Applications for Emerging Talent, U23, ROSTA, TACTTA and Regional Academies of Sport Squads for 2022/23 are NOW CLOSED.

Triathlon NSW and Triathlon ACT are excited to announce that the Development Pathways Emerging Talent and U23 programs are NOW CLOSED, with the ROSTA, TACTTA and Regional Academy of Sports programs accepting applications.

Across NSW and the ACT, the philosophy of the Pathway will remain, to create environments where athletes can develop the necessary tactical, technical, physiological, and psychological skill competencies to aid progression through to the National Athlete Pathway. An athlete who is in a program aligned with the pathway should not expect their program to replace the requirement to have a home coached program and a Daily Training Environment (DTE). However, their participation in the pathway should enhance their DTE and support Triathlon Australia accredited home coaches. 

Triathlon NSW and Triathlon ACT will be aligned in the Development Pathway for the second year whereby the ACT based program will align ACT athletes aged between 13 and 19 with the NSW Rest of State Talent Academy (ROSTA) and the Regional Academies of Sport (RASi) programs. Utilising the successful administrative and financial model already in place with ROSTA, the TACTTA forms a critical part of the pathway. It is about skill development, fun, and allowing athletes to fall in love with the sport. TACT athletes will continue to represent their home ‘territory’ at State and National events, wearing ACT colours and apparel but for economies of scale and ease they will travel with the NSW athletes.

To support the journey of athletes from the ACT, and as they proceed through the pathway, the Emerging Talent Squad (ETS) and Under 23 (U23) programs will be expanded again this year with spots allocated specifically for ACT. This is essential to ensure that the addition of ACT athletes does not reduce the opportunity for NSW athletes to receive draft legal racing and training experiences.

The Development Pathway is fully aligned with Triathlon Australia under the expert guidance and instruction of Brendan Sexton, Triathlon Australia’s National Talent Development Coach and the programs remain fully aligned to Triathlon Australia’s High Performance Program. Brendan brings with him a deep understanding of how to make it to the pinnacle of the sport, after he represented Australia at the 2012 London Olympics, representing the green and gold.

Brendan Sexton stated “The Pathway Programs have provided unique opportunities for young triathletes to learn new skills, enjoy competition and create long term friendships with like-minded people for many years. The Pathway will also provide further opportunities for participants to maximise their enjoyment and potential in the sport."

The Billigence Pathway Championships Series (BPCS) will again be a centre piece and draw card to the Development Programs. The series hosts multiple draft legal events in various formats, exposing the athletes to National and International competition within NSW and ACT that is more affordable and manageable for families. The BPCS saw some extra inclusions last season with Category Champions included into the awards along with Overall Champions. These extra awards will continue and other inclusions will be introduced to align the series more with the World Triathlon Series.

The Development Pathway will also work to enhance and foster a strong community of practice amongst pathway coaches, remaining fully aligned to Triathlon Australia’s HP vision including knowledge sharing, professional development, and growth opportunities for all.

Triathlon NSW / Triathlon ACT Development Pathway Guideline and Parent Information – AVAILABLE HERE

Triathlon NSW / Triathlon ACT Junior Development Pathway Selection Policy – AVAILABLE HERE 

Triathlon NSW / Triathlon ACT Junior Development Pathway Selection Appeals Policy – AVAILABLE HERE