Development Track Squad

Structured sprint development for 11–16 year old 100m, 200m and 400m athletes ready to take performance to the next level.

WHO IS IT FOR?

  • 11–16 year old athletes

  • 100m / 200m / 400m sprinters

  • Athletes wanting more structure

  • Athletes who have outgrown general training

  • Athletes who keep getting injured or need better load management

  • Athletes wanting a pathway toward Senior Track Squad

WHAT MAKES THE DEVELOPMENT TRACK SQUAD DIFFERENT?

Most junior sprint programs focus on delivering training sessions.

The Development Track Squad has been built to provide a structured performance pathway for athletes who are serious about improving their sprint performance.

By limiting the squad to just 8 athletes, we are able to provide significantly greater coaching attention, individualised feedback, and a more targeted approach to athlete development.

Athletes in the squad receive more than just weekly training sessions. They receive a structured development plan designed to help them improve performance, reduce injury risk, and build the foundations required for long-term success in sprinting.

Every athlete receives:

✅ Individualised programming delivered through our training app

✅ Goal setting and long-term performance planning

✅ Access to up to 3 sprint training sessions per week

✅ Regular performance testing and monitoring

✅ Ongoing technical feedback and sprint analysis

✅ A clear pathway towards our Senior Track Squad

A Structured Pathway for Sprint Performance

Goal Setting & Performance Planning

Every athlete begins with a goal-setting and performance planning session. We identify short and long-term goals, establish key focus areas, and build a development plan designed around the athlete's needs and aspirations.

Individulised Programming

Athletes receive individualised programming delivered through our training app, ensuring training remains structured, progressive, and aligned with their goals throughout the season.

High Performance Coaching

With squad numbers capped at just 8 athletes, we can provide greater coaching attention, technical feedback, and ongoing support than traditional squad environments

Sprint Performance Development

Develop the key qualities required for sprint success including block starts, acceleration, maximum velocity, speed endurance, plyometric development and race-day performance.

Performance Testing & Technology

Monitor progress using elite performance technology including T-Apex resisted and assisted sprint training, force plates, Freelap timing systems, dynamometry testing, and technical sprint analysis.

Senior Track Squad Pathway

The Development Track Squad is the first step within The Speed Project's performance pathway. Athletes develop the skills, habits and performance standards required to progress into our Senior Track Squad.

Our Coaches

A coaching team committed to helping athletes maximise their performance through structured training, objective testing and individualised development.

Ashley Gudgeon

Ashley is an Osteopath and Sprint Coach with experience working across sprint performance, athletic development, injury management and return-to-performance rehabilitation.

His athletes have progressed to National Championships, achieved state-level success, and included a former Top 10 Australian female sprinter.

Alongside his sprint coaching experience, Ashley has also worked with over 100 professional AFL and AFLW athletes, helping develop speed, performance and return-to-play outcomes.

Head Coach

Emmet Marsh

Lead Development Coach

The Development Squad Coach works alongside Ashley to deliver weekly training sessions, technical feedback and athlete support throughout the season.

Together, our coaching team provides a structured and consistent environment focused on long-term athlete development, sprint performance and progression towards our Senior Track Squad.

Proven Athlete Outcomes

Athletes coached through The Speed Project have achieved success across track & field, professional sport and return-to-performance pathways.

  • National Championship Qualifiers & Finalists

  • State-Level Representatives

  • Stawell Gift Semi-Finalists

  • Multiple VAL Sash Winners

  • Athlete Ranked Among Australia's Top Female Sprinters

  • 100+ Professional AFL & AFLW Athletes Supported

  • Athletes Returning From Injury To Competition & Personal Bests\

  • Para-athlete represented Australia at Virtus Games