About Us.
INTEGRITY | PASSION | SYNERGY
INTEGRITY
Integrity is the mainstay of our program. We are bound to act with honesty and consistency in values and ethical principles. Integrity is important for building trust and credibility in relationships with athletes and parents. Just as important is consistency, where our actions align with words and commitments, leading to strong and trusting relationships between all involved.
PASSION
Passion in sharing knowledge, offering guidance and inspiring young athletes to develop both their athletic and personal skills. This involves providing emotional support, serving as role models and fostering personal growth, all the while delivering a professional and targeted skills program. We are enthusiastic and dedicated to building strong, supportive relationships that will help athletes navigate the challenges and successes of their sporting journey.
SYNERGY
Synergy through effective collaboration, shared goals and complementary training with local clubs, other pathway programs and those programs that athletes aspire to achieve selection. Working together consistently to allow athletes to grow and develop their love and commitment to life-long netball.
The Flyers Junior Development Program is an individual development program. The athletes will be challenged during training sessions to improve their individual skill sets and, over time, perform at an elite level. They will also be challenged and asked to perform in a competitive environment throughout the season - this is a vital part of reviewing an athlete's progress and their potential to become a VNL athlete.
They will also be encouraged to develop stronger communication skills, working with their coaches in a partnership based on open communication, discussion, and respect. The ability to communicate openly and honestly in a positive and productive manner with coaches is also a vital skill required by any potential VNL athlete.
Athletes will be provided with support as they negotiate their way through the program. Throughout the season there will be workshops which focus on well-being, dealing with the pressure of elite sport, injury management, nutrition and other relevant subjects.
We will continue our association with the Geelong Athlete Centre in a more targeted program, utilising their expertise to improve the running technique of our athletes, better preparing them for progression to VNL standard.
The Purpose of Competition:
The squad is a development squad and as such the focus of the program is on the training and workshops conducted each Sunday. Games are a tool for the coaches to develop the athletes further by implementing what they have been learning at training and challenging their perceptions of their current skill and maturity levels.
What it is NOT, is a 'win at all costs' focus on competition. It is not helpful for coaches or athletes to hear parents expressing opinions about how to 'win' a game or 'why' some athletes are on or off the court.
Listed below are the guidelines coaches use to ensure that their athletes are being best developed for current skill and maturity levels.
19/U Team Indigo
The aim of this team is to begin to challenge the thought process and self-belief of the athlete. The coaches will work with the athletes, supporting them in strengthening their mental approach to pressure.
Athletes will be expected to perform at this level. Decision on court-time and position will be based on a combination of:
- performance, and
- commitment to replicating training drills (successful or not)
While there is a shift towards winning games, this is used more as a tool to help athletes learn to play under the pressure of expectation.
19/U Team Pink
This team plays with the weight of expectation in a hard and physical competition. The coaches will demand performance and commitment. Athletes will be benched if performance is lacking or unable to be sustained.
VNL is a tough and emotionally charged environment and the aim of the coaches is to replicate this environment to best prepare athletes for the rigours of moving through to VNL. However, they are fully supported through feedback and communication from the coaches through this challenging phase.
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