Athletic Development

Program Details

• Season: Terms 1 and/or 4
• Points: 0 (non-competitive)
• Training: Friday mornings
• Competition: None (focus is on development)

Physical Development Themes

The Athletic Development program includes training activities that focus on key areas of physical growth:

• Speed development

• Jumping ability

• Core stability

• Power training

• Strength movements

• Aerobic development

All activities are designed with age-appropriate progressions and variations, ensuring students of all ability levels can work at their own pace and challenge themselves safely.

The Athletic Development Team

The College has a dedicated Athletic Development Team that not only supports student performance across all sports but also contributes to the overall health and well-being of every Saints student. Led by the coaches below, the Athletic Development Department strives to deliver one of the leading school-based athletic development programs in Australia.

Dave Kennett – Holds a Bachelor of Human Movement Studies with Honours in Sport Science and is an ASCA Level 2 Coach. He brings extensive experience from his work with the Waratahs, Manly Marlins, and The Shore School.

Cody Abrahams – Holds a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and is an ASCA Level 1 Coach. His experience includes roles with Rugby Australia and the Warringah Rats.

Peter Alexander – Holds a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and is an ASCA Level 1 Coach. He currently works with The GWS Giants and has previously worked with the Sydney Swans and NSWIS.

The Athletic Development Team works with students to help them build confidence, physical literacy and approaches to training that support their overall wellbeing and sports participation.

Training Environment

The College Gym is open to students and offers supervised training sessions where boys can work on individual goals under the guidance of experienced strength and conditioning coaches. These sessions support students’ development both athletically and in terms of healthy lifestyle habits.

Saints Support and Wellbeing Integration

The College also offers “Saints Support” — a suite of educational articles and resources delivered by the Head of Athletic Development and College physiotherapist. These cover topics such as injury management, strength and power training, nutrition, sleep, recovery and the relationship between exercise and academic performance, helping students and parents better understand holistic development.

Why the Athletic Development Program Matters

The Athletic Development program is a key part of the College’s broader approach to sport and physical education. It complements team sports and co-curricular activities by helping students:

• • Improve strength, stability and physical coordination

  • Develop foundational movement and fitness skills

  • Build confidence in training habits

  • Support overall health and wellbeing

  • Prepare safely for sport-specific demands

This structured, developmental focus helps students grow athletically in ways that support their participation in all sports and physical activity at the College.