.
5. Create a state pool of coaches in all disciplines.

Criteria

• Open to U12-U17 athletes, all disciplines. Athletes to apply and selection will be based on their applications
• Financial Member of a Victorian Lifesaving Club
• Be in good standing with their club and LSV
• Endorsement required from Club Committee Member and submitted with application
• Completion of Application & Athlete survey
• Commitment to the full Program (i.e. 5 sessions)
• Commitment to the Victorian 2022/2023 Carnival season
• Commitment from parents to assist in the conduct of the Program (e.g. water safety/group assistants)
• Commitment from athlete coach (club coach) to assist with the training sessions and to work with other coaches

Numbers may be reduced if we are unable to secure the assistance of club coaches. This program will provide a development opportunity for coaches as well as athletes.

Cost:
$250 (Includes Winter Development Squad hoodie)
Program Dates & Times:
Session Date Venue Time
1 Saturday 9 July Bayside 10am – 12.30pm TBC
2 Saturday 16 July 2022 Cosy/Fisho’s 10am – 12.30pm TBC
3 Sunday 24 July 2022 TBC 10am – 12.30pm TBC
4 Sunday 7 August 2022 Ocean Grove 10am – 12.30pm TBC
5 Sunday 14 August 2022 Jan Juc 10am – 12.30pm TBC

Please note: program, dates, times, and venues are subject to change. Depending on number of participants the sessions may be broken into two sessions (Morning 10am-12.30pm & Afternoon 1.30pm-4.00pm)
Applications will be open until 11.00pm Thursday 9 June. Applications must be made through the online form. Athletes must complete the survey and upload an endorsement letter from a Club Committee person. This must be signed and dated. Once applications have been received, they will be reviewed, and athletes will be advised if they have secured a position in the Squad. Do not submit an application without club endorsement.

Athletes interested in being involved in the squad are encouraged to register: https://lifesavingvictoria.wufoo.com/forms/2022-winter-development-program-eoi/

LSV is also seeking Coaches, Team Managers and Water Safety Personnel to assist with various ‘on the day’ tasks at training sessions. The positions do not require you to be at every session, as we hope to have a number of people assisting in these roles. A form will be sent to the guardians of all registered participants to confirm their assistance. Without the assistance of parents and coaches, athlete numbers may have to be reduced.

Coaches who are interested in assisting with the program, please register: https://lifesavingvictoria.wufoo.com/forms/202-winter-development-program-eoi-for-coaches/