10
TFC ACADEMY ATHLETES
10
FIRST NATIONS ACADEMY ATHLETES
14-24
AGE RANGE
NO COST
FOR SELECTED ATHLETES
The Female Co Academy has evolved.
A Different Way to Develop
The 2026–27 Academy is designed around a more personalised and sustainable approach to athlete development, giving young women access to structured programming, high-performance education and ongoing support while allowing them to continue training within their own sporting environments.
The experience combines an immersive Academy Camp, individualised programming through TeamBuildr, performance testing, Athlete Development Clinics and ongoing coaching support.
Your Academy Journey
STEP 01
APPLY
Submit your application to join the 2026–27 Academy.
STEP 02
BE SELECTED
10 TFC Academy athletes and 10 First Nations Academy athletes will be selected.
STEP 03
ACADEMY CAMP
Begin your Academy experience with connection, performance testing, goal setting, education and athlete development.
STEP 04
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT
Continue your development through a personalised Strength & Conditioning program delivered through TeamBuildr.
STEP 05
ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT
Reconnect throughout the program through three in-person development clinics.
STEP 06
KEEP DEVELOPING
Continue training within your own sporting environment while remaining connected to The Female Co through coaching, education and athlete support.
Program Inclusions
An immersive experience focused on connection, performance and personal development.
ACADEMY CAMP
Initial and post-program testing to track development and inform athlete programming.
PERFORMANCE TESTING
Structured Strength & Conditioning programming delivered through the TeamBuildr app.
TEAMBUILDR PROGRAMMING
Three in-person clinics throughout the program combining physical development, recovery and education.
ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT CLINICS
Ongoing guidance to support athlete development, accountability and wellbeing.
ATHLETE SUPPORT & COACHING
Education and learning opportunities designed to support athletes beyond training.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE EDUCATION
TFC INDUCTION & TRAINING CAMP
Where Your Academy Journey Begins
The Academy Camp brings our selected athletes together for an immersive experience focused on connection, performance and personal development. Athletes will complete performance testing, connect with coaches and fellow athletes, establish personal goals and begin their Academy journey. The camp creates space to learn, challenge yourself and build relationships that continue throughout the program.
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Date: 9–11 October 2026
Location: Details to be confirmed.
Train With Purpose
Following the Academy Camp, selected athletes will complete their Strength & Conditioning program independently through a fitness centre or gym facility of their choice.
Athletes will receive access to the TeamBuildr app, where their programming will be delivered and tracked.
Athletes are expected to complete their Strength & Conditioning and Athlete Wellbeing requirements as part of their ongoing commitment to the Academy.
If an athlete does not have access to a suitable gym or requires support, The Female Co can assist with arranging access.
TRAIN WHERE YOU ARE.
STAY CONNECTED TO THE FEMALE CO.
ADDITIONAL COACHING SUPPORT
Athletes who would like additional Strength & Conditioning coaching or Speed/Sprints coaching between Academy Clinics are encouraged to contact our Leadership Team.
Stephanie Shirley
Precision Athletic Development
sshirley@thefemaleco.org.au
sshirley.sportscience@outlook.com
Otis Gowa
Gowa Power
ogowa@thefemaleco.org.au
ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT CLINIC OVERVIEW
Train. Learn. Reconnect.
Throughout the Academy, athletes will come together for three in-person development clinics designed to support physical development, education, recovery and connection.
CLINIC 01
14th November 2026
6:30am - 11am
AFL CAIRNS GYM & FACILITIES
CLINIC 02
12th December 2026
6:30am - 11am
AFL CAIRNS GYM & FACILITIES
CLINIC 03
16th January 2027
6:30am - 11am
AFL CAIRNS GYM & FACILITIES
CLINIC EXPERIENCE
Each clinic will include a combination of:
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Speed, running and movement development
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Matwork and core
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Strength & Conditioning
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Recovery
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Athlete education
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Connection and accountability
EDUCATION & ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT
Development Beyond Training
High performance isn't only about what happens in the gym or on the field. Throughout the Academy, athletes will have access to education and development opportunities designed to support their health, wellbeing, confidence and long-term development as young women and athletes. Education sessions will be delivered through a combination of in-person clinics and online sessions.
EDUCATION AREAS:
Injury Prevention
Healthy Relationships
Pelvic Health
Periods & Reproductive Health
Nutrition & Fuelling
High-Performance Development
Athlete Wellbeing
This Opportunity Comes With Commitment
The Female Co is investing in the development of 20 young women through the 2026–27 Academy.
In return, we ask for your full commitment.
Selected athletes must be available for all required Academy events, complete their individual programming, participate in education sessions and be open to coaching, learning and continuous improvement.
This is a high-performance environment. We expect athletes to bring their time, effort, accountability and willingness to grow.
WE PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY.
YOU BRING THE COMMITMENT.
The Academy is a high-performance opportunity, and selected athletes are expected to commit to the full experience.
Selected athletes must:
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Be available for the required Academy Camp
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Attend initial and post-program performance testing
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Attend all three Athlete Development Clinics
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Attend required online education sessions
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Complete their Strength & Conditioning programming through TeamBuildr
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Complete Athlete Wellbeing requirements
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Train independently within an appropriate gym or fitness environment
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Commit to the expectations of the Academy
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Athletes are expected to have access to a suitable gym or fitness facility to complete their Strength & Conditioning program.
If you require support accessing a gym, The Female Co can assist with arranging an appropriate option.
First Nations Academy
The First Nations Academy is a culturally grounded athlete development program designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls.
For 2026–27, 10 athletes will be selected to participate in an Academy experience combining high-performance athlete development, education, leadership and cultural connection.
Athletes will participate in the Academy Camp, individual programming, Athlete Development Clinics and ongoing support throughout the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Female athletes aged 14–24 from all sporting backgrounds who are committed to their athletic and personal development.
10 athletes will be selected for The Female Co Academy and 10 athletes for the First Nations Academy.
There is no cost for selected athletes.
Yes. Athletes are expected to complete their Strength & Conditioning program independently through a suitable gym or fitness facility. Support may be available for athletes who do not have access.
Yes. Commitment to the required Academy Camp, testing, clinics, education sessions and individual programming is part of the Academy expectations.
TeamBuildr is the platform used to deliver and track your individual Strength & Conditioning program.
The new Academy model allows athletes to continue much of their development within their own sporting environment, while reconnecting for required Academy experiences in Cairns.