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 Program

• To promote a culture of excellence with a focus on academic, personal and sporting development and performance through a range of programs
• To provide students with exposure to the requirements of a junior elite athlete by replicating the high expectations of a professional environment.
• To utilise student interest and passion around sport as a vehicle to engage, to promote lifelong learning and connectedness to the College
• To assist students to develop advanced skills, knowledge and an understanding of pathways that foster direct connections with the sport industry beyond the College
• To develop students’ skills such as leadership, communication and teamwork together with enhancing their wider knowledge of the various components of the sporting industry

Benefits / Opportunities of the Program

• Students participate in Accelerated Health Physical & Education classes from Years 7-10
• Access to high performance training with our partner ACE Performance
• Complete a range of qualifications and accreditations
• Access to state of the art training facilities
• Additional playing opportunities
• Athlete Personal Development Program – tailored mentoring program

Year 7 & 8 Junior Athlete Development Program

The Junior Athlete Development program is designed so that students can reach their full athletic potential. The focus is on movement quality which will inevitably create high performing, efficient and injury resilient athletes. The fundamentals of ACE performance sessions are; running, jumping, force absorption, postural stability, flexibility, agility, strength, power, speed, coordination and balance. Students in the Junior development program participate in accelerated Physical Education classes as well 1 x 60-minute-high performance training after-school.

The characteristics of the Junior Athlete Development Program are:

• The Junior Athlete Development Program will form one mentor class each at Year 7 and Year 8
• Their Health and Physical Education class will be with like-minded ESP students
• Students will undertake an accelerated Physical Education class completing tasks of higher standard
  PE opportunities include; coaching, leadership responsibilities, team management, physical development – functional training
• Training sessions will require an after-school commitment for 60 minutes,
• Students will have additional competition opportunities

The Elite Sports Program is not appropriate for all students.  It is both rewarding and demanding, with high expectations of elite behaviours and academic success.

The Junior Athlete Development program (Years 7 & 8) suits students who:

• might be interested in being part of the Years 9-12 specialised Elite Sports Program (ESP)
• want to be challenged with like-minded athletic students
• demonstrate capability to manage the expectations of a specialised program
• are hardworking and committed to both their training and academic program
• want to be ambassadors for sport at Mount Ridley P-12 College

Community Partners

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

 Coming Soon:

ESP 2025 Handbook

Application Process

The application process for the ESP is designed to identify students for whom this type of program is appropriate. For each Year 7 intake, one group (of no more than 25 students) will make up the ESP class and will potentially remain in that group up until the end of Year 12 (provided they meet the requirements of the program as set by the College).

For the duration of their enrolment in the ESP Program, students will be in the care of a Mentor teacher, the Director of Specialised Programs - ESP and Deputy Principal – Curriculum.

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

Year 7 ESP 2025 - 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 rigours of a select-entry specialised sports program.

STEP 1: ONLINE APPLICATION FORM  

Students hoping to be considered for a place in the Year 7 2025 ESP class are invited to complete an online application form. 

The link to the online form will be open at 9:00am on Thursday 18^th July 2024 and will close at 4:00pm on Thursday 1^st August 2024.

Year 7 ESP 2025 Online Application Form: https://forms.office.com/r/q1rUqhc87Y

STEP 2: TALENT IDENTIFICATION SESSION

Prospective students for the Year 7 Junior Development Program 2025 are required to attend a Talent Identification Session as part of the selection process.

The Talent Identification Session is scheduled for Monday 5^th August, 2024 from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the Main Gymnasium at the College.

STEP 3: REFERENCES

Information is collected from the student’s primary school, including teacher references for both external applicants and applicants currently enrolled at Mount Ridley P-12 College.

STEP 4: INTERVIEW

Upon review of applications, references, reports and fitness testing 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 5: 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 2025 Specialised Programs at MRC will be confirmed by Friday 11^th October 2024 (Term 4 Week 1).

Please Note:

Completion of the ESP online application form or fitness and skill testing does not automatically secure enrolment at Mount Ridley College. ‘The Department of Education Year 6 to Year 7 Transition: Application for Year 7 Placement’ Form must still be submitted to the Year 6 Coordinator at your Primary School.

Contact Information

Aneil Eishoei

Director of Specialised Programs – Elite Sports Program

Aneil.Eishoei@education.vic.gov.au