Athletics: Play the season in Australia

1. What type of visa do I need and what are the restrictions?

UK citizens aged 18-30 are normally eligible for an Australian Working Holiday Visa which enables holders to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months.  It costs around £110 and can take up to 4 weeks to process so we recommend getting the paperwork sorted well in advance of your departure.  For more information see the Travel & Visa section in the Need to Know area of our site.

2. What’s included in the price of my programme and how much spending money will I require?

The cost of all Sport Lived programmes includes the following:

• 4-star accommodation including most household bills (telephone and internet charges are NOT covered)
• membership of your club
• airport pick-up at the start of your programme
• mentor support throughout your stay
• a handbook with useful information

The programme cost does NOT include the following:

• flights, insurance, visas, return airport transfer, local transport or food

Your main costs whilst overseas will be transport, match/competition fees plus food and beer money.  A cost of living guide for each Sport Lived destination is provided in the Need to Know section.  This should help you plan and budget for your time away.

3. Do I need to be an elite player?

Absolutely not!  We cater for players of all abilities, and the booking form contains a section that allows us to assess your ability and match you with a suitable club.  If you’re an elite player, we’ll ensure you’re matched with a top-class club who know you’re serious about sport!

4. When will I find out full details of my programme e.g. what club I will join and where I will live?

Once you have sent in a booking form, we’ll start working behind the scenes to put everything in place for the perfect programme.  3-4 weeks later you’ll receive a confirmation document outlining details of your club, key dates and an overview of your specific programme details.

Final payment for all programmes is due 12 weeks before to departure which allows us to finalise accommodation arrangements and send you details of your flatmates and your new address in Oz!

The pre-departure briefing takes place around 8 weeks before you join us and provides a chance for you and your parents to meet up with the Sport Lived team and fellow participants and ask any remaining questions you may have.

5.    How can I find out more general information?

Hopefully, most key pieces of information are available on the website where you can download programme notes, prices and dates.  Our Need to Know section also contains lots of useful information.  If you have other questions or just want to have a chat, we’re always available either on the phone or via email.

We know that planning a trip overseas can be scary at times and there’s loads to think about. So don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need to discuss anything at all.

Working in Australia

You’ll be living close to lots of employment options like offices, shops, bars and restaurants. Contacts at your sport club might also help you to find coaching work.

In addition, your mentor will provide guidance on working in Australia but you should ensure you’re well prepared as the job market can be as competitive as the sports arena!

Club structure

Most clubs have training sessions every night of the week and the majority of members train 3-4 times a week.  In each city clubs take part in inter-club competitions.  Events for these are usually held on Saturdays but there are some twilight competitions during the Summer. 

Most athletics clubs have large junior sections and we encourage all Sport Lived participants to get involved in coaching juniors during their time in Australia.  Coaching is lots of fun and a great way to develop key skills such as leadership, communication and organisational skills.

Off the track

With so many members, your club will be a hive of social activity.  There are often drinks after training and competitions plus social events throughout the season - new members’ night, pub crawls and an end of season dinner.  Many clubs also arrange training camps, a great chance to get to know your team-mates whilst exploring a new part of Oz.

Your sporting development

Our clubs are selected for quality coaching and facilities, helping you to return a much improved athlete.  Whatever your discipline there will be coaches on hand to work with your on technique, strength and improve overall results.

…and finally

What are you waiting for?  Get out there and show the Aussies how it’s done!