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The 2021-2024 Strategic Plan identifies elite athlete support and elite programs as an important element of Adelaide Univeristy Sport under the High Perfromance pillar. This is in addition to the Elite Athlete Program at the University of Adelaide through the Elite Athlete Support office of the University.
To commence in 2021, the plan's strategy aims to:
- Develop a comprehensive elite athlete wellbeing program;
- Provide a professional and supportive environment for student athletes, coaches and officials to excel;
- Developing a diverse intervarsity program;
- Position the University of Adelaide as a University of choice for student athletes, coaches and officials; and
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Implement student scholarships and Blues Awards for student atheltes, coaches and officials.
The University of Adelaide is an Elite Athlete Friendly University (EAFU) and offers Elite Athlete study assistance to eligible student athletes. By providing a flexible and responsive approach to study, the University supports students in balancing their sporting and academic commitments.
The Elite Athlete Office works closely with AU Sport in providing the best possible study and sport environment of its elite athletes. Athletes, who believe they may be eligible for assistance, should look over the information that the university provides and contact the Elite Athlete Office to discuss further.
Grant opportunities
Grants for elite athletes are many and varied according to the need of the student athlete. Aside from scholarships, travel grants and support for participation in the Nationals, in 2018 we introduced further assistance measures for student elite athletes in the areas of strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology and performance testing.
Applications for assistance will open each year on the first Monday of Semester 2. Financial support will be available in the following areas:
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Support for high performance focussed capital purchases or coaching
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Direct financial support for international and national level athletes and
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Elite athlete support for specific costs, eg gym membership, performance testing etc.
Elite athletes who are financial members of our clubs can apply for an Individual Pathway to Performance Grant to assist with National and/or International competition costs. For more information, please refer to the 2021 AU Sport Individual Grants Handbook in the Grants Program.
We provide financial assistance to elite athletes to participate in the Nationals and/or individual Championships through reimbursement of the registration fee and a travel allowance. Further information can be found on the specific event pages.
Clubs & Elite Sport
While all clubs cater well for all standards of participation, there are a number of clubs which also have a focus on developing high quality student athletes through either fielding teams in State leagues or placing nominations in State and National competitions.
To this end, sports such as Boat (Rowing), Cricket, Cycling, Football (Division 1 Amateur), Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Rugby (sevens), Soccer, Touch, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball have established programs which are designed to assist an elite student athlete in achieving their potential. Some of the club programs involve the contracting of high performance coaches for State League teams; the conduct of pre-season camps and specialised one-on-one coaching. For the Rugby Sevens and Rowing programs, full time coaches have been appointed to head those sports' respective programs.
Elite athletes are encouraged to contact either us or the club contact listed on the 'clubs' drop down box to seek further information.
Australian Uniroos
Hundreds of student athletes have used the Summer Universiade as a springboard to a successful international sporting career. The Australian Uniroos is the team identity for all Australian University Sport high performance teams representing Australia on the international stage at either a World University Championship, Summer or Winter Universiade.
Over the years, international university sport has witnessed the emergence of a huge number of Australian world championship, Commonwealth Games and Olympic champions including Cate Campbell (swimming), Steve Hooker (athletics), Brooke Hanson (swimming), Steve Moneghetti (athletics), Ralph Doubell (athletics), Jon Sieben (swimming) and Michelle Timms (basketball).