The new Junior Development Squad Program for Victorian alpine athletes, launched earlier in 2005, is well underway. The 21 squad members, all high achieving FIS-age athletes drawn from Victoria’s three race clubs, participated in a dryland camp at Buller in May and came together for an on-snow training camp in mid-July at Hotham. The program is an initiative of the Victorian Alpine Committee, and is aimed at assisting the top junior athletes in the State to improve their performance and stay in the sport. The Program complements the existing training offered by the three race clubs in the southern winter.

The highlight of the Program will be an eleven day camp at Mt Ruapehu in New Zealand timed to coincide with the ANC Cup finals at Whakapapa in September.

A key feature of the Program is comprehensive mentoring and support, including fitness assessments using VIS consultants, advice and assistance on diet and assistance with goal setting and sports psychology issues. The Program Director, Matt Lyons, is in touch with all athletes and coaches throughout the season, and monitors athlete performance on an ongoing basis.