Boccia Australia is proud to announce the development of a new National Coach Pathway, with the first education programs and learning opportunities set to launch between August and November 2026. 

Designed to support coaches at every stage of their coaching journey, the new pathway provides accessible, flexible and nationally consistent learning opportunities through a combination of online education, practical workshops and ongoing professional development. 

The pathway has been developed over the past 12 months through a collaborative project led by Coach Developer Michelle Hemley, working alongside Boccia Australia's coaching, performance and pathway teams, together with Sport Development Officers from across the country. 

A key milestone of the project has been the development of a clear capability framework that defines the knowledge, skills and behaviours required at each stage of the coaching pathway. This provides coaches with a transparent progression from community coaching through to high performance. 

Boccia Australia has also secured an Australian Institute of Sport High Performance Paralympic Coach Development Organisation Grant to support the development of the new Coach Passport - an online learning platform being built in partnership with the Australian Sport Learning Centre. The Coach Passport will provide coaches with access to online learning, resources and ongoing development opportunities. 

The new Coach Pathway will include five levels: 

Boccia Australia Pathways Manager Brenda Tierney said the redevelopment of the Coach Pathway represents an important investment in the future of the sport. 

"Redeveloping our Coach Pathway is a key initiative within the Boccia Australia Strategy. It will provide current and aspiring coaches with the knowledge, confidence and support they need to develop their coaching practice while building greater capability and capacity across our entire sport." 

Tierney said the pathway extends beyond accreditation. 

"Alongside the new coaching qualifications, coaches will have access to a calendar of workshops, learning events and a growing Community of Practice where they can connect, share ideas and continue developing together. We want every coach to feel supported, connected and valued as part of the Boccia community." 

Further information, including registration details and pilot opportunities, will be released in the coming months as each stage of the Coach Pathway is launched.