Athletics

2026

May 11, 2026
June 8, 2026

The Athletics nominations are now OPEN for the 2026 Program
Please CLICK HERE to apply

The CCAS & HAS  Athletics Program is a Performance Support initiative for pre-elite Track & Field athletes competing at state and national levels. Designed to complement existing training, the program provides functional movement screening, access to a 15-week face to face strength & conditioning sessions with a discipline-specific program, and educational workshops covering key areas such as nutrition, psychology, and injury prevention.

As part of the 2026 athletics program, athletes will participate in a two-day Athletics Performance Workshop at Mingara Athletics Track, featuring specialised technical coaching, performance testing, recovery sessions, and workshops on goal setting, media skills, and team building. Each athlete also receives a personalised performance report with feedback and development recommendations to share with their coach and support their ongoing progress.

 

Nominated athletes are selected from the Central Coast Region. The Athletics program follows the FTEM Model of pathway development, from Foundation, Talent, Elite and Mastery of the sport.

Track and Field athletes will have access to the following benefits as a CCAS athlete:

CCAS Athlete Inclusions

  • Two-day Athletics Performance workshop, featuring specialised technical coaching, performance re-testing, recovery sessions, and workshops on goal setting, media skills, and team building. Workshop will also include lunch on both days, and is included in the levy cost.*
  • 3-Month Mingara Gym, Track and Pool Pass
    Complimentary access to premier training facilities.
  • Access to Athlete Discounts
    Exclusive discounts through our proud partner, Coast Sport Physiotherapy.
  • Access to Lumin Athlete Management System
    Utilise our AMS platform to monitor training, progress, and wellness.
  • Education Sessions
    Expert-led workshops on Nutrition, Sports Psychology, Drugs in Sport, Media Training, and Social Media.
  • Athletic Discipline Testing
    Sport-specific performance testing and re-testing for event groups including long jump, sprinting, and shot put to identify movement patterns and inform targeted training strategies for performance improvement and injury prevention
  • 5 months of Face-to-Face Strength and Conditioning Sessions
    Structured physical development training with accredited coaches.

 

To be eligible for selection in the 2026 program athletes must:

  • Athletes must be turning 13 to 17 years of age in 2026.
  • Athletes must reside or attend school in the Central Coast LGA
  • Athletes must be a current registered member of Athletics New South Wales.
  • Athletes must meet the performance standards for their event(s) as outlined by Athletics Australia –
    click here for standards.
The CCAS Athletics Program is a performance support initiative for pre-elite track and field athletes competing at state and national level.
It complements existing training by providing the following:
  • Discipline-specific testing and strength & conditioning programming
  • 5 months of supervised face-to-face S&C sessions
  • Education workshops in areas such as nutrition, psychology, and injury prevention
This all culminates in a 2-day performance workshop, where athletes are retested and work directly with experienced coaches in their discipline.
Workshop details:
Date: Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th November 2026

Where: Mingara Athletics track

 

 

Steve Perry – Running Coach
Steve is the Head Coach for athletics at the Central Coast Academy of Sport

Steve highly accomplished Australian athletics coach, holding an Athletics Australia Level 3 certification in sprints and performance. He serves as Director of Athletics at Barker College and coaches for Athletics Australia’s Target Talent Program and Athletics NSW. A former national-level sprinter with eight international representations and two World Junior silver medals, he was named the 1988 Australian Junior Sportsperson of the Year. Steve mentors National and State champions, NSW record holders, and oversees NSW relay squads.

His previous coaching roles include stints as the sprint coach for the Penrith Panthers and a development coach for Athletics Australia, as well as being a former member of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

Ramona Casey – Running Coach

Ramona Casey is a respected Australian track coach and accomplished sprinter. A former standout in NSW and Australian championships, she won premier sprints 70 m, 120 m, 400 m, and later reignited her competitive career with a 400 m win at the prestigious Stawell Gift in 2023. Her coaching philosophy centres on technique, personal growth, and inclusive support.

Michel Hemmings Jones – International Throws Coach

Michel Hemmings Jones is a former elite Cuban discus thrower who competed internationally, including at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. After moving to Australia, he transitioned into coaching and is now an accomplished international throws coach. Specialising in discus, shot put, javelin, and hammer, he brings over a decade of expertise mentoring athletes of all levels, helping them reach their full potential in the throwing events.

Squad Selection – Week of Monday 15th June

Testing and Orientation – Sunday 26th July, Mingara Athletics Track (Compulsory)

Workshop – Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th November, Mingara Athletics Track (Compulsory)

Explore a variety of scholarship opportunities available through the Central Coast Academy of Sport to support athlete development and growth:

Want to know more? Get in touch today

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