The MSA Strength and Conditioning Department offer an exciting opportunity for prospective S&C Coaches seeking to gain valuable practical experience in high performance youth development. You will be working within the Victorian State Government sporting specialist school, home to 575+ student-athletes who compete in over 20 different individual and team sports.
This placement opportunity is open to current graduates or post graduates of Exercise Science (or equivalent). The trainee will be directly supervised by a MSA staff member to assist with the S&C services to MSA student-athletes.
ABOUT MSA
Maribyrnong Sports Academy is Victoria's only state-funded specialist sports school. MSA combines international-standard facilities with a holistic development program delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experienced coaches, teachers, health professionals, and performance staff. Student-athletes are supported academically, athletically, and personally through integrated daily contact with experts across multiple fields.
With high-performance expectations embedded across the entire program, MSA's Strength & Conditioning team operates within purpose-built facilities to prepare student-athletes for the physical demands of elite sport and long-term athletic development. For more information see: https://sportsacademy.maribsc.vic.edu.au/
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES
Interns will assist with a number of initiatives in any area of MSA Strength & Conditioning including:
- Assist with setup and basic operation of S&C training areas (weights room, field and court spaces) under supervision.
- Shadow accredited coaches during sessions with junior athletes (Years 7-12), including state and national level athletes.
- Learn how to plan and structure S&C sessions using Excel and Teambuildr.
- Gain exposure to sport science technology and data collection, including:
- VALD (ForceDecks, ForceFrame, SmartSpeed)
- Metric VBT
- Vue Motion (video capture & technique analysis)
- Participate in department run S&C workshops to develop foundational coaching knowledge and practical skills.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Build coaching confidence assisting with elements of session deliverey while shadowing accredited S&C coaches.
- Apply basic S&C programming principles using Excel and Teambuildr with guided feedback.
- Understand the use and purpose of key sport science technologies (VALD, Metric VBT, Vue Motion).
- Strengthen readiness for future S&C roles through hands-on learning in a high-performance youth environment.
REPORTING / WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Interns will be mentored and supervised by Erin Clancy, S&C Coach and Intern Coordinator (MSc S&C), and will also liaise with other MSA S&C Coaches, sport coaches and student-athletes.
INTERNSHIP HOURS & TIMELINES
Hours/days are flexible and can be negotiated within the following constraints.
- Within school hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 3:30pm).
- The placement will require a minimum of 10 hours attendance per week.
- Commence in May, finish in December (exact dates are flexible).
- Please note that this position is unpaid.
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
The following qualifications are required in order to fulfil the duties/responsibilities of the placement:
- Working with Children Check (required)
- CPR and/or First Aid (required)
- ASCA Level 1 (desirable)
- Previous experience/placement working in Strength & Conditioning (desirable)
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
To ensure their own safety and the safety of others, employees must work in a safe manner and comply with all MSA policies and procedures that relate to Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare. This includes current Working with Children Check, CPR and First Aid qualifications.
Who is eligible?
Placements are available to graduates or postgraduate students studying Exercise Science or related courses. Applicants must hold a current drivers licence to be eligible for the placement. Intern placements are NOT available for undergraduates or high school students.
