Curling Australia is seeking expressions of interest from individuals interested in becoming a wheelchair curling coach, including aspiring coaches and those already involved in coaching who would like to support the development of wheelchair curling as a Paralympic discipline.

This EOI supports a staged approach focused on athlete development, coach learning, and building sustainable capability.

This opportunity is open to aspiring and existing coaches from any sport. Prior coaching experience is helpful but not essential. Individuals with an interest in coaching and supporting Para athletes are encouraged to express interest.

Wheelchair curling is a team sport played on ice where athletes deliver stones toward a target from a stationary wheelchair and there is no sweeping of stones. There are two disciplines: Wheelchair Mixed Doubles with teams of one female and one male player; and Wheelchair Teams with four players where both genders must be represented on the ice at all times during a game. Curling-specific technical knowledge can be learned through the coaching pathway and training opportunities described below.

We are particularly interested in people with experience in areas such as:

• Para sport or disability sport environments
• Wheelchair or adaptive sport programs
• High performance, pathway, or talent development systems
• Coaching roles that involve athlete planning, advocacy, and multidisciplinary coordination
• Allied health (e.g. physiotherapy, occupational therapy), physical education teaching, or sports science / human movement backgrounds
• Experience in precision or target-based sports, particularly those involving wheelchair athletes

Individuals with relevant performance, movement, or athlete support experience in Para or adaptive contexts are encouraged to apply, even if they have not previously held a formal coaching role.

Curling Australia will shortly launch a coach accreditation pathway aligned with its Coach and Officials Development Framework. As part of this pathway, selected coaches may have the opportunity to take part in a wheelchair curling and Para coach development camp in New Zealand in July 2026, delivered by Curling Australia’s National Head Coach.

What involvement may include

Depending on experience, availability and pathway stage, coaches may contribute in areas such
as:

• Supporting wheelchair athletes in development and assessment environments
• Working alongside Curling Australia’s National Head Coach and emerging Para coaches
• Supporting elements of individual or team performance planning
• Helping identify and support athlete access needs within training environments
• Supporting state-based and national pathway activities
• Travelling with teams to international development camps or competitions, where appropriate

This is a development and learning-focused role. Participation does not guarantee selection for
future teams or international events.

Training environment

Australia does not currently have a dedicated curling facility. League play takes place on temporary ice in Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, while competition-standard ice is accessed overseas.

On-ice training and competition exposure for wheelchair curling takes place through:

• Targeted international training camps, and
• International competitions

These activities are typically held in international training environments in Asia, Europe or Canada.

Domestic involvement may include planning, athlete support, and off-ice development work between
camps and events.

Funding and support

This is currently a volunteer coaching pathway.

A learning scholarship may be available to assist with some travel and development costs
associated with coach learning opportunities.

Coaches will be supported through Curling Australia's coach development pathway as the program
evolves.

This opportunity will appeal to coaches interested in supporting Para sport development and
working with athletes within an emerging national pathway.

Limited support may be available to offset some travel and development costs, subject to funding. Most participation costs are expected to be self-funded.

Location preferences

Having coaches located near athletes would be helpful but is not essential. Current preferred locations include Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth to work with the athletes.

Safeguarding and integrity

Curling Australia will support and guide coaches through all required safeguarding and integrity processes, including Sport Integrity Australia requirements, prior to involvement in any formal activity.