Reshaping the Pathway: TBA Launches High Performance Squad (HPS)

Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA) is thrilled to announce a bold new chapter in our national High Performance program with the launch of the High Performance Squad (HPS).

This revitalised initiative is designed to elevate our sport and prepare the next generation of champions on the international stage. The transition from the National Training Squad (NTS) to the HPS marks a significant evolution in our approach to high performance within bowling, focusing on consistency, alignment, and most importantly, athlete-centred support.

This transformation is about more than just a name change; it signifies our unwavering commitment to:

• Ensuring consistency across all high performance cohorts
• Driving cultural change within our elite programs
• Enhancing the importance of ranked events and training programs
• Empowering athletes and coaches to excel in international competitions

 With this restructure, we align with TBA’s long-term vision: to cultivate world-class bowlers and coaches who enrich the Australian bowling community.

What’s Changing?

The establishment of the HPS reflects our commitment to a cohesive and integrated framework for high performance. Key changes include:

• New Name and Identity: The former NTS will now proudly carry the name High Performance Squad (HPS), reflecting a unified identity across all elite levels of our sport.
• Leadership & Coordination: A dedicated High-performance Campaign Lead, will oversee the coordination across all divisions, ensuring consistency in delivery, communication, and athlete development.
• Unified Coaching Framework: We’re moving away from segregated coaching models. A single dedicated Head Coach will now guide the TBA18, TBA21, and Open programs respectively, supported by specialist coaches and managers. The TBA50 and Inclusion programs will feature embedded coaches, enhancing targeted support for athletes.
• New Sub-Committee Model: The former High Performance Advisory Committee is now the High Performance Sub-Committee (HPC), with detailed responsibilities outlined in the attached Terms of Reference.
• Coaching & Manager Development: We’re focusing on targeted recruitment and development, expanding our pool of talented coaches and managers, with a strong emphasis on grassroots talent identification.
• Athlete Expectations: Athletes in the HPS will have updated guidelines and responsibilities, fostering contributions to the broader athlete pathway and leading by example at state and national competitions.
• Uniform & Visual Refresh: In partnership with Belgravia Apparel and New Balance, the HPS uniforms will debut a fresh new look. Additionally, a new visual identity for the HPS will be developed in consultation with our athletes, coaches, and the HPC.
• Global Alignment: The program will align closely with international high performance standards, ensuring our athletes are optimally prepared for global competition.

While the structure and identity of our program are evolving, our core values remain steadfast. We’re doubling down on consistency and cohesion across all High Performance Squads—Junior, Youth, Open, Senior, and Inclusion.

 Our Core Principles

• Athlete-first support
• Team culture and respect
• Growth through performance pathways
• Pride in representing Australia

This restructure strengthens our foundation, making it more sustainable, connected, and equipped for international success.

Meet the New HPS Campaign Lead 

We are excited to announce Cameron Walsh as the inaugural High Performance Squad Campaign Lead for the next two years. With extensive experience in athlete development and leadership, Cameron will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the HPS, ensuring consistency across all divisions while fostering a high-performance culture.

Cameron expressed, “It’s an incredible honour to step into this role at such a pivotal moment for TBA’s high performance pathway. The HPS is about creating a unified, consistent, and athlete-centric environment that brings out the best in everyone involved—from juniors just starting their journey to seasoned representatives of our nation. I’m eager to collaborate with our athletes, coaches, and the broader community to build something truly world-class.”

Partnerships & Support

TBA is also thrilled to renew our partnership with Chemist Warehouse, extending their support for a second consecutive year. As the official sponsor of our High Performance program, Chemist Warehouse has been instrumental in delivering world-class experiences for our athletes, both on and off the lanes. Their ongoing commitment fortifies our High Performance Program and reinforces our shared vision of supporting Australian athletes at the highest level.

What’s Next?

With multiple national team campaigns on the horizon for 2025, prompt action is essential to ensure we’re well-prepared. Targeted international events for 2025 include:

• IBF Youth World Cup in Sweden – June 2025
• IBF World Seniors Championships in Reno, Nevada – October 2025
• IBF World Championships in Hong Kong – November 2025
• IBF World Cup 2026 – TBD
• IBF World Youth Championships 2026 – TBD
• Additional events TBD

Next steps include:

• Selection for the IBF Youth World Cup: Two athletes will soon be selected to represent Australia at the upcoming IBF Youth World Cup in Helsingborg, Sweden. Due to timing constraints, selections will be made by the HPS Lead and two other selectors to ensure preparation milestones are met efficiently.
• High Performance Squad Expression of Interest: We are calling for bowlers to express interest in joining the squad for 2025. Interested applicants should align with the newly adopted selection criteria.
• Those who applied for the TBA50 Team Trials in late 2024 will be automatically considered for senior squads. The top four finishers from last year’s TBA50 Cup are guaranteed selection.
• The selection process for the 2025 IBF World Seniors Championship, scheduled for October 13-23 in Reno, Nevada, will be activated shortly.
• High Performance Sub-Committee (HPC) Expression of Interest: We are calling for interest in joining the inaugural High Performance Sub-Committee.
• High Performance web pages will be updated in coming weeks to reflect the new structure and information.

Apply for Squad Selection

With the new structure in place, we invite athletes wishing to be considered for the 2025 High Performance Squad to apply, as well as anyone interested in joining the inaugural High Performance Committee. Complete the relevant online forms via the links below:

Applications will close on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 11:59 PM, with selected squads announced shortly thereafter. We encourage all aspiring contributors to Australia’s high-performance bowling pathway, whether on the lanes or behind the scenes, to step forward and be part of this exciting new chapter.

Please note: Athletes who previously completed an expression of interest for the TBA50 Team Trials do not need to reapply. Their applications will be considered for selection, while all other athletes from TBA 18, 21, Open, and Inclusion must apply to be considered.

Relevant Documents