MacGregor State School students (from left) Sam Anderson, Charlotte Pinna and Jackson Tame pick up some training tips under the watchful eye of teacher Mick Austen.
Teachers, parents, coaches and club officials are tapping into the kind of sports science once only accessible to top-level athletes and coaches.
The Department of Communities athlete recovery workshop is one of a range of free three-hour sports workshops run around the state. It covers training, athlete fatigue, compression clothing, hydrotherapy, building recovery into training programs and coach recovery.
Mick Austen, who teaches physical education at MacGregor State School on Brisbane's southside, says he found the workshop of great practical value.
"It's always great to pick up on the latest advice about such things as rehabilitation and what active bodies need in terms of food and hydration," he says.
"All phys ed teachers have a duty of care with young athletes, which means not placing unrealistic demands on them in terms of training and performance.
"The workshop gave me the opportunity to learn a lot more in these important areas."
Michael Buckley, an English teacher and a self-described "serious marathoner", passed on what he learned to his training friends and school cricket teams that he manages.
"Having a sports dietician run the workshop was especially valuable," the Helensvale (Gold Coast) teacher says. "It reinforced what I've learned about healthy eating, hydration and the things we need to take care of.
"If kids in my classes turn up to lessons tired, I've got into the habit now of asking them whether they've had breakfast, explaining exactly why it's so important to eat a proper meal to start the day."
For more information about the workshops call 1300 656 191 or visit the department's website - go to sportrec, then slick on Community Programs and select Regional Workshops.
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