Over the weekend, Shooting Australia launched its inaugural Coach Development Program with a three-day ‘in-residence’ induction held at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.
This first of its kind pilot 12-month program aims to enhance learning for coaches in pistol, rifle and shotgun across both able and para disciplines through realistic applications within the international shooting discipline systems. The program will consist of camps, competitions and online learning as well as developing a community of practice for coaches in the shooting community.
Through an Expression of Interest process, Shooting Australia selected eight candidates for the program based on their current work with athletes recognised within Shooting Australia’s High-Performance Program and/or National Teams, along with their demonstrated commitment to further developing their coaching skills and experience. These coaches represent the pistol, rifle and shotgun disciplines and include Shane Bland, Elise Collier, Phil Martin, Catherine Rashford, Thomas Ashmore, Allison Doyle, Andrew Brady and Jeffrey Richardson.
Of her inclusion in the program, Rifle coach Catherine Rashford said, “I am really thankful for this opportunity and very glad that I made the time to participate in the program.”
Through their participation in the Coach Development Program, coaches will evolve their understanding of how to plan and optimise the impact of their coaching in support of developing High-Performance athletes and how to improve athlete performances in competitions.
Program facilitator and Shooting Australia’s Coach Development Lead, Aurelie Gibson, expressed her enthusiasm for the official launch and explained the purpose behind the program’s creation. “Our vision in developing this program and bringing coaches together across disciplines is to introduce the Athlete Development Framework for both Able and Para athletes. This framework enables us to explore, in depth, the coaching principles that underpin technical essentials and excellence in shooting.”
Reflecting on the weekend’s induction, Gibson said, “The coaches brought curiosity and enthusiasm to the induction sessions and were supported by an incredible group of facilitators throughout the three days. Brad Hore, OLY, Indigenous artist and motivational speaker, led an amazing connection session with the group on Friday. We were also joined by Shooting Australia CEO Adam Sachs as well as Graham Turner and Glenn Stewart from the Australian Institute of Sport who led sessions on High Performance System Thinking. Skill Acquisition Specialist, Derek Panchuk, and Performance Psychologist, Alex McNaughton, delivered sessions on planning and mental performance in competition foundations. Derek and Alex will be involved throughout the duration of the 12 month program, as will Shooting Australia Precision Performance Coach, Carrie Quigley, who will play a coaching mentor role.”
Experienced Rugby and now Shotgun Coach Jeffrey Richardson acknowledged the value of the program and induction weekend. “I’ve been to a lot of coaching courses over the years, and all are very discipline oriented. This course brings you back to the actual fundamentals of coaching but could be related very easily to multiple sports and disciplines. It takes coaching to the next level.”
Former Australian National Team pistol athlete Thomas Ashmore is now exploring a coaching pathway and added, “I really valued the lessons where we learnt how psychology and training can be combined through multiple stages of a training block. Methods which were taught to me as an athlete without realising I can now take into my own coaching with the theory behind it.”
Looking ahead, Gibson said, “I’m excited about the possibilities for connection, learning, and growth with our coaches. Shooting Australia is fortunate to be in a position to deliver this program, made possible through the Australian Sports Commission’s ‘Play Well’ funding and strategy for Shooting. I’m looking forward to the next 12 months as we navigate this coaching journey together.”
The program will continue to develop through to October 2026, with all coaches encouraged to actively participate in a Community of Practice—providing a space to share ideas, offer support, and build camaraderie, ensuring they gain the greatest possible benefit from the program.
