ELTHAM College offers its Elite and Emerging Athletes Program (EEAP) to coach students with athletic potential to achieve their peak in their chosen sport, whether they wish to pursue a sporting career, develop their passion as part of leading a healthy, active life. Nick, current Year 12 student, shares his thoughts on his five years within the program, complemented by additions from his Program Coordinator, Brent Wallace.
I first heard of the EEAP program when my older brother joined, in Year 7. I saw how much it had helped him become a well-rounded athlete, and the bonds he formed spending early mornings with his friends at the gym.
EEAP has an incredible balance of competitiveness and camaraderie, encouraged through training in groups or teams, whilst also allowing athletes the freedom to complete training at their desired pace when necessary.
My performance for football has gone through the roof since joining the program. Before Year 7 I was undersized and not as strong as my opponents, but through the hard work, effort and discipline I have applied in EEAP with the coaches, I filled certain gaps that were seen as weaknesses in my performance and am becoming a well attributed athlete.
“The Elite Athlete Program (EEAP), provides athletes with a holistic elite environment designed to complement and support their sporting pursuits, providing education and training sessions on numerous topics including coaching, strength and conditioning, nutrition and recovery methods.” — Brent Wallace, Program Coordinator
Not only do the coaches help us get the best out of our training, they educate us about why the training we complete is important or why it helps our specific sports.
An incredible specific skill I have learned, adapted and continue to grow is my mental health and mindset. If I can input a positive thought into my head about a situation or event, more than likely will I be able to see the positives of its results.
EEAP has and will continue to link me with people who are so knowledgeable within the sporting industry and can allow me to better my own education in certain aspects.
“The program provides our student athletes with exposure to high-qualified experts in their field, with the aim of replicating elements of elite high performance programs. These include ACE Performance, a Melbourne-based athlete Centre of excellence specialising in sports performance, and Game Day Nutrition, a collective of dieticians who facilitate education and training sessions on optimising nutrition and hydration.” — Brent Wallace, Program Coordinator
It’s a great culture and environment to train in, helping to grow my skills and create a professional approach to a sport that helps me get the best out myself.