About the Program
Penola Catholic College is committed to recognising and nurturing athletic talent through a dedicated high-performance sport program. This initiative is designed to support students who demonstrate exceptional ability, commitment, and potential in their chosen sport(s), providing them with specialised opportunities to thrive both athletically and academically.
The Penola Sport Academy aligns with the College’s mission to foster excellence and personal achievement. It offers targeted training, expert coaching, competition pathways, and wellbeing support, all within a balanced and faith-centred educational setting.
Students in this program are challenged to uphold high standards of discipline, integrity, and leadership, both on and off the field. They learn to manage the demands of elite sport alongside their academic responsibilities, building time management, goal-setting, and self-motivation skills that serve them well beyond the sporting arena.
Program Goals
- Develop student‑athletes through high-quality coaching and structured training programs
- Support students in balancing academic responsibilities with sporting commitments
- Build leadership, resilience, teamwork, and personal character
- Provide pathways to representative and elite sporting opportunities
- Provide academic pathways to tertiary program involving sport and physical movement
- Promote wellbeing, injury prevention, and safe training practices
What the Program Offers
Specialised Training
- Sport specific coaching delivered by qualified staff and external partners
- Strength and conditioning sessions tailored to age and sport demands
- Access to performance testing and athlete monitoring
Education & Development
- Units of work include physiology/anatomy (muscles and bones), sports recovery and preparation (nutrition, recovery), performance programs (strength and conditioning, goal setting, injury prevention) as well as biomechanics (movement analysis).
- Guidance on balancing schoolwork, sport, and personal commitments
- Leadership development opportunities
Competition & Representation
- Support for students selected in School Sport Victoria, regional, state, or national teams
- Expectation to represent Penola Catholic College in interschool competitions
Selection Criteria 2027
- Completed all sections of the application form in full.
- Strong technical skills and game understanding appropriate for age group.
- Satisfactory academic progress.
- Endorsement from a PE teacher, coach, and/or sports coordinator.
- On acceptance of the offer, parent/guardians to attend parent information evening.
Selection Process
- Application Submission: Student to submit an application outlining their sporting achievements, goals, and interest in the program.
- Panel assesses application: Recommendations are made to enrolment officer.
- Final Selection: Decisions are made by the Penola Sport Academy panel and communicated to families.
Expectations of Students
Students accepted into the program must:
- Attend all scheduled training sessions and workshops
- Maintain academic progress and positive behaviour
- Represent Penola Catholic College in sporting competitions when selected
- Follow training programs and instructions from coaches
- Demonstrate leadership, sportsmanship, and respect
- Communicate injuries or wellbeing concerns promptly
Students may be placed on review or withdrawn from the program if expectations are not met.
Further Information
For questions or additional details, please contact Penola Sport Academy at psa@penola.vic.edu.au