National Development Program FAQ
Overview
The Volleyball Australia Performance Pathway is a series of programs collectively designed to identify, develop, prepare and progress athletes towards national team selection, international competition and potential professional careers in Volleyball and Beach Volleyball.
The National Development Program (NDP) is a program in the Volleyball Australia Performance Pathway that provides development opportunities for talented junior Volleyball athletes who have the potential to represent Australia in the future in both Beach and Indoor Volleyball.
Selection
Athletes are selected for the NDP activities based on their performances at state and national level competitions. Athletes are recommended to national-level coaches by State Pathway Managers and state and local level coaches. National-level coaches are also present at national events and use this opportunity to detect athletes and invite them to future NDP activities.
Athletes are invited for the NDP activities based on their performances at state and national level competitions. Athletes are recommended to national-level coaches by State Pathway Managers and state and local level coaches. National-level coaches are also present at national events and use this opportunity to detect athletes and invite them to future NDP activities.
Approximately 3 months prior to the camp an expression of interest link (EOI) is sent to those athletes who have been recommended by their state-level pathway contacts. In the meantime, athletes should contact their state-level coaches and pathway contacts to indicate their interest in the National Develepoment Program and to be considered for upcoming camps.
Selection for NDP activities is based on a range of factors, including athletic ability, potential, attitude, work ethic, and team fit. Performance in state and national competitions is just one aspect considered in the selection process.
Invitations to Volleyball Australia programs are based on a range of factors and may vary between athletes based on their performance and potential.
NDP Development Tours
Invitations to NDP tours are based on performance and potential as assessed by Volleyball Australia’s coaching staff. Athletes who have participated in NDP activities may have an increased chance of being invited to a tour.
Selection for Development Tours is based on a range of factors, including athletic ability, potential, attitude, work ethic, and team fit. Attending a camp does not guarantee selection for a tour.
Camps
The number of athletes who can attend camps varies depending on the program and available resources.
Attending camps is not mandatory for selection into NDP activities, but it may provide athletes with additional development opportunities and exposure to Volleyball Australia’s coaching staff.
Athletes who need to withdraw from camps or tours should notify Volleyball Australia as soon as possible. Refunds may be available, but this will depend on the circumstances and timing of the withdrawal. (Please see Refund Policy)
If I have been selected in the junior national team before, do I have to attend Development Camps?
Attending development camps is not mandatory for athletes who have previously been selected in the junior national team, but it may provide additional development opportunities and exposure to Volleyball Australia’s coaching staff.
Finance
Payment plans may be available for some Volleyball Australia programs. Information on payment options will be made available in the specific event information.
Please see Refund Policy
Athlete and Parent Communication
Volleyball Australia creates RevSport profiles for selected athletes the National Development Program
We do not charge a fee to the Athlete Pathways Database, so this will remain as UNPAID in the system
You can login to RevSport, the online platform for Volleyball Australia’s National Development Program, by visiting the website and clicking on the “Login” button on the top right-hand corner of the screen. You will need to enter your email address and password associated with your RevSport account.
You can request a login reset to pathways@volleyball.org.au
Links with State Associations
State associations play several roles in the NDP, including membership management, financial support, current member support, links with coach mentors, and providing and assisting the development of NDP-aligned coaches from their respective states.
State association Pathway Managers are instrumental in overseeing talent identification, development, and progression at the state level. They collaborate closely with coaches, athletes and stakeholders to implement the program objectives and pathways within their states. These managers coordinate training programs at state level and offer essential support and guidance to athletes, acting as a liaison between state-level programs and the NDP. Their role ensures effective communication and collaboration, fostering a cohesive development pathway for young Volleyball and Beach Volleyball players to progress to future National team representation.
Coaches
The NDP Coach Network is a group of experienced and qualified coaches who are committed to developing volleyball players in Australia. They receive training and support from the NDP Technical Advisory group to ensure a consistent and effective approach to player development.
Coaches are selected for NDP activities based on their coaching qualifications, experience, and commitment to player development. They are also evaluated on their ability to work collaboratively with other coaches and support staff.
Winning a gold medal at Youth Nationals does not automatically qualify someone to coach the national team. Coaching at the national level requires significant experience, qualifications, and a proven track record of success.
To be considered for a coaching role with the national team, you will need to have extensive coaching experience, a high level of coaching qualifications, and a track record of success in player development. You will also need to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with other coaches and support staff.
The NDP Coach Selection panel is made up of experienced volleyball coaches and administrators who have a deep understanding of the sport and the requirements of coaching at the national level.
Coaching at the state level is not a requirement for becoming an NDP coach. However, those coaches who are active at the state-level and interested to play a role nationally will be encouraged to do so as this ‘nationally-aligned experience can only benefit developing athletes at state-level.
The NDP program provides funding and resources to support the development of coaches. As such, coaches do not need to pay to be part of the program, but they may need to cover some costs associated with attending training and development opportunities.
The NDP Coach Network is a group of experienced and qualified coaches who are committed to developing volleyball players in Australia. They receive training and support from the NDP Technical Advisory group to ensure a consistent and effective nationally-aligned approach to player development.
The NDP Technical Advisory is a group of experienced volleyball coaches and administrators who provide guidance and support to the NDP Coach Network. They work to ensure that the NDP program is delivering the best possible outcomes for athletes and coaches.