SSA Alpine Director Mick Branch to step down

Ski and Snowboard Australia’s (SSA) Alpine Director Mick Branch will vacate his position at the end of May.  After much thought and reflection, the former World Cup Coach to the US Ski Team has decided not to renew his SSA contract after a two-year tenure.

“Mick’s contribution to the sport has been profound and we wish he and his family all the best for the next chapter in their lives,” SSA CEO Michael Kennedy said.

“Mick departs the role having led a comprehensive review and developing a long-term strategic plan for our Alpine pathway. The review and subsequent implementation of the recommendations has seen the beginnings of a cultural shift in the sport and has provided a blue print for other SSA disciplines to follow.

“Central to the philosophies of the national strategy is a focus on skill development and building the capacity of the club and pathway programs to deliver best practices which are critical to long term athletic development,” Kennedy said.

Branch said he was looking forward to new challenges.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to provide a new direction for Alpine ski racing in Australia alongside my fellow SSA teammates. I will certainly look on with interest to see how it progresses,” Branch said.

“I firmly believe that the changes we are endeavouring to embed as a sport to the culture and to the pathway will have positive long-term impact on our new generation of Alpine Skiing talent.

“It is critical to maintain the focus and efforts on skill development and as equally important is the integration of developing physical, psychological and cognitive capabilities required to deliver sport skill development, enabling improved athleticism to produce optimal athletic potential.

“I have been involved in ski racing for over 25 years in a professional capacity. I have applied all my energy and passion to the role and am really pleased with the firms steps the sport of Alpine is making to achieve its potential. It is now time for someone with fresh energy and passion to step in and continue the great work we have started.”

Alpine is well resourced with capable and professional staff within SSA to manage the transition to a new Alpine Director appointment. Shawn Fleming will act in the role of SSA Alpine Coordinator through the domestic season. Bec Clark will continue to provide operational support and Ben Wordsworth will be involved in the facilitation of Club Performance Planning workshops as scheduled.

Mick will remain in the role through to the end of May. Pathway activity such as the Club performance planning workshops and Alpine Skills assessments will continue as planned.

SSA will commence the advertising and recruitment process for the Alpine Director role in due course with the aim of appointing a new Alpine Director prior to the International season.

On behalf of the Board, the Staff and the Alpine community we thank Mick for his passion, energies and expertise over the past two years as Alpine Director. His impact has been significant and the legacy he leaves in terms of a new direction for our sport cannot be understated.