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Athletics Academy Program

Program Overview

The Maribyrnong Sports Academy (MSA) Athletics Program is one of Victoria’s leading high-performance athletics programs, providing talented young track and field athletes with a structured pathway towards state, national, and international success. Designed to support aspiring athletes across all athletics disciplines, the program combines expert coaching, individual athlete development, and academic support within a high-performance sporting environment.

The primary aim of the MSA Athletics Program is to prepare student-athletes for selection in Athletics Australia pathway programs and future national representation. Through a combination of technical coaching, performance education, and athlete-centred development, MSA provides athletes with the skills, knowledge, and training habits required to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

MSA aspires to be recognised nationally and internationally as one of Australia's premier schools for talented track and field athletes. Central to this vision is the development of a strong performance culture that encourages consistency, discipline, resilience, and accountability. Student-athletes are supported in establishing the training habits and routines that underpin long-term athletic success while also developing valuable life skills that extend beyond sport.

The Athletics Program caters for athletes across a wide range of events, including sprints, hurdles, middle-distance and distance running, jumps, throws, combined events, and race walking. Coaches work closely with each athlete to develop personalised training plans that support individual goals while ensuring athletes continue to progress through their chosen event pathways.

A key feature of the MSA Athletics Program is its commitment to technical excellence. Athletes are expected to attend all scheduled technical training sessions conducted by MSA coaching staff, ensuring they receive regular feedback and expert guidance. Training sessions focus on event-specific skill development, movement efficiency, competition preparation, and performance improvement.

The program also recognises the diverse training needs of elite athletes. Student-athletes currently involved in Athletics Australia National Under 17 or Under 19 pathway programs can work with the Head Coach to develop individualised training schedules that complement their existing commitments. Athletes who maintain an external coach are also supported, provided they attend a minimum of two technical training sessions per week with an MSA coach. This collaborative approach ensures athletes benefit from consistent communication and aligned development strategies.

Through expert coaching, athlete-centred development, and a commitment to academic excellence, the MSA Athletics Program provides an outstanding pathway for talented young athletes to pursue state, national, and international representation while thriving both in sport and in the classroom.