Coaching Action Plan
Coaches are at the heart of the Play Well strategy, shaping sport into a space that is safe, welcoming, inclusive, and fun for all. Their influence reaches far beyond the sporting field, fostering belonging, building confidence and creating environments where participants can thrive.
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC), in collaboration with the sport sector, has made significant strides in reshaping coaching through the Modern Approach, a shift from coach-centred to participant-centred practice. This approach recognises the diverse needs, motivations and aspirations of participants, and empowers coaches to create positive, engaging and inclusive environments.
Building on this momentum, ASC seek to recruit a Coaching Advisory Group to guide, influence and support the continued transformation of sport coaching in Australia through the co-design and development of a Coaching Action Plan. The Action Plan will elevate the role of coaches whose predominant work does not involve working with professional or categorised athletes.
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the Coaching Advisory Group are now open. EOIs will close on Wednesday 10th of December at 11:59pm AWST.
Why is this work important?
Coaches in all environments are leaders in sport. Their influence extends far beyond skill acquisition to shaping how people feel in sport, fostering belonging, building confidence and creating environments where participants can thrive. The Coaching Action Plan, developed and led by the Coaching Advisory Group, will reposition coaches as key influencers of the sporting environment, defining a coordinated system for their attraction, engagement and development.
Coaching Advisory Group
Appointment to the Coaching Advisory Group is via an Expression of Interest (EOI). Complete the short EOI form, outlining your background, experience and interest in joining the advisory group.
Completion of the EOI should take no longer than 15 minutes. If you would prefer to submit your EOI by phone with a member of the Coaching and Officiating team, please register your contact details only at the form below and a member of staff will reach out to you.
The Coaching Advisory Group will serve as a strategic and collaborative body that guides, influences and supports the transformation of coaching across the Australian sport system. The Group will lead the co-design and development of a future-focused Coaching Action Plan, a multi-year roadmap that builds leadership capability, strengthens connection, and embeds positive sporting environments at scale. The Coaching Advisory Group will build system momentum through advocating for the leadership role that coaches at all levels play in shaping participant experiences.
The ASC is seeking a balance of perspectives from across the Australian sport system and beyond. Membership of the Coaching Advisory Group will reflect diversity, ensuring the group collectively reflects a breadth of the coaching ecosystem. To support innovation and thought leadership, membership will also reflect perspectives and expertise from outside of the sport system.
The following list of member attributes is intended to be indicative of the breadth of experience from across the group as a whole. It’s not expected or required that any one member will possess all attributes.
- Experience contributing to or leading innovation, improvement or change within complex systems.
- Experience contributing to projects or initiatives that strengthen sport participation, workforce development or system capability.
- Ability to offer practical, solutions-focused advice that supports national planning and decision-making.
- Strong connections within the sport sector (or other relevant sectors) and a commitment to surfacing diverse and underrepresented perspectives.
- Commitment to creating safe, positive and inclusive environments across sport.
- Understanding of challenges and opportunities in workforce engagement.
- Ability to advocate for the visibility, value and recognition of coaches.
- Awareness of emerging trends, innovations and future-focused thinking, in coaching, workforce development or other relevant industries.
- Lived experience and perspectives from diverse backgrounds, including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
- Culturally and linguistically diverse communities,
- People living with a disability,
- People of all faiths,
- People of all sexualities and gender identities, and
- People from a range of locations, life stages and career stages.
- Commit to active participation, including attending scheduled meetings, completing pre- and post-work and engaging in discussions and working groups.
- Contribute constructively in an advisory capacity. This includes offering insight, expertise and considered feedback.
- Review and provide feedback on draft documents, plans, proposals and initiatives related to the transformation of coaching.
- Collaborate with other members and stakeholders to explore innovative approaches and solutions for advancing coaching in Australia.
- Advocate for the voice of coaching by promoting its importance, through engaging stakeholders to build collective commitment and momentum.
- Represent the broader interests of the sport system and coaching community over and above any one group, while bringing their own perspective and expertise.
- Declare and actively manage any perceived and/or actual conflicts of interest to the Chair should any arise during the activities of the Advisory Group.
- Behave in a manner consistent with the agreed values of the Advisory Group which will be established by the Advisory Group when formed.
- Agree to adhere to ASC policies.
- EOI’s open: Monday 24 November 2025
- EOI’s close: Wednesday 10 December at 11:59pm AWST
- Application outcome notification: by December 31, 2025
- Coaching Advisory Group public announcement: January 2026
Are Advisory Group members paid for their work?
No, members of the Advisory Group are volunteering their time. Costs for travel (and other reasonable costs as agreed with the ASC) will be covered.
How can I still contribute if I am not appointed to the Group?
The Coaching Action Plan will be co-designed with the sport system, meaning there will be opportunities to share your thoughts and contribute to its development. Further, as the Action Plan evolves, required skills to implement the Plan will evolve too.
How much time will Advisory Group members be required to contribute?
Advisory Group members will meet monthly (both online and in person) for the first six months. In between meetings there will be reading and communications via email. After the first six months, the cadence of meetings will be reassessed in consultation with the group.
Who will Chair the Advisory Group?
The Advisory Group will be Chaired by the Director of Coaching and Officiating.
Like to find out more and stay connected?
The Coaching Action Plan will be co-designed with the sport system, meaning there will be lots of opportunities to share your thoughts. If you would like to register for updates, shared regularly via email, please register your contact details below.
Please get in contact with the Coaching and Officiating team at coaching_and_officiating@ausport.gov.au if you have any questions.