Mountain biking in Western Australia is gaining popularity, especially among women. However, there are limited accredited female coaches to support women’s coaching and development programs. As an organisation, we aim to increase the training and development of female coaches and leaders in the sport.
WA Gravity Girls has received funding from DLGSC to boost participation of women in mountain biking through social pump track sessions and social / guided mountain bike rides. To do this sustainably we need to increase the number of female coaches and guides. Through our training program we are offering the opportunity to:
- Join the program and become an accredited guide / coach with WA Gravity Girls
- If you’re already a qualified guide / coach – join the team and the mentoring program to continue to progress your skills and qualifications
- Level 1 coaches to receive support to progress and obtain Level 2 PMBIA qualification
- Volunteer at WA Gravity Girls social rides, grassroots coaching sessions and events
Why is there an applications process?
As a not for profit it’s important for us to create a fair and equitable process when providing financial assistance to the community. There are limited spots and we want to ensure the funding goes towards building a stronger riding community to further increase female participation in WA.
Our team spends a lot of volunteer hours each year to advocate for our community, but in order to continue offering events, programs and opportunities we need help.
WA Gravity Girls Support:
The program includes financial assistance for PMBIA course fees ranging from $300 – $970.
Rider Guide and Level 1 attendees will receive as part of their course a 1 year membership to PMBIA valued at $119.
WA Gravity Girls will cover costs of the mentoring program with a higher qualified coach. Volunteers will be able to access up to 4 x optional mentoring session over 2025 that are approx 2 hours in length.
WA Gravity Girls can support volunteers to apply for their Working With Children Check (WWCC) to receive the discounted rate.
We hope through future funding and grant opportunities we will be able to provide ongoing support for financial costs associated to maintain coaching and guide qualifications.
Volunteers Requirements & Commitments:
We need more volunteers to continue our advocacy in the community. Volunteers will need to be available to assist or run guided rides, social rides or coaching sessions during 2025. This will also help you keep your coaching skills fresh.
We will need your help to run or assist at 6 x sessions through out 2025. These will be either pump track or mountain bike social rides. A time commitment of 2-3 hours per session. Dates will be confirmed based on volunteer availability and the 2025 MTB event calendar.
Volunteers will be required to maintain their Senior First Aid and Working With Children Checks (WWCC). Expected costs for applicants:
– WWCC: $11
– Provide First Aid: Approx $170
– Travel and accommodation
PMBIA Course Information:
Courses will be run in November and December 2024. Time commitments and costs of courses are listed below. WA Gravity Girls will fund course costs for successful applicants.
Rider Guide Course (Total 9 hrs) – $312
– 1 x day course + 1-2 hours pre course reading & worksheets
Level 1 Course (Total 27 hours) – $883
– 3 x day course + 2-3 hours pre course reading and worksheets
Level 2 Course (Air / Tech) (Total 35 hours) – $969
– 4 x day course + 2-3 hours pre-course reading & worksheets
Kids Module (Total 9 hrs) – $308
– 1 x day face to face course + 1-2 hours pre course reading & worksheets
If you would like to know more about the PMBIA coaching courses please visit their website.
Pre-requisites:
All courses:
1. Minimum 3 years of mountain biking experience
2. Confident riding at trail speed on green, blue and light black trails
3. Senior first aid certificate or willingness to obtain
4. Working with children check or willingness to obtain
5. Minimum of 15 years of age
Level 2 courses only:
1. Hold a Level 1 PMBIA certification
2. Able to execute level 1 skills and manoeuvres consistently while riding green, blue and black trails
3. Confident riding at speed with consistent form on green, blue and black trails
4. Minimum age of 17 yrs
5. 12 months of coaching experience
Kids Module only:
1. Have completed the Level 1 certification.
You can complete this concurrently i.e. Level 1 course then Kids Module following.
If you have any questions or uncertain if you meet the requirements to undertake the courses please contact us via hello@wagravitygirls.com.au and we can have a chat.
Process:
Due to the short lead time, applications will be assessed as we receive them. Please submit your application as soon as possible.
Applications will close Sunday 27th October, after this date any remaining places on the course will be open to the general public. We are hoping to fill our November courses with a full WA Gravity Girls team!
If you have any questions please reach out for a chat!