In 2024, Trinity College will be moving to an internal competition up to Year 9. It will complement a high-performance stream that will see a greater concentration on Statewide Knockout competitions and wholistic athlete development.

Some questions answered
1. How does the new program prioritize the development of individual skills and character in young athletes, and what specific initiatives are in place to support this development?
The Skills priorities for the Trinity Football Program have been jointly constructed with key members of the Central District Football Club and the High-Performance arm of the SANFL.
Skills, Tactical, Physical and Emotional were the areas of development identified in our working group. These will form the building blocks of everything we do in the new program.

All coaches will work from a prescribed skills matrix designed to prioritise the most highly-sought-after skills

Trinity Has engaged the services of an experienced strength and conditioning coach with significant experience in development of young athletes to develop a program suitable for the safe development of athletes of all ages

The emotional wellbeing component is a particular area of strength in the new program. Not only is the new program intimately connected to the pastoral care system at Trinity, the College has a terrific connection with external providers at STARplex. In addition, the Trinity program is designed to position athletes to take responsibility for their development, whilst at the same time growing their confidence, sense of efficacy and personal discipline.

The tactical component gain is a major feature of Trinity’s move to midweek football. The Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) model is accepted worldwide as best-practice for learning gameplay and decision-making. The extra game means extra ‘live’ repetitions and more opportunity to grow tactical awareness.

2. Will the internal competition will be a lower standard? How is this better for our higher-level players?
There will be several tiers of challenge for Trinity footballers from 2024. The internal competition will form the foundation which is accessible to all students, regardless of experience. From there, top performers and prospects will be chosen for academy and statewide knockout competition training, for a chance to play against the best in the state for a state title.

Another exciting feature of the Trinity football model is the opportunity for players to play in other leagues on weekends, further exposing athletes to appropriate levels of competition

3. What provisions are in place to ensure that the new program is accessible to all students, regardless of their skill level, socioeconomic background, or previous experience in football?

The Trinity football model is a school-based competition. Players will have the opportunity to play with their peers that they know from school. The trainings will be skill-based, thus all players have will have the chance to engage in differentiated skill scenarios at practice that will increase their confidence and allow them to engage at their own pace. Much like a successful classroom, there is an opportunity for everyone to succeed if they’re willing to put in effort.

4. How will the program accommodate students who are not as naturally gifted in football but have a strong passion for the sport and a desire to improve?
From a playing point of view, practices will be designed to allow all players to be competitive. Each player will have an individual plan that will give them a focus for improvement. If playing is not their thing, we also offer the opportunity to engage as an umpire, team official, or sport volunteer.

5. What measures have been taken to ensure that the program is inclusive and does not discriminate against students with varying levels of physical abilities, including those with disabilities?
Every effort will be made to provide an outlet for participation for all students. This is an internal competition where they will be participating alongside their peers whom they know and see every day. Alongside playing opportunities, as previously mentioned, there are also opportunities to be involved in others ways, so everyone can be a part of ‘Team Trinity’.

6. Are there clear pathways for students to progress and potentially represent the school at higher levels or even at regional, state, or national competitions?
Primary-aged students have the opportunity to represent their school in the SAPSASA schools competition.

Primary-aged students participating in the College program can also be nominated by the College to trial and make the SAPSASA District teams to participate in the State SAPSASA Carnival.

Talented players can then be identified to represent the state, all with the endorsement of the College.

High-school-aged players can be chosen for academy programs and knockout teams, and can also be nominated for state team trials

The complementary College program will now allow greater access to SANFL participation and other related high-performance programs.

This program further solidifies the excellent relationship Trinity enjoys with high performance pathways by creating a truly collaborative environment for the management of HP pathway athletes.

7. What safety protocols and measures are in place to protect our children from injuries while participating in the program, and how is the physical well-being of students prioritized?
Having all the games based at Trinity allows for a very thorough Sports First Aid program to be in place. At every game there will be a qualified sports trainer on site. In addition, all teachers carry a Senior First Aid qualification. Coaches also receive additional education on concussion protocols.

At all levels players will be taught how to tackle correctly, how to protect themselves and how to avoid vulnerable situations on the field.

8. How will the program balance the importance of winning with the educational aspects of sports, such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth?
The Trinity Football Program is first and foremost a chance for everyone to participate. From that, springs a high-performance arm where like-minded athletes can compete and excel. At all stages, the highest standards of sportsmanship are expected and encouraged. We aim to teach THROUGH sport, and not just ABOUT sport.

9. Can you provide information on the qualifications and experience of the coaches and mentors who will be guiding and instructing our children in the program?
The Trinity Coaching cohort will be a mixture of high-performance coaches with SANFL experience, through to senior school students mentored by ‘lead-coaches’ at junior primary level. At each age group, we aim to place a coach capable of connecting and challenging the athletes. This could include interested parents and friends. All Trinity coaches must have a Working with Children Check, and Child Safety training.

10. How will parents and guardians be kept informed and involved in their child's participation in the program, and what avenues will be available for feedback and communication regarding the program's effectiveness and any concerns that may arise?
First the first time ever, each school cohort will have a College-appointed manager. So in addition to any coach communication, there will also be a manager to liaise with students and families to ensure clarity. This manager will also act as a conduit between parents, players, coaches and the Coordinator of Football to ensure there is a clear and efficient information.

In addition, parents can contact College Coordinator of Football George Gregory with any feedback or questions which cannot be answered by the manager.

11. Is there still a Sports Policy?
Yes, there is still a College Sports Policy. With the College football program’s move to a midweek game, ALL players need to make themselves available for the Wednesday Trinity game, as there will be no clashes.

Exemptions are still available by contacting Rupert Sapwell sapwelru@trinity.sa.edu.au

Students and families who continue to ignore the policy will be dealt with by their school pastoral care and leadership team.

12. How will students get to practices and games?
There will be buses to and from Trinity schools, free of charge for all participants. Parents will need to register their child with their school’s front office.