STRIVE Leadership & Development Program
SACE ACCREDITED PROGRAM
The STRIVE Leadership & Development Program is a SACE Board–approved Community Developed Program designed for high-school students aged 14 and above who want to build leadership skills, gain practical experience, and make a meaningful contribution to the athletics community.
The program is open to any high school student with no prior athletics background required.
Students can complete one or both program streams: Coaching and Officiating. Each completed stream provides 10 Stage 1 SACE credits. Students may choose either stream first, and can earn an additional 10 credits by completing the second stream at a later time.
Who the Program Is For
The STRIVE program is ideal for students who:
Are passionate about sport or interested in learning more about athletics
Enjoy working with children and helping others grow
Want to gain real leadership, communication and teamwork skills
Are seeking accredited qualifications useful for employment or volunteering
Prefer practical, hands-on learning experiences
Want flexible ways to earn SACE credits while staying active and involved
Open to any high school student aged 14 years and older
Why Students & Families Love STRIVE
Earn SACE Credits Through Real Experience
The program is endorsed by the SACE Board as a Community Developed Program. Students Receive:
10 Stage 1 SACE Credits for completing the Coaching Stream
10 Stage 1 SACE credits for completing the Officiating Stream
State & National Accreditation
Students complete Little Athletics SA and Little Athletics Australia accredited training delivered by Little Athletics SA:
Little Athletics SA Officials Course
Little Athletics Australia ITLAS Coaching Course
Little Athletics Australia Tiny Tots Coordinator Course
These qualifications allow students to coach or officiate at programs, club meets, and events across South Australia.
Hands-On Experience in Real Sporting Environments
Each stream includes 40 hours of supervised, practical experience, giving students meaningful involvement across:
Little Athletics SA Club Meets
Little Athletics SA Academy & Holiday Clinics
Little Athletics SA State Events
School Sport SA Events
Students receive real feedback, work with mentors, and build valuable skills for future employment or volunteering.
Who the Program Is For
Coaching Stream
Students learn to:
Teach correct technique for all Little Athletics events
Support and engage young children; students can choose to be a club Tiny Tot Coordinator (3-5 year old skill development)
Coach athletes as Age Group Chaperones
Deliver fun, game-based learning sessions
Assist coaches at Little Athletics SA Academy Programs and Holiday Clinics
Communicate effectively and build positive relationships with athletes
Officiating Stream
Students learn to:
Understand and apply rules and regulations across all Little Athletics disciplines
Make fair and safe officiating decisions
Instruct athletes as Age Group Chaperones
Communicate clearly with athletes, parents, and other officials
Support smooth and safe competition environments
Build confidence in leadership roles at both Club Meets & State Events
Leadership & Personal Development
Students also attend a compulsory Development Day, which includes:
Leadership & teamwork workshops
Mental health and resilience education
Nutrition & wellbeing sessions
Communication and relationship-building activities
These skills benefit students well beyond their involvement in athletics.
Program Structure
Compulsory Theory (18 hours)
Officials Course – 4 hours
ITLAS Coaching Course – 6 hours
Tiny Tots Coordinator Course – 2 hours
Development Day – 6 hours
Assessment
Students are supported and assessed through:
Competency checklists
Written & verbal mentor feedback
Reflection tasks
Demonstration of accredited course skills in a practical environment
Upon Completion, Students Receive:
Accredited course certificates
A Certificate of Completion for the STRIVE Leadership & Development Program
Evidence suitable for resumes, employment applications, and volunteer roles
Why This Program Matters
STRIVE helps students:
Build confidence, responsibility, and teamwork skills
Gain meaningful experience in real sporting environments
Explore future pathways in coaching, officiating, fitness, and community sport
Stay active and engaged in a positive community
Make a real difference in the lives of younger athletes
Want to get involved?
Fill out the form below!
STRIVE Leadership & Development Registration Form
For further information, call the office on 08 8352 8133 or contact Club Development Manager, Daniel Pauli at development@salaa.org.au.
