The Podium Program provides access to additional resources such as training and coaching to support student-athletes improve their skills, physical performance and mental adaptability.
Take your game to the next level.
Apply for the Podium Program, CGGS’ high-performance sport pathway.
The Podium Program is an athletic development program designed to support talented student-athletes exceed their expectations in their chosen sport. The program supports students by offering a balance between their rigorous training and competition schedules and their academic commitments.
The Podium Program provides access to additional resources such as training and coaching to support student-athletes improve their skills, physical performance and mental adaptability.
Student-athletes are supported through several holistic initiatives that address their physical and mental health, so that they perform at their best on the field and be their best selves off it.
Recognising that student-athletes often have demanding training and competition schedules, the Podium Program provides academic support to assist in managing schoolwork and assessment.
Podium Program student-athletes are exposed to experts in athletic development, professional athletes and peak sporting body representatives through our Master Class presentations, which cover various topics designed to educate and guide our budding athletes.
To be eligible for the Podium Program, students must compete for and represent CGGS in official competitions related to their chosen sport. In cases where CGGS does not offer the specific sport or representative level that a student is interested in, they must participate in another sport or co-curricular activity with CGGS.
Podium Program student-athletes are key ambassadors for sport at CGGS. Actively engaging in the School’s athletic or co-curricular programs fosters commitment and contributes to the culture of CGGS sport and the success of its programs. It is essential that students interested in the Podium Program are aware of and meet the eligibility requirements.
Students who have applied for the Podium Program enter a selection process, which includes consultation with several key individuals:
CGGS Head of Sport
Responsible for overseeing the athletic and sport programs at the School and providing input on the student’s athletic abilities.
Teachers in Charge of sport
These teachers are responsible for individual sport programs and provide insight on the student’s performance and potential.
CGGS Deputy Principal, Head of Senior School
The Deputy Principal, Head of Senior School (HoSS) is notified of all student-athletes who progress to the final stages of the selection process. The HoSS provides recommendations and any additional considerations on the applicant.
Students who do not qualify for or are not selected for the Podium Program may be offered a place in the Emerging Athlete Program (EAP). The EAP serves as an alternate option for students who may not meet all the criteria for the Podium Program but still show potential in their chosen sport. The existence of the EAP ensures that CGGS can support a broad range of athletes so that they may reach their full potential and pursue their passions.
Students who are selected for the Podium Program or EAP are notified by the end of January 2024. Each applicant is carefully evaluated and selected based on their athletic potential, commitment and alignment with the School’s values. The engagement of various stakeholders, including the Head of Sport, Teachers in Charge of sport and the HoSS, ensure that the selection process is well-rounded and based upon objective decision-making.
Optimising female health and performance
Week 3, Thursday 22 February 5.30–7pm
Yhuuramulum, 43 Alexandrina Drive, Yarralumla ACT
The first Podium Program Masterclass will focus on female health and performance, and will feature three distinguished guest speakers.
Dr Kylie Shaw (Sport and Exercise Physician)
With more than 15 years of sports medicine experience as a qualified medical practitioner, Dr Kylie Shaw has a passion for physical activity and the optimisation of physical and mental health. She is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians (FACSEP) and is a Clinical Training Supervisor to registrars of the FACSEP, teaching the next generation of Sport and Exercise Physicians. She has worked with several elite sports teams including the Canberra Raiders, the Australian U22 Men’s Basketball team and is currently the State Medical Officer for ACT Cricket and the ACT Meteors.
Erica Stephens (Sports Dietitian)
Erica is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Accredited Sports Dietitian based in Canberra. Erica started in a clinical role at Yass Hospital and Community Health Centre before moving to Elite Rehab & Sports Physiotherapy in Deakin. She is a consultant for the ACT Meteors cricket team and the UC Canberra Capitals basketball team, and has special interests in safe supplement use, relative energy deficiency in sport and disordered eating.
Ange Reakes (Exercise Physiologist and Strength & Conditioning coach)
Ange Reakes is a former professional cricketer, having represented the ACT Meteors as captain and the Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars in the Women’s Big Bash League. In addition to her illustrious career as an athlete, Ange is an exercise physiologist with a Masters in Strength & Conditioning, and after retiring from cricket she has used her extensive knowledge in athlete preparation to help athletes reach their physical goals. She will join us to discuss her life as an athlete, the importance of physical preparation for peak performance, mental resilience and juggling life as a professional athlete as a mother.
Presentation TBC
Week 6, Friday 7 June 7.30–8.30am
Yhuuramulum, 43 Alexandrina Drive, Yarralumla ACT
Presentation TBC
Week 6, Thursday 29 August 6–7pm
Presentation TBC
Week 3, Friday 1 November 7.30–8.30am