QAS Youfor2032 Camp: Beep test in baggy pants
In late 2022, the QAS launched the Youfor2032 program – a talent identification and development initiative aimed at identifying QLD’s future elite athletes across several Olympic and Paralympic sports. Under the Youfor2032 banner, talented young skateboarders were identified through 2 initiatives: 1. The Youfor2032 multi-sport and 2. Daredevils: an action sport talent identification initiative that included park and street skateboarding. As part of a 6 months development program the selected skate prodigies participated in a two-day development camp at Queensland Academy of Sports, joined by athletes from various disciplines.
The girls learning about fuel & snacks at the QAS Youfor2032 Camp.
After a talent confirmation period in early 2023, 36 selected skaters from all over Queensland were selected to join a six-month development phase, honing their street and bowl skills in training sessions across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and MacKay. This is the first time QAS has done the talent scouting exercise in skateboarding in Australia, which is a pretty exciting program aimed to find Olympic talent and help them, push their abilities as far as possible. The program is not yet set in stone but considered a pilot for future pathway programs within skateboarding.
The team behind the program is committed to deliver opportunities for talented kids that are keen to build the love of the sport - and the lifestyle - that is skateboarding.
QAS Facilities: A Training Haven
The camp took place in Brisbane at the facilities of Queensland Academy of Sports. With state-of-the-art amenities such as track and field areas, huge fitness centres, swimming pools, and a testing room, skaters got a glimpse into the cutting-edge resources that QAS supported Athletes have. From analyzing the mechanics of a runner's stride to the power behind an ollie, the clever folks at QAS explores the science behind performance. We are yet to see a skateboarding facility as part of QAS, but who knows what the future holds?
The two day camp has a mix of physical, theoretical and inspiration sessions on the program for both skaters and parents. There also swimmers, archers, basketball players, and volleyballers. It’s fair to say that the skaters stood out with their baggy clothes and flat skate shoes and their very developed ability to have the best fun together!
Warm up and cool down theory with QAS excercise physiologists.
Educational & Physical sessions
In one of the sessions Cate Campbell, 8 time Olympic medalist shared her journey from a seemingly ordinary (even lazy) kid to a dedicated swimmer. She talked about the insane amount of time in the pool and her healthy rivalry with her younger sister that pushed her to work harder. I bet a few kids recognized that healthy sibling rivalry.
The camp also emphasized the importance of holistic wellbeing, extending beyond performance, the skaters learned how to fuel their bodies for peak performance, discovering the impact of nutrition on their energy levels and skate sessions.
It’s fair to say that the highlight for the keen daredevils was definitely the physical activities, such as warm-up and cooldown drills, running, jumping, and stretching activities as well as beep tests followed by a recovery session in the pools, plunge pool and sauna. Wellness all around!
Young prodigy Louie Daiguchi getting measured.
Running tests at Youfor2032 Camp.
Reaction testing at QAS’ fitness facilities
Hudson Birss running beep test
Teamwork with the bois.
Shred night
As the first day drew to a close, Skate Australia hosted a shred session with Pizza and drinks at Redbank Plains Skatepark. We saw some heavy tricks and a lot of fun go down. Will Stoyles and Luke MacDonald from Skate Australia were there to support and hype up all the kids with words of encouragement kindness! Pizzas and soft drinks might not have followed the nutritional guidelines they learned about earlier, but skatelife is skatelife!
Will Stoyles from Skate Australia encouraging the young bowlskaters at the redbank daredevil session.
Redbank Rumble
Most of the Daredevils will be competing in the Eatern Rumble at Redbank Plains in Brisbane on the 29-30th of July. Come watch the young talent and the OG’s ad masters taking to the course.
Beyond Daredevils
What the future beyond daredevils 6 months program looks like is yet to be decided.
You for 2032 & The Daredevil program
This is the first time QAS has done the talent scouting exercise in skateboarding in Australia. The Daredevils program is an entry option for younger athletes aged 9 - 15 at the time of testing.
“With the Daredevils we’re looking at a younger cohort, we’re trying to reach out to those kids who are skating in contests a bit more or those ones that are progressing through the contest phases to come and apply.” Will Stoyles said.
Find more information about the programs here.
