UNCAPD Performance Pathway

A structured, age-appropriate progression designed to support youth athletes at every stage of development — from building strong movement foundations, to refining athletic skills, to preparing for higher levels of performance. Each stage is guided by qualified coaches, evidence-based training principles, and a long-term focus on athlete health, confidence, and sustainable performance.

UNCAPD Foundations
(Ages 8-10)

Building confident movers through fun, structured training that develops coordination, balance, speed fundamentals, and correct movement patterns. Sessions emphasise physical literacy, safe technique, and enjoyment, creating a strong base for long-term athletic development across all sports.

Movement Fundamentals

Develops fundamental movement skills, coordination, balance, and body control

Speed & Agility Basics

Introduces safe sprinting, jumping, landing, and agility fundamentals through structured play

Confidence & Enjoyment

Builds confidence and enjoyment in movement across all sports

Preparation for Progression

Establishes strong habits and movement quality to support future training progression

Foundation Programs:

UNCAPD Development
(Ages 11-13)

Refining movement skills and introducing structured training habits as athletes learn how to train with purpose. This stage focuses on speed and agility mechanics, body control, foundational strength, and early performance awareness, supporting confidence, resilience, and safe progression.

Skill Refinement

Refines speed, agility, and change-of-direction mechanics

Strength Foundations

Introduces structured strength foundations using age-appropriate progressions

Training Education

Teaches athletes how to train safely, consistently, and with purpose

Physical & Mental Resilience

Builds physical confidence, resilience, and awareness of performance basics

Development Programs:

UNCAPD Performance
(Ages 14-18)

Performance-driven training designed to improve speed, strength, power, and physical robustness for competitive sport. Athletes follow structured, evidence-based programs supported by performance testing, technical coaching, and education around recovery, nutrition, mindset, and injury prevention to support sustainable high-level performance.

Performance Development

Develops strength, speed, power, and conditioning for competitive sport

Structured Programming

Uses structured programming supported by performance testing and monitoring

Injury Risk Reduction

Focuses on technical execution, injury risk reduction, and physical robustness

Pathway to Higher Performance

Prepares athletes for higher-level training, competition demands, and long-term performance

Performance Programs:

UNCAPD Elite
(On Application)

The UNCAPD Elite level is designed for athletes who are already established within the UNCAPD Performance Pathway and are committed to pursuing the highest levels of competitive sport.

Entry is by application only and based on a combination of physical readiness, training history, coachability, mindset, and long-term performance potential.

Athletes in this level follow an advanced, highly individualised training environment that mirrors high-performance sport systems and prepares them for elite school, representative, academy, and pathway opportunities.

Who This Is For

Athletes progressing from the UNCAPD Performance level
Those targeting elite school, regional, national, or professional pathways
Athletes demonstrating strong training habits, resilience, and commitment

Entry Criteria

Application and coach review
Demonstrated performance standards and movement quality
Consistent attendance, work ethic, and coachability
Alignment with UNCAPD’s high-performance standards and values

Individualized Performance Planning

Individualised programming aligned to the athlete’s sport and competitive calendar

Advanced Physical Development

Advanced strength, speed, power, and movement development

Data-Driven Performance Monitoring

Ongoing performance testing, monitoring, and coach feedback

High Performance Habits & Preparation

Integrated focus on mindset, recovery, injury risk management, and professionalism

Elite Program Application

Athlete Details

First name

Last name

Email

Phone

Age

Gender

Address

Parent/Caregiver Details (if under 18)

First Name

Last Name

Relationship to Athlete

Email

Phone

Sport & Competitive Background

Primary Sport/s

Secondary Sport/s

Current Level of Competition

(e.g. Club, Representative, Regional, National, Academy, Professional Pathway)

Training & Performance Background

Current Weekly Training Load

(number of structured sessions per week)

Previous Strength & Conditioning Experience

(None / Limited / 6–12 months / 1–2 years / 2+ years)

Have you previously completed performance testing?

(Yes / No – if yes, please specify)

Injury & Medical Declaration

Any current or recent injuries (last 12 months)? (Yes / No)

Yes

No

If yes, please specify:

Any medical conditions we should be aware of?

Mindset, Commitment & Suitability

Why are you applying for the Elite Players Program?

What are the athlete’s short-term and long-term sporting goals?

How does the athlete demonstrate commitment outside of formal training? (e.g. recovery, habits, mindset, discipline)

Availability & Readiness

Availability to train multiple sessions per week

Yes

No

Willingness to commit to performance testing, monitoring, and feedback

Yes

No

Acknowledgement & Consent

I understand this is a selective, application-based program and that submission does not guarantee acceptance.

I consent to UNCAPD Sports Performance Academy reviewing this information for program placement purposes.