Program Overview

The Maribyrnong Sports Academy (MSA) Associate Sports Program is designed to support talented student-athletes competing in sports that sit outside the Academy's fourteen core sport programs. As one of Victoria's leading elite athlete development programs, the Associate Sports Program provides access to high-performance training and specialist athlete services while allowing athletes to continue training and competing within their existing sporting pathways.

The program is tailored to meet the needs of individual athletes striving for state representation, national selection, and long-term success in their chosen sport. MSA recognises that many talented young athletes compete in sports not directly offered within the Academy, and the Associate Sports Program ensures these athletes can still access the benefits of a high-performance sporting environment while pursuing academic excellence.

At the heart of the program is a commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes. Alongside their sporting ambitions, students are encouraged to achieve success in the classroom while developing the resilience, discipline, and time-management skills required to balance the demands of elite sport and education.

High Performance Athlete Support

Unlike MSA's sport-specific programs, coaching for Associate Sport athletes is delivered externally by their existing coaches, whether they are private, club, state, or national coaches. The Academy encourages collaboration between all coaches and support staff to ensure each student-athlete receives a consistent and individualised development experience.

Associate Sport athletes have access to MSA's specialist athlete services, including:

• Performance Psychology

• Sports Nutrition

• Athlete Wellbeing

• Rehabilitation and Injury Management

• High Performance Physical Training

These services are designed to support athlete development, improve performance outcomes, assist recovery, and promote long-term wellbeing. By taking a holistic approach, MSA helps student-athletes maximise their potential both on and off the sporting field.

Eligible Associate Sports

In response to increasing demand and a growing diversity of sports represented within the Academy, MSA conducted a comprehensive review of the Associate Sports Program in 2025. Following this review, the Academy aligned its eligibility criteria with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) High Performance Funding Framework.

From 2026 onwards, applications to the Associate Sports Program are limited to athletes competing in sports that receive Australian Sports Commission high-performance funding. This ensures the program remains aligned with recognised national high-performance pathways and supports athletes competing at the highest levels within their sport.

The MSA Associate Sport List outlines all sports currently eligible for application. Athletes competing in sports not recognised within the ASC High Performance Funding framework are encouraged to contact the Academy to discuss their eligibility and available pathways.

Through specialist athlete services, academic support, and a commitment to high-performance athlete development, the Maribyrnong Sports Academy Associate Sports Program provides an outstanding pathway for talented athletes pursuing excellence in sport and education.