Bombala’s Malcolm Lavender has recently been appointed as State Coach for the ACT Target Talent program.
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Mr Lavender is an Athletics Australia Senior International level 4, track and field coach with 27 years of experience.
Apart from his role as acting Deputy Captain of Bombala Fire and Rescue, Mr Lavender has coached National Youth Development and NSW Institute of Sport development squads with athletes representing Australia at Oceania and World Youth Championships.
He has extensive experience developing sports programs in large schools in Sydney and has been involved in all strands of schooling which he says has been great experience for his new role.
Over the last few months Mr Lavender has been travelling throughout the ACT and Southern NSW, presenting and participating in the Little Athletics Program, Athletics Australia’s Sporting Schools and Athletics Australia Coaching Courses.
He has also been invited to mentor and contribute to the long term planning and development in schools and Little Athletics Clubs.
“The program helps identify and engage with ACT’s and Southern NSW best junior athletes and coaches through development and education opportunities,” Mr Lavender said.
“The Targeted Talent program aims to encourage athletes and coaches to achieve their potential and strive to represent Australia at Youth, junior and senior levels.
“Apart from being the state coach I’m also part of the participating as mentor and coach for the Little Athletics U9s and U12s development program,” he said.
Closer to home Mr Lavender has been helping his daughter Zali with her discus throwing.
Malcolm Lavender’s daughter, Zali has just competed along with other Bombala Public School athletes in the Regional PSSA championships at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.
School captain Zali came second in the 12/13 years girls discus and will be heading off to Homebush in Sydney for the NSW PSSA Championships on Wednesday, October 19.
“Zali came fourth at AIS carnival two years ago and has continued to work hard for this opportunity,” Mr Lavender said.
Zali threw a personal best of 24.19m which follows her school record throw of 21m earlier this year.
“I have learnt how to be a dad and a coach at the same time and I’m learning how to do it better. It used to be painful but now I find it is really great.
“We get to enjoy that day and that training session and not look too far ahead.
Mr Lavender is encouraging local Bombala families to make contact with him if their children have an interest in cross country or athletics.
“I am more than happy to give advice and help plan any training,” he said.
