MELBOURNE COLLEGIANS ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (MCAD)
At the beginning of 2019, the Board of Melbourne Collegians Water Polo Club unanimously agreed on the need for a structured athlete development programme, leading to the re-establishment of MCAD, previously under the direction of Head Coach Slobodan Macic (Montenegro). The philosophy underpinning MCAD is that, in addition to Athletes participating in regular Core (Club) Training once a week, there is an opportunity for Athletes to access a development pathway. This athlete development pathway operates alongside Core Training.
In Term 1, under the guidance of DALIBOR MASLAN, Victoria’s most experienced international coach and skills specialist, fifteen girls and ten boys participated enthusiastically in the six week MCAD Pilot Programme. Dalibor has coached at elite levels as the Assistant Australian Women’s Coach (London and Rio Olympics), Victorian Institute of Sport Head Coach (Men and Women) and Head Coach at Drummoyne Water Polo Club. He has also played professionally in Serbia, Italy and Montenegro. Clearly he brings a wealth of water polo experience to MCAD and we are privileged to be able to offer our members (athletes and coaches), the opportunity to train and learn from him within our Club. The pilot programme has been very successful and popular, becoming fully-subscribed within days of opening. Athletes and parents have endorsed the value of the programme and Dalibor is happy with the uptake and progress of participants.
Following the success of MCAD in Terms 1 & 2, MCWPC will continue to run MCAD on Monday and Wednesday (Wesley) and Friday (Melbourne High). The Monday programme remains the same – a mixed training session for those born 2005/06 and older. Wednesday MCAD has been redesigned as a three week intensive targeted skill development session. There will be three blocks commencing Week 2 of Term 3. Friday MCAD remains the same as Term 2, with two sessions, a 6.30pm Mixed (born 2004 – 2006) and a 7.30pm Mixed for senior athletes (U18, SL1, SL2).
Ideally, for athletes to be able to access the MCAD programme, they must participate in their allocated Core (Club) training session. Weekly commitment to and participation in Core training is a pre-requisite for eligibility for MCAD enrolment. In Term 3, it is recommended that Athletes attend two MCAD training sessions. However, it possible to enrol in one or two sessions.
Term 3 Programme
Dates: Monday 15 July - Friday 20 September
Session Times:
Monday 6.30-8pm Wesley College St Kilda
Wednesday 6.30-8pm Wesley College St Kilda
Friday 6:30-7:45pm (Mixed born 04-06) Melbourne High School
Friday 7:30 - 9:00pm (Mixed Senior, U18, SL1, SL2) Melbourne High School
There are several options for training sessions available. At this stage, Monday and Wednesday sessions are capped at a maximum of 25 athletes and Friday sessions are capped at a maximum of 20 athletes per session.
Term 3 Cost (based on 10 week term)
1 session per week - $195 per athlete
2 sessions per week - $330 per athlete
1 block of 3 weeks - $75 per athlete
Make your bookings for Term 3 by clicking on the following link TryBooking
If you have any questions about MCAD, please contact
*Younger athletes (born 2005/06) must be at a baseline skill and fitness level to enjoy participating as sessions will be challenging. Dalibor will make that assessment and fees will be refunded if he decides the skill gap is too large and risks compromising athlete enjoyment and programme quality. Guidance will be provided to bridge identified gaps so that athletes can take part in future programmes.
