Athlete In-Residency Program
Goals & Objectives
Podium Finishes: Measure success by the number of podium finishes achieved by our athletes at major competitions, including national championships, international events, and qualifying competitions for the LA28 Olympic Games.
World Rankings: Track athletes’ improvement through their world rankings in surfing and skateboarding.
Academic Achievement: Highlight athletes' academic progress and work experience, through the completion of academic milestones, educational programs, and participation in the workforce.
Athlete Selection
GASF will partner with national and international sports federations, coaches, and talent scouts to identify promising athletes from around the world who demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication, with a growth mindset for the potential to compete at the highest level in surfing and/or skateboarding.
Criteria for Selecting Athletes
Skill and Performance: Athletes will be evaluated on their skill and performance in surfing and/or skateboarding, performing under pressure, and ability to thrive in competitive environments, evidenced by competition results, rankings, and achievements at national and international levels.
Athlete Potential: Look for athletes who have the desire, dedication and potential to continue improving and competing at the highest level in their sport. Factors such as age, physical attributes, technical aptitude, and mental resilience will be considered.
Character References: Gather character references from coaches, mentors, teammates, and other individuals who can provide insights into the athlete's character, work ethic, coachability, and potential to positively contribute to the Athlete In-Residency Program and the broader GASF community.
Academic Achievement: Athletes who demonstrate a commitment to their education and work experience will be preferred, as GASF values the importance of academic success alongside athletic achievement. By meeting these criteria, GASF aims to identify promising individuals who have the talent, dedication, and potential to succeed at the highest level in surfing and/or skateboarding.
Image and Presence: Select athletes who will represent GASF and their country with pride at the Olympic Games.
The athlete house
GASF will establish a dedicated Athlete House in North County, California, equipped with state-of-the-art training facilities, living accommodations, and educational resources. The Athlete House will serve as a supportive and collaborative environment where athletes can live, train, and study together.
Criteria for the Athlete House
Location: The Athlete House will be near training facilities, surf breaks, skate parks, and other relevant amenities to minimize travel time and maximize training opportunities for athletes.
Size and Layout: The house will have adequate space to accommodate four athletes comfortably, with separate living areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, and communal spaces for relaxation, study & socializing.
Training Facilities: The house will be equipped with state-of-the-art training facilities, including indoor/outdoor training areas, gym equipment, skate ramps, surfboards, and other relevant equipment to support athletes' training and development needs.
Nutrition Facilities: The house will have a well-equipped kitchen and dining area where athletes can prepare and enjoy nutritious meals and snacks to support their training, recovery, and overall health and well-being.
Workspace: The house will provide dedicated study and workspace areas where athletes can focus on their academic pursuits, access educational resources, and engage in online learning platforms to maintain their academic progress alongside their athletic training.
Recovery and Relaxation: The house will include spaces for recovery and relaxation, such as a designated recovery room, massage area, hot tub, or sauna, where athletes can unwind, recover from training, and prioritize their mental and physical well-being.
Safety and Security: The house will prioritize safety and security measures including secure entry systems, surveillance cameras, and emergency response protocols in place with an adult mentor onsite to oversee the well-being of the athletes.
Technology and Connectivity: The house will be equipped with high-speed internet access, computers, and other technology tools to support athletes' academic studies, communication with coaches and mentors, and access to online training resources.
By meeting these criteria, the Athlete House will provide an optimized environment for athlete development, fostering a supportive & family-like setting where athletes can thrive as an athlete and as a person pursuing Olympic dreams.
Training programs
GASF will develop customized training programs for each athlete, tailored to their specific sport and individual needs. This will include state-of-the-art AI technology for enhanced athlete performance & recovery.
Criteria for the Training Programs
Customized Training Plans: Will be tailored to the specific needs and goals of each athlete. These plans will include sport-specific drills, exercises, and workouts designed to enhance athletes' skills, strength, endurance, and performance.
Access to Elite Facilities: Athletes will have access to elite training facilities equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities including AI technology. This may include indoor/outdoor training areas, gym facilities, skate parks, surf breaks, and other relevant training venues to accommodate athletes' specific sport disciplines.
Professional Coaching and Mentorship: GASF will facilitate access to professional coaching and mentorship from experienced athletes, coaches, and sports professionals in surfing and skateboarding. These mentors will provide guidance, feedback, and support to athletes, helping them refine their techniques, develop their mind and strategic insights to navigate the challenges of elite-level competition.
Sports Science Support: GASF will offer sports science services, including performance testing, biomechanical analysis and injury prevention programs that will optimize athletes training, recovery, and overall performance through evidence-based strategies and techniques.
Nutrition Support: GASF will provide access to nutritionists and dietitians who will develop personalized nutrition plans for each athlete, focusing on fueling performance, optimizing recovery, and promoting overall health and well-being. This will include healthy meals onsite.
Mental Skills Training: GASF recognizes the importance of mental skills training in athletic development and success. Therefore, the organization will provide athletes with access to sports psychologists, and mindfulness coaches to enhance their mental resilience, focus, confidence, and motivation during training and competition.
Pre-Olympic Preparation: In the lead-up to the LA28 Olympic Games, GASF will intensify training efforts & provide additional support to ensure they are fully prepared to compete at the highest level. This may include organizing pre-Olympic training camps, mock competitions, & specialized training sessions focused on optimizing performance, peaking at the right time for the Olympics. By meeting these criteria, we will continuously evaluate athletes' progress & performance, adjusting training programs & support required as athletes develop to ensure athletes remain on track to achieve their Olympic goals.
Educational support
Academic Studies: Regular study sessions in various subjects with qualified tutors will be provided to work closely with athletes to help them understand challenging concepts, complete assignments, and prepare for exams. These sessions will provide a supportive and motivating environment for academic success.
Flexible Learning Options: Recognizing the demands of elite athletic training and competition schedules, educational support will be offered in flexible formats including online learning to accommodate athletes' training commitments. Athletes may have the option to engage in 1:1 learning, self-paced courses, or remote learning opportunities that allow them to balance academic pursuits with athletic endeavors.
SAT/ACT Preparation: For athletes preparing for college admissions, specialized SAT/ACT preparation courses and resources will be provided to help them achieve competitive scores on standardized tests. This may include practice exams, study guides, and test-taking strategies tailored to each athletes' individual strengths and areas for improvement.
College and Career Guidance: Athletes will receive guidance and support in navigating the college admissions process, exploring higher education opportunities, and identifying career pathways aligned with their interests and goals. This may involve workshops, seminars, and one-on-one counseling sessions with college counselors and career advisors to assist athletes in making informed decisions about their future.
Media Training: Athletes will be exposed to many different forms of Media, including TV, radio and all forms of social media. GASF will work with professionals in the Media industry to best prepare our athletes with the required training from interviews to public speaking, to what they should post on social media.
Work Experience: It will be encouraged for all athletes to have a casual job while at the house within the local community. This will help build their work ethic, the value of earning a dollar and the importance of authentic interaction with people. By meeting these criteria, we will provide comprehensive educational support to empower athletes with the ability to excel academically while pursuing their athletic goals, preparing them for success both on and off the board.