The Junior Development Squad (JDS) gives U12 – U17 athletes an opportunity to develop additional skills and improve technical competencies through participation in coaching and training sessions with some of Victoria’s leading coaches. Training with other keen and enthusiastic squad members is both fun and motivational and helps develop new friendships based on an enjoyment of athletics. The emphasis is to provide a friendly and supportive environment.

The program will consist of several squad training days at various venues throughout the season. Qualifying standards are now available, with further information, including a nomination portal to be made available in early September. All members of eligible age will be emailed to advise when this is available.

Each year a set of JDS qualifying standards are developed which reflects the performances of the athletes that were achieved throughout the season.  The standards are adjusted each year, to ensure the athletes are being compared to their peers, rather than against previous athletes. This allows JDS to maintain a consistency of performances and competency from the athletes, in which all athletes who are eligible and qualify, can join, rather than setting a maximum number of members.  To assist this process, the athletes must achieve 2 qualifying performances.

The qualifying performances must be achieved at certain events to ensure the quality and accuracy of the results.