About Us

The Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) is a not-for-profit Association registered in the State of Queensland. The ASCA’s National Office is currently based in Helensvale on the Gold Coast.  The ASCA is governed by a Board of 5 that oversees the strategic direction of the whole Association. 

The Australian Strength and Conditioning Association is the professional development body for Strength and Conditioning Coaches in Australia, representing over 6000 Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coaches involved in coaching athletes/teams at all levels of participation from the club through to Olympic and professional sport levels. The ASCA is recognised internationally as an industry leader via international affiliates across the globe. The ASCA is the professional educational body for Strength and Conditioning coaches in Australia. Coach education is conducted through; accreditation courses that are recognised through the National Coach Accreditation Scheme administered by the Australian Sports Commission, updating workshops and seminars and through the ASCA official publication the 'Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning'.  The ASCA was established in 1992 to look after the interests of Strength and Conditioning Coaches and to give the industry a voice in discussions and negotiations with service providers and to provide education opportunities for Strength and Conditioning Coaches nationally. 

Our Vision

We will promote, develop and service the Australian Strength and Conditioning Coaching industry and be widely recognised as the National Peak Industry Body in Australia and as an international industry leader.

The aim of the ASCA is to 'bridge the gap between sports science and practical application'.

ASCA Board Members

President | Dr Daniel Baker PhD

Dan Baker has a Masters Degree in Health Science and has completed his PhD in sports science at Edith Cowen University.  His area of specialty is the periodisation of strength and power training methods.  He has been the Brisbane Broncos Strength and Conditioning and wrestling coach for the past 16 years and has coached elite athletes in rugby union, power lifting, diving and athletics.  Dan is a certified ASCA Level 3 Strength and Conditioning Coach and holds an ASCA Master Professional Coach recognition.

Board Member | David Boyle

David completed his Masters Degree in Business Administration (Sports Management) at Southern Cross University, Lismore in 1998.  He is a Level 3 Rugby League Coach.  David is a Level 3 ASCA Strength and Conditioning Coach and holds an ASCA Master Professional Coach recognition.  He has coached at St. George DRLFC, Illawarra Steelers DRLFC, South Sydney and West Tigers RLFC and has recently taken up a S and C role with the ARU.

Board Member | John Mitchell

John holds a Bachelor of Education (Physical Education) from the University of Canberra.  He is a Level 3 ASCA Strength and Conditioning Coach and holds an ASCA Master Professional Coach recognition.   He was the Strength and Conditioning Manager for the ACT Academy of Sport until 2007 when he took up a position of Elite Player Development S and C Coach (ACT/Southern NSW) for Australian Rugby Union.  He is also the Head S and C Coach for the Canberra Capitals WNBL.

Board Member | Julian Jones       

Julian has been a strength and conditioning coach for over 20 years, starting in technique correction with the AIS athletes in conjunction with the AIS physio.  He has worked in both professional sports, including the North Sydney Bears NRL and the Canberra Cannons NBL and for over 15 years with Olympic sports including swimming, rowing, water polo and basketball.  He is an ASCA Level 3 Strength and Conditioning Coach and holds an ASCA Master Professional Coach recognition.

Board Member | Dr Jeremy Sheppard PhD

Jeremy is a Level 3 ASCA accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach and a Master Professional Coach within the ASCA Professional Coaching Structure.  Jeremy is also an editor for the Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning.  He is currently the Sports Science Manager and Head Strength and Conditioning for Surfing Australia and a Senior Lecturer at the School of Exercise and Health Services, Edith Cowan University, WA.