The Elite Sports Program has been established to nurture and develop the academic and sporting achievements of students from Years 7 to 12. The program aims to build a strong foundation of strength, power and speed in junior athletes and further develop each student’s capacity in their chosen sport in the senior program. The program enhances students’ capacity as an athlete and a student, building leadership, interpersonal and communication skills. Students in the Elite Sports Program have access to elite training and conditioning allowing for a blend of academic development and practical learning.

AIMS OF THE ELITE SPORTS PROGRAM

At Mount Ridley College, we are committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals by integrating academic achievement, personal growth, and athletic excellence. Our Elite Sports Program is designed to inspire and support students through a dynamic and holistic approach with the strategic goals of:

• Fostering a Culture of Excellence: We promote a culture of high achievement by supporting students’ academic, personal, and athletic development through a diverse range of targeted programs.

• Leveraging Sporting Passion for Engagement: We harness students’ enthusiasm for sport as a powerful tool to enhance engagement, encourage lifelong learning, and strengthen their connection to the College community.

• Facilitating Industry Pathways: We equip students with advanced skills, knowledge, and insights into career pathways, establishing meaningful links with the broader sports industry beyond the school environment.

• Simulating Elite Athletic Environments: We provide students with authentic experiences that reflect the standards and expectations of elite junior athletes, mirroring the professionalism of high-performance sporting environments.

• Development of Holistic Competencies: We strive to cultivate essential life and career skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork, while broadening students’ understanding of the multifaceted nature of the sports industry.

Year 7 & 8 Junior Athlete Development Program

The Junior Athlete Development Program at Mount Ridley P–12 College is designed to nurture emerging talent by providing a structured and challenging environment that supports both athletic and academic growth. This program serves as a key pathway into the Elite Sports Program (ESP) offered in Years 9–12. 

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

• Students in the program will form a dedicated mentor class at both Year 7 and Year 8 levels.
• Health and Physical Education classes are delivered in a like-minded cohort of aspiring athletes, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Students will engage in an accelerated Physical Education curriculum, completing tasks of a higher standard and complexity.
• The program includes specialised opportunities in coaching, leadership, team management, and functional physical development.
• One after-school training session per week (3:15–4:15pm) is required, scheduled to align with staff and coach availability.
• Students will also benefit from additional competition opportunities beyond the standard inter-school sports program.

ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT FOCUS

The core aim of the program is to develop well-rounded junior athletes by focusing on:

• Fundamental movement skills: running, jumping, agility, strength, power, speed, coordination, and balance.
• Building physical resilience to meet the demands of competitive sport.
• Exposure to a variety of sports to support informed specialisation in later years.
• Introducing students to the structure and expectations of elite-level training environments.
• Encouraging students to rise to the challenges of a specialised and disciplined program.

Years 9 - 12 Elite Sports Program

The Elite Sports Program (ESP) at Mount Ridley P–12 College is a specialised, select‑entry program designed to support students who demonstrate both athletic potential and academic commitment. The program aims to develop well‑rounded student‑athletes by combining high‑quality teaching and learning with structured, high‑performance sporting pathways. Through a balance of rigorous academic expectations, elite training opportunities, and personal development, the ESP fosters discipline, resilience, leadership, and excellence, enabling students to pursue their sporting goals while maintaining strong engagement and success in the classroom.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

• Students in the program will form a dedicated mentor class at Year 9, Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12.
• At Years 9 and 10 Health and Physical Education classes continue to be delivered in a like-minded cohort of aspiring athletes, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Students will engage in an accelerated Physical Education curriculum, completing tasks of a higher standard and complexity.
• Two before school training sessions per week (7:30–8:30am) are required, scheduled to align with staff and coach availability.
  • One strength and conditioning session
  • One skills session with the respective stream
• Students will also benefit from additional competition opportunities beyond the standard inter-school sports program.

Streams offered in 2026

In 2026 the sporting disciplines, referred to as ‘streams’ offered at the College are:

• Rugby League
• AFL
• Netball
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Individual Athletes

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Mount Ridley P-12 College utilises a number of community partnerships to deliver a high-quality program. Partners include Calder Cannons football club, Craigieburn Eagles Basketball Club, Melbourne Victory and NRL Victoria,

ELITE SPORTS PROGRAM – SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection into the Elite Sports Program at Mount Ridley P–12 College is competitive and is based on a combination of academic commitment, sporting potential, and personal attributes.

Students considered suitable for the program are those who demonstrate:

• A strong interest in progressing to the Years 9–12 Elite Sports Program, with a clear commitment to high‑level sporting development
• The ability to thrive in a challenging environment alongside like‑minded, high‑performing peers
• The capacity to manage the demands of a specialised academic and sports program, effectively balancing training requirements with classroom learning
• Demonstrated dedication, discipline, and a strong work ethic in both academic studies and athletic training
• A commitment to representing Mount Ridley P–12 College positively, including consistently upholding College values and acting as a role model within the school community

Selection decisions are based on a combination of the following:

• Talent Identification results
• Application and interview content
• Academic progress, with an expected Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.75 or higher
• Consistent demonstration of College values
• Attendance of 85% or higher

Meeting the selection criteria does not guarantee entry, as places within the program are limited. Continued participation in the ESP is dependent on students maintaining the academic, behavioural, and attendance expectations of the program.

APPLICATION PROCESS: YEAR 7 – 12 2026

(students currently enrolled at the College)

Opportunities for students to join the ESP Program after the initial Year 7 intake may arise at the start of Term 2, Term 3, Term 4 and end-of-year, depending on class availability. These opportunities are contingent upon vacancies within existing ESP classes.

Should positions become available, relevant information will be communicated to families via Compass and shared with all currently enrolled students. Priority is given to students involved in Pathways programs for their respective sports and students on our waiting list.

NOW AVAILABLE: ESP 2027 PROGRAM HANDBOOK

YEAR 7 ESP 2027 – APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process for the Year 7 Athlete Development Program is designed to identify students for whom this type of program is appropriate. All of the information gathered is used to help select the students who will be best equipped to cope with the rigors of a select-entry specialised sports program.

STEP 1: ONLINE APPLICATION FORM  

Students hoping to be considered for a place in the Year 7 2027 Junior Development Program (ESP) class must complete an online application form. 

The link to the online form will open at 9:00am on Thursday 25^th June 2026 (Term 2 Week 10) and will close at 5:00pm on Wednesday 22^nd July, 2026 (Term 3 Week 2).

COMING SOON: Link to Year 7 ESP 2027 Online Application Form

STEP 2: TALENT IDENTIFICATION SESSION

Prospective students for the Year 7 Junior Development Program (ESP) 2027 are required to attend a Talent Identification Session as part of the selection process.

The Talent Identification Session is scheduled for Monday 27^th July 2026 from 3:20pm to 4:30pm in the Main Gymnasium at the College.

Registration of students will commence at 3:10pm out the front of the Main Gymnasium.

STEP 3: INTERVIEW

Upon review of applications, information from Primary Schools and the talent identification session, shortlisted students will be invited to attend an interview at the College. The date and times of interview will be provided to each family via email.

STEP 4: SELECTION OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS 

Upon consideration of all components of the application process, all applicants will be notified via email correspondence of the outcome of their application following the confirmation of enrolment at the College. The decision by the College is final.

Final placements for Year 7 2027 Specialised Programs at MRC will be confirmed by Friday 18^th September 2026 (Term 3 Week 10).

Please Note:

Completion of the ESP online application form or talent identification sessions does not automatically secure enrolment at Mount Ridley College. Parent/Carers must still submit ‘The Department of Education Application for Year 7 Placement 2027 Form’ to the Year 6 Coordinator at your Primary School.

Contact Information

Susie Saddington

Director of Specialised Programs – Elite Sports Program

susie.saddington@education.vic.gov.au