From Olympic Performance to Occupational Readiness

UKSCA Coach Considerations

Phil Moreland’s presentation at the UKSCA 2024 Conference took the audience through a fascinating journey, beginning with his time in Olympic sports and progressing to his current role in the Australian Air Force, where he focuses on occupational readiness. He highlights the importance of tailoring strength and conditioning to meet the unique demands of different professions, from military roles to industries such as mining and first responders. Phil emphasises the critical role of performance strategies that ensure professionals have the mental and physical capabilities to perform under stress, fatigue, and pressure. He drew parallels between high-performance sports and occupational demands, using examples like air traffic controllers and chefs, who both require cognitive and physical resilience to excel in their roles. His message was clear: by adopting a holistic approach to human performance, organisations can enhance the efficiency, safety, and wellbeing of their workforce. Phil also discusses the global investment in this field, noting the US Army’s $450 million annual programme focused on physical, mental, and spiritual readiness, which aligns closely with his work in Australia. Overall, his presentation provides a powerful look at how principles from sport can optimise performance in a wide range of environments.This podcast was recorded live at the UKSCA Annual Conference. Supporting materials and the full video presentation are available on the UKSCA website. Visit www.uksca.org.uk for more details.