Beyond the Boards, Diving Australia’s (DA) Athlete Committee Athlete Support Grant Program is offering $20,000 in funding, to encourage and support eligible athletes to pursue professional development and educational opportunities, for life after sport. 

Eligible applicants may apply to be considered for a single cash payment of up to $2,500.

Australian Diving Team Alumni, Nick Jeffree is an advocate for starting professional development as soon as possible.

“And know that professional development doesn’t just mean tertiary education,” Jeffree said.

“There are many athletes now who didn’t take the traditional route of tertiary education and are doing fantastic things outside of their sports careers,” he said.

The former VIS athlete is one of a host of divers to benefit from the grant program, receiving funding for a strength and conditioning course.

Although Jeffree now works as a broker, the funding he received from DA helped to kickstart his career out of the pool. 

“At the time of the grant, I was finalising my studies at University and working two internships with Sydney FC and GWS Giants,” Jeffree said.

“The ACAS* grant was instrumental in my career development. With the assistance of the grant, I was able to complete my Level 2 Strength and Conditioning Course.

“The course developed my skills and knowledge of the sport industry significantly,” he said.

It was in the later stages of his diving career that Jeffree became interested in the technical side of sports performance and it was his last strength and conditioning coach at The VIS who sparked his interest.

Communication and problem-solving skills that he developed through coaching roles have been transferable to his current position.

“The vast range of personalities on a team was exciting to work with as you’d develop different communicating skills for each individual to get a desired outcome,” Jeffree said.

“You’re thrown curve balls daily – a player gets injured or your training plan doesn’t work with the head coach's plan. What are you going to do? You need to think on your feet. 

“The same thing applies to my new role. Which is what made the change so seamless,” he said.

Ultimately, Jeffree’s advice to the current crop of athletes is to take the plunge while you’re young and know the skills you develop along the way can be put to use down the track. 

“Take some risks now in your professional development outside the pool,” Jeffree said.

“Take your time to decide what you want and know that whatever your first choice is, is probably not going to be the last.

“If someone is unsure where or how to pursue professional development that isn’t related to their sport (maybe because of the upfront costs) then applying for a program like this can be super beneficial,” he concluded.  

Athletes interested in applying for a grant are encouraged to download the information pack (via the link below), which contains the eligibility and selection criteria, as well as official application form.

Applications may be submitted to athletecommittee@diving.org.au no later than 1 October 2023.

Beyond the Boards Information Pack

*The Grant program was previously called Athlete Committee Athlete Support Grants, or ACAS. From 2024 it will be known as Beyond the Boards.