WHAT IS SSA FUTURES

SSA Futures is a Ski & Snowboard Australia (SSA) athlete development and talent identification program. SSA Futures has a vision to enhance the opportunities and resources for athletes in the SSA athlete pathway. SSA Futures programs aim to:

• Introduce developing athletes to elite sporting opportunities and elite sports people 
• Increase knowledge of the athlete pathway, selection criteria and the various opportunities, resources and programs available to Australian snow sports athletes 
• Establish a consistent and unified approach to athlete development 
• Engage National Team athletes and programs in pathway development initiatives 
• Provide athletes with superior technical coaching and performance opportunities 
• Encourage involvement in SSA domestic ski/snowboard events 
• Bridge the gap between Interschools competition participation and involvement in seasonal SSA Pathway Programs

SSA FUTURES PARK AND PIPE FREESKI SESSIONS:

The SSA Futures: Perisher Park & Pipe Freeski Sessions is a Talent Identification/ Talent Development initiative developed by SSA with support from some of Australia’s top pro riders including; Russ Henshaw, Ryley Lucas, Nic Stevens + More.

With an aim of identifying potential talent in the disciplines of Freeski Halfpipe and Slopestyle, the sessions will also enable talent development opportunities amongst athletes who a current members of various SSA Pathway Programs or train on their own individual program. The sessions will aim to introduce athletes to ‘what it takes’ to become an elite athlete, the progression of skills in line with Long Term Athlete Development principals, the opportunities that are available to athletes in the pathway. SSA Park & Pipe Coordinator Rich Hegarty as well as our SSA Freeski Pathway Program head coaches, will also be on hand identifying talent. The sessions, sponsored by Perisher, XTM, Sontimer and the Rob Kneller Youth Foundation.

The Park & Pipe sessions will lead into the Australian Junior Nationals WST/AFP sanctioned events on Friday 12th - Sunday 14th which provide athletes the perfect platform to execute new skills learned on the program. Entries for this event can be found on the Perisher events website. These events are a part of the SSA Park and Pipe Series (2016 WST / AFP 7 stop event tour).

If you have not already registered for this event and intend to compete, please ensure that you visit the Perisher website to register for the competition. www.perisher.com.au 

WHAT IS IT:

• 1 Day Park & Pipe Freeski session run by Ski & Snowboard Australia 
• Hosted at Perisher 
• Featuring World Class coaches, athletes and mentors 

INCLUDES: 

• Technical Training and feedback 
• Event Preparation 
• Pathway discussion and Q & A Session 
• Exposure to World Class Athletes and Coaches 
• Give-a-ways from Sontimer and more...

WHO IS IT FOR:

• SSA is calling for athletes to submit an application who; 
• Are interested in Freestyle Skiing
• Are between the ages 10 and 18 
• Have experience in riding the Terrain Park/ Halfpipe

There is a maximum of 30 spots available, which will be allocated upon discretion of SSA and the coaching staff.  High level technical ability is not a prerequisite, however, safety for the individual and group is always the priority with these activities and as such some basic proficiency must be present in participants.

WHEN IS IT:

The Freeski sessions will be run on Thursday 11th of August  

WHERE IS IT:

Perisher Ski Resort, NSW, Australia 

ROB KNELLER YOUTH FOUNDATION

The Rob Kneller youth foundation (RKYF) was established in December 2013 by Scott and Luke Kneller in loving memory of their late father. Rob Kneller was an iconic figure in the Jindabyne community, infamous for his generosity and charismatic qualities. Rob was a snowsports enthusiast at heart and it was his love for skiing that saw him move to Jindabyne and ultimately start a family there. The Rob Kneller Youth Foundation aims to continue Rob’s legacy and increase the opportunities for the youth of Jindabyne to participate and excel in snowsports.  The RKYF will be generously subsidising the cost of local Snowy Mountains youth to attend the SSA Futures: Perisher Park and Pipe Freeski Sessions . For the first 20 eligible local youth to enrol, the SSA Futures program fee will be reduced to $30. To be eligible to receive this generous subsidy, athletes must be enrolled full time at a local primary or secondary school (Jindabyne Central School, Snowy Mountains Grammar School, Monaro High School, St Patrick's Parish School, Snowy Mountains Christian School, Cooma North Primary School, Cooma Public School, Berridale Public School, Dalgety Public School)

If you are eligible for a RKYF discount, please fill in the additional questions with registration.  

For more information please please view the program guide here