About School Sport Professionals
Vision
To create a thriving community of school sport professionals across Australia that fosters innovation, professional growth, and collaboration in school sports.
Mission
To connect school sport managers through a comprehensive network that offers opportunities for networking, idea sharing, professional development, and innovation in school sports.
Background
School sport is an activity undertaken by almost every primary and secondary school across Australia, with various networks in place to help facilitate these programs. Some networks are formalised and highly structured, whilst others are less formal and loosely based on shared interests, geography or demographics. The primary focus of all associations is to provide opportunities for students to engage in healthy sporting pursuits in a respectful, competitive environment, where educational outcomes are balanced with the excitement and high energy of physical activity.
School Sport Professionals understands that the people engaged to facilitate these programs also come from a diverse range of employment structures and educational backgrounds, encompassing a wide range of skills sets and experience. Some school sport managers work independently or as part of a small team of volunteers, whilst others may be part of a professional networking team.
People working in school sport often struggle to find professional learning opportunities or networking connections outside of their immediate contacts. School Sport Professionals aims to fill this gap and to help facilitate connection, collaboration and learning. Our business is to make you a more effective professional.
Our People
Paddy McKenna
With over 35 years of experience in leadership, education, sport and event management, Paddy provides a wealth of knowledge and strategic leadership of School Sport Professionals. He has 15 Years of teaching and leadership experience in both Primary & Secondary school settings, as well as 19 Years experience as Executive Officer of Associated Catholic Colleges (Victoria) overseeing an extensive program of sporting, cultural and leadership events. Paddy launched his small business (Paddy McKenna Consulting) in 2024, working with schools, associations and sporting bodies on organisational review, strategic planning and event management.
National Advisory Committee
The National Advisory Committee comprises members from various school sport associations across Australia. Their role is to provide advice and guidance to School Sport Professionals, ensuring that our content and resources meet the needs of our members. To apply to join the National Advisory Committee, please contact Paddy McKenna via engage@schoolsportprofessionals.au or 0433 282 445.
There is currently an opportunity for new or existing members to join the Advisory Committee from the following:
NSW, QLD, NT, ACT, SA
Tasmania
Emma Johnson
Admin Officer
Sports Association of Tasmanian Independent Schools (SATIS)
With over 16 years of experience in sports coaching, administration and management, Emma has built a diverse and successful career. Starting as a Pool Manager, Learn to Swim Instructor and Swimming Coach for 5 years, Emma developed a strong foundation in water safety…
With over 16 years of experience in sports coaching, administration and management, Emma has built a diverse and successful career. Starting as a Pool Manager, Learn to Swim Instructor and Swimming Coach for 5 years, Emma developed a strong foundation in water safety, skill development and customer service. Following this, Emma spent 5 years as Sports Coordinator at an Independent school in Hobart, where she led athletic programs and fostered student participation. Currently serving as the Sports Administrator for the Sports Association of Independent Schools (SATIS), Emma plays a key role in managing and promoting sports initiatives across the association for 23 member schools. For 6 years, Emma has worked closely with the Sport Coordinators, to facilitate weekly sport fixtures, carnivals and representative opportunities for students.
Victoria
Troy Rowe
Executive Officer
Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria (AGSV)
With over 30 years of experience specialising in educational leadership, sports coaching, sports administration, compliance and event management, Troy’s experience, knowledge and solutions-based, collaborative approach is highly advantageous to School Sport Professionals.
With over 30 years of experience specialising in educational leadership, sports coaching, sports administration, compliance and event management, Troy’s experience, knowledge and solutions-based, collaborative approach is highly advantageous to School Sport Professionals. His experience includes 18 years of teaching, curriculum leadership and as a Director of Sport in both the Primary & Secondary school setting. By the end of 2024, Troy will have completed 16 years in his current role as Executive Officer of Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria, working with his team to facilitate and implement an extensive school sport program for nine member schools and the 15000+ students who attend these schools. Outside of his work in education, Troy continues to enjoy a successful coaching career having worked at grass roots level, in clubs and at the high performance level. Mentoring athletes and coaches alike to become the best version of themselves provides a healthy outlet that complements his professional career.
Western Australia
Tom Bottrell
Director of Sport
Associated & Catholic Colleges of WA (ACC)
Currently the Director of Sport at Associated & Catholic Colleges (ACC Sport) in Western Australia, Tom has held Corporate Executive leadership roles combined with a lifetime involvement in WA football, including as an Executive Manager: Country Football, Affiliated Leagues, and Facilities Strategy at the…
Currently the Director of Sport at Associated & Catholic Colleges (ACC Sport) in Western Australia, Tom has held Corporate Executive leadership roles combined with a lifetime involvement in WA football, including as an Executive Manager: Country Football, Affiliated Leagues, and Facilities Strategy at the West Australian Football Commission. Tom was the inaugural Stephen Michael Foundation CEO, before stepping into the role of Board member in 2021 and taking on the position of Chair in November 2022.
Strategic Advisor
Meredith Prime
With over 40 years of experience within education, Meredith’s knowledge and expertise within the school sport landscape is highly advantageous to School Sport Professionals. She has 13 years of teaching experience in a Secondary school and transitioned into working full time in school sport…
With over 40 years of experience within education, Meredith’s knowledge and expertise within the school sport landscape is highly advantageous to School Sport Professionals. She has 13 years of teaching experience in a Secondary school and transitioned into working full time in school sport administration with School Sport Victoria (SSV) for a period of seven years. In 2001 Meredith was appointed as the inaugural Executive Officer of Girls Sport Victoria (GSV), retiring during 2023 after 23 years in the role. In addition, Meredith continues to hold the position of School Sport Australia National Sport Advisor, Triathlon since 1994 and is actively involved at the National level. Her other interests include working as an Official at various sporting competitions which she sees as a meaningful opportunity to contribute to sport at all levels.
Strategic Advisor
Steve Kenworthy
Starting at Aquinas College Ringwood in 1981 teaching PE & Sport, Steve had 8 years in the role of Head of Sport before being appointed Executive Officer of Eastern Independent Schools Melbourne (EISM) in 1999. Following 21 years in this role, he went part time, working at carnivals, doing CRT, spending some time…
Starting at Aquinas College Ringwood in 1981 teaching PE & Sport, Steve had 8 years in the role of Head of Sport before being appointed Executive Officer of Eastern Independent Schools Melbourne (EISM) in 1999. Following 21 years in this role, he went part time, working at carnivals, doing CRT, spending some time teaching PE at a local Steiner primary school and a year as Executive Officer of Catholic Girls Sports Association of Victoria (CGSAV). Steve was fortunate to be a founding member of both Catholic All Schools (CAS) and School Sports Associations of Victoria (SSAV), seeing them both evolve into valuable and vibrant associations. He is currently working as the director of Sports Carnival Services , helping school sport associations with the preparation and running of carnivals.
