PLAYER PATHWAYS

The Coach Seminar held on 13 November 2025 focused on a model for developing players, and supporting their journey in croquet, whether as a Club player, or aspiring national representative.

This model FTEM: Foundation Talent Elite/Mastery is based on the national model developed at the Australian Institute of Sport, and now embedded in coaching practice by the NSW Office of Sport.

This model informed the PPEP Players Pathway to Excellence Program from 2019 and is informing the current PACE (Player and Coach Education Programme) being rolled out around the state.

The Pathway is underpinned by Five Principles 

1. Club is Core: Club is central to nurturing a love and passion for croquet, through recruitment, coaching and identifying potential. 
2. Player Centred: Pathways are about developing the player and the person, with flexibility to suit the pace of the player. 
3. Quality Coaching experiences: Coaches create an enjoyable coaching experience based on good technical knowledge, and an understanding of the needs of the player. 
4. Inclusive: Croquet is for all, regardless of age, ability, background or identity. 
5. Croquet is for Life: players may enter at any age, and will be supported in an out of club play, competitive play and as an enduring part of an active lifestyle. 

Player Pathways in Action

The programme has had Foundation Coaching Programs rolled out around the State by a range of coaches.

These programmes are still available and can be delivered by experienced coaches, or can be delivered by a Club Coach, supported by a model Coaching Session, and booklets with drills for all players.
More information from the website: PACE - Croquet NSW

The next phase of the programme involves setting up Development Squads around the state, which will be supported by Talent Level Coaching resources.

Support structures 

Support will be provided by: 

• National frameworks and standards, through the Croquet Australia Academy. 
• Croquet NSW coaching, club, tournament and development incentives and resources. 
• Regional centres, including Hubs (centres for training and coaching), Development Squads (regional and state based). 
• Clubs: providing the important foundations in recruiting players, teaching foundation skills, providing competition experience, and supporting state funded programs. 
• Coaches: in developing skills, providing formal coaching programs, mentoring players, etc. 

Find out More

• Listen back to this Seminar under Coach Education. 
• Check out the NSW Office of Sport Pathways section.

 Email: NSW Coaching Co-ordinator

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