Experiential Learning Program

Program Purpose

The Experiential Learning Program (ELP) is designed to strengthen an organisation’s ability to provide meaningful learning experiences for emerging high-performance (HP) coaches. By facilitating an authentic, workplace-based experiential learning environment, the program aims to advance coaches’ practical skills and knowledge during international benchmark tournaments.

Target Participants

The ELP is specifically tailored for women high-performance coaches who are prepared and motivated to broaden their expertise by engaging with international coaching teams. The program is through NSO/D recommendation and intended to nurture coaches for the demands of coaching at the international level.

Program Structure and Key Focus Areas

The ELP emphasises the importance of reflective practice throughout the learning journey, supporting participants to develop a tour action plan and build confident communication. Central to the program is ongoing support through mentorship, ensuring coaches have guidance before, during, and after their international experience. The program includes a one-day preparatory workshop, active participation as a coach on an international sporting tour, structured support throughout the event, and a follow-up workshop to consolidate learning and foster continuous development.

Key Objectives

The key objectives of the ELP are to support organisations and coaches to:

• Clarify and apply the roles and responsibilities of a coach on an international tour.
• Assess individual learning needs and create a tailored learning plan for the tour experience.
• Engage mentors to access personal and professional support before, during and after the tour.
• Develop and implement strategies to build reputational capital and coaching confidence in an international environment.
• Use structured reflective practices to interpret experiences, deepen learning, and identify actions for ongoing development.

Program Structure

The program is conducted over an 8-10 month period, involving a pre-tour workshop, a tour learning experience and a post tour workshop. The cohorts are

The coaches are supported within the program with:

• A targeted mentor
• A learning portfolio
• Reflective cards
• Learning leader to support development of their tour action plan.

2025-26 Participants

10 coaches were selected into the 2025-26 ELP program in July 2025 and the program concluded in March 2026.

2024-25 Participants

2023-24 Participants

Further Information

If you have any questions, please contact hpcoachdevelopment@ausport.gov.au