XC 2022 National Junior Squad

Due to limited competition opportunities for most Australian junior athletes for the past two years, the Snow Australia Cross Country Committee has decided to provide development opportunities to a wider range of athletes in 2022. Instead of naming a National Junior Team, the 2022 National Junior Squad will consist of all the leading athletes within the recognised state pathway programs between the age of 16-20 that are following a year-round training plan primarily for cross country skiing. Athletes from this pool will be invited to attend national training camps and take part in other development activities on the recommendation of the state and national coaches. This National Junior Squad will not be fixed for the year – new or returning athletes can be added to the pool on the basis of their commitment and potential.

This new structure also recognises that the state pathway programs are the primary drivers of junior cross country skiing development in Australia. While athlete development strategies should be national, the delivery needs to be local. National, State and other pathway program coaches will meet regularly to discuss common challenges, athlete education, camp schedules and timing, and any other athlete development issues.

It should be noted that this structure will be reviewed following the experiences of athletes, coaches and pathway program managers in 2022.

Athlete Expectations

All athletes involved in National Junior Squad camps or other activities are expected to have made a commitment towards cross country skiing and to have adopted a professional approach to training. Some examples would include:

• Athletes making themselves available for training camps.
• Keeping a training diary.
• Maintaining contact with a coach and following a training plan.
• Setting goals and developing strategies to achieve these goals.

Involvement in other sports is encouraged, though athletes should recognise that an increased training load in one sport should result in adjustments of load in other sports.

2022 Camp/Event Dates

• February/March – State based rollerski events and dryland camps
• April 10-11 – Australian Rollerski Championship, Canberra
• April 12-14 – National Junior Development Camp, AIS, Canberra
• May/June – State based rollerski events and dryland camps
• July/August/September – State based on-snow training / state and national competitions
• September – National Junior Development On-Snow Camp

Further Information

Finn Marsland, Cross Country Program Director, fmarsland@snow.org.au, 0408147940