The energy was electric as our School-Based Trainees (SBATs) gathered for their intensive training day, ‘SBAT Connect’. A pivotal moment designed to inspire, develop, and empower these young leaders for the year ahead. As the final step in the Youth Development Pathway, the SBAT program bridges the gap between school and the professional world, offering Year 11 and 12 students one day of paid work per week and a pathway to a Certificate III in Sports Coaching or Sport and Recreation.
The mix of indoor and outdoor workshops, mirroring the real-world environments where these trainees will facilitate. Indoor sessions focused on the experiental learning paradigm, where trainees delved into the theory of how to draw out key concepts from sports activities and relate them to personal growth. These “classroom” moments are crucial for building the social and emotional intelligence that underpins all Creating Chances programs.
Transitioning outdoors, the trainees took to the pitch to put theory into practice. These sessions allowed them to sharpen their grassroots coaching skills and understand the logistical demands of managing equipment and student safety.
A highlight of the day was seeing our second-year trainees step into their roles as mentors. In a true display of leadership and confidence, they took full responsibility for icebreakers. By leading these activities, the senior trainees demonstrated their ability to energize a group, communicate instructions clearly, and foster an immediate sense of belonging among the new cohort.
This “full-circle” moment is a cornerstone of the SBAT experience, as students who once participated in programs like Champions or Coaches now transform into the very role models they previously looked up to.
I'm super proud of seeing the progress of the second year SBATs into Year 12 and the leadership role they have immediately taken with the new Year 11's. They have stepped up brilliantly to welcome and support the new cohort and it was so pleasing to see them notice for themselves the experience they are now able to very confidently share. It is a real marker for them in understanding how far they've come since they were so nervous for their first day a year ago.
"I'm looking forward to learning more about myself and my culture."
As we look at what is to come in 2026, it is clear that these SBATs are not just trainees; they are facilitators in training who are ready to make a lasting impact in their communities. Whether they eventually transition into Assistant Facilitator roles or pursue university degrees through the Teacher Cadet pathway the leadership foundations laid during this training day will serve them well.
Congratulations to our trainees for their commitment—let’s get to work!
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