Q: Who is eligible for the ADS?

A: All Victorian residents aged 15 years and above are eligible to apply for the ADS.

Q: Can I participate in the ADS if I am still at school?

A: Yes. School age participants aged 15 years and above are eligible to participate in the ADS.

Q: If I am still at school, what are the expectations on me with regards to education?

A: In partnership with Victoria University, ADS recipients will be required to undertake certifications from the Sport and Recreation training package at Certificate III, IV or Diploma level, depending on their highest level of qualification. School age participants will most likely be required to undertake certificate III & IV qualifications over the 12 month scholarship period. School age participants will not be required to leave school in order to participate in the ADS. The education requirements are achieved through their existing involvement in their chosen sport and their participation in the ADS programs. Athletes are not required to undertake contact hours at university in order to complete the requirements of certifications. The ADS fosters a work-learning environment in the development of industry specific skills.

Q: Who is eligible to undertake certifications as part of the ADS?

A: Athletes under 20 years of age as of the 1st of January 2011 are eligible to undertake either certificate III, IV or Diploma qualifications even if they already have qualifications of the same level. Athletes over 20 years of age as of the 1st of January 2011 will be required to undertake a certification higher than one they currently hold.

Q: Are there other options available for entry into the ADS program if I miss out on first round selection?

A: After 1st round selections have been made, ESS Performance may offer partially funded scholarships to candidates we feel would benefit from entry into the ADS program. Partially funded scholarships do not include a nationally recognised qualification. Access to all performance programs, personal and professional development seminars and tutorials at AAMI Park, advanced recovery and rehabilitation programs, functional movement screens, athlete testing and discounts on sports medicine are included. Partially funded scholarships may suit athletes who do not wish to undertake certifications, do not meet the education eligibility criteria or who are under 15 years of age. Partially funded scholarships are valued at $14K per athlete per year. The cost to recipients of partially funded scholarships is $3600 per year with quarterly payment options applicable. The offer of partially funded scholarships is merit based.

Q: Will I be required to attend every performance program, tutorial or recovery session?

A: No. During the initial athlete testing phase and functional movement screens, the ESS team will provide recommendations to athletes as to the programs we feel are best suited to their requirements. Athletes will not be required to attend every performance program. Performance programs will run nightly from 6pm at AAMI Park on weekdays and recovery sessions will most likely run Sunday and Monday nights to coincide with weekend matches and competition.

Q: Will this ADS run during school holidays?

A: Yes. The ADS program, including education requirements, will run throughout school holidays and over the Christmas holidays.  

Q: How much is the ADS worth?

A: The ADS is worth $20K per athlete per year. Partially funded scholarships are worth $14K per year and will cost recipients $3600 per year if accepted.

Q: Are there costs associated with the ADS?

A: There may be student fees applicable to enrollment in the certifications through the university. These fees will be capped at $187.50 per certification for Cert III & Cert IV & $375.00 for 12 month Diploma's. These fees are not charged by or kept by ESS Performance. Successful ADS applicants will be required to pay a $200 non-refundable application fee and a $300 refundable facility bond.

If you have any questions about the ADS, please do not hesitate to contact our office on (03) 9421 4000 or send an email to info@essperformance.com.au.