CORE DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

The Para Athlete Development Framework (PADF) is built around four fundamental pillars, each supporting the holistic development of para-athletes.

Matt Bush celebrates winning gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, raising the Union Jack (UK) Flag along with two coaches to his left and right.

If you have a resource that you would like to submit to be considered to be included on this page please contact: Joe.Taylor@uksport.gov.uk

The Fundamentals

  • Classification: Understanding the classification system and its implications is essential for all Para-athletes.
  • Pathway to Podium: Navigating local and national sport systems, accessing coaching, equipment, and support.
  • Knowing Me, Knowing You: Encourages self-awareness and open communication about impairment, personal care, and life balance.
  • Support Networks: Recognises the vital role of family, coaches, and peers in athlete development.
  • Safeguarding: Prioritises safety, respect, and well-being in all sporting environments.
  • The Paralympic Movement: Promotes the values of inclusion, equality, and the history of the Paralympic movement.

    • Resources

    A design of Para-athletes stood in a row showing classifications.

    BPA Classification

    Classification is the process by which Paralympic athletes are placed in the most appropriate group for competing following an assessment of their impairment.


    Visit:     BPA Classifications

    A design of model Para-athletes impairment classes stood in a row showing classifications.

    LEXI: Impairment To Sport Class Finder

    LEXI is a guide to classification. All athletes still need to be assessed and classified by a qualified classifier.


    Visit:     LEXI

    A screenshot of a training module website, modules 2 and 3 with images are seen with Para-Athletes celebrating.

    IPC Classification Online Course

    As part of its commitment to improving the understanding of Classification within the Paralympic Movement, the IPC provides a free, open access online course.


    Visit:     IPC Classification Online Course

    1

    My Training & Competition

    Overview

    This pillar lays the foundation for all other development areas. It focuses on building the skills, fitness, and mental resilience required for high performance, and prepares athletes for both domestic and international competition.

    Key Areas

    • Training Cycle & Plan: Understanding and managing training plans, goal setting, and monitoring progress.
    • Independence & Self-Discipline: Developing time management, preparation routines, and self-motivation.
    • Domestic Competition: Navigating rules, formats, and logistics at club, regional, and national levels.
    • Positive Team Dynamics: Fostering trust, communication, and respect within teams.
    • Performance Optimisation: Exploring strategies, technologies, and equipment for peak performance.
    • International Competition & Travel: Preparing for selection, travel logistics, and adapting to new environments.
    • Competition Day Strategies: Planning and rehearsing for competition day, including impairment-specific considerations.

    Resources

    A Para-athlete performs a squat in a gym, signage reads Loughborough University.

    Fit For Sport

    Developed by Loughborough University, 'Fit for Sport' will help you take your sports performance to the next level.


    Visit:     Loughborough University Fit For Sport

    An animated graphic showing a purple circle being passed between two people.

    Safeguarding athletes from harassment and abuse

    This course will provide you with the education and tools to effectively safeguard athletes and take responsibility in offering support and protection. (Athlete 365)


    Visit:     Safeguarding Athletes from Harassment and Abuse

    James Ball, left, and Steffan Lloyd of Great Britain embrace family after winning the men's B 1000m time trial final on day four of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

    Sport Parent EU

    Sport Parent EU is an international project that aims to improve the support that is provided to, and available for, the parents, carers, and guardians of children and young people involved in sport.


    Visit:     Sport Parent

    2

    My Health & Well-being

    Overview

    This pillar addresses the physical and mental health needs of para-athletes, ensuring they can reach their potential while safeguarding long-term well-being.

    Key Areas

    • Injury Prevention & Impairment Management: Tailored training and conditioning to minimise risk and optimise performance.
    • Female Athlete Health: Addressing unique physiological and psychological needs.
    • Mental Health Basics: Strategies for resilience, stress management, and positive self-image.
    • Nutrition & Recovery: Understanding nutrition, hydration, and recovery, including impairment-specific needs.
    • Physical Fitness & Preparation: Building and maintaining strength, adapting programmes for accessibility.
    • Mental Skills: Developing psychological tools for high performance.
    • Sleep Hygiene: Techniques for improving sleep quality and recovery.
    • Pregnancy & Elite Sport: Guidance and resources for athletes during pregnancy.
    • Mindful Use of Social Media: Using platforms positively while protecting mental health.

    Resources

    A pregnant women fires a bow and arrow during an archery event at Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

    UK Sport Pregnancy Guidance

    UK Sport has developed pregnancy guidance to ensure support is provided for athletes who wish to have a child whilst a member of a high-performance funded programme. 


    Visit:     UK Sport Pregnancy Guidance

    Someone sleeping, and they are floating as their duvet drift away in comic book style on orange background.

    Sleep to compete

    For elite athletes, sleep needs to be a priority. This programme will help you recognise common sleep-related problems and provide you with tools and strategies to help you sleep better. (Athlete 365)


    Visit:     Sleep to Compete

    Someone watering a garden, in comic style, on an orange background.

    Mindful social media

    You may use social media to promote your sport, club, country, sponsors and commercial partners. The dilemma is that it can have both a positive and negative impact on athletes’ lives, including their mental health and well-being. (Athlete 365)


    Visit:     Mindful Social Media

    Jordanne Whiley of Team Great Britain receives medical treatment during the Wheelchair Tennis Women's Singles bronze medal match against Aniek van Koot of Team Netherlands on day 10 of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

    Understanding sports injury

    You’ll be given tips on how to best prepare your body for your specific sport, explore the risk factors associated with injuries and how they happen, as well as taking a close look at the role general well-being can play in their prevention. (Athlete 365)


    Visit:     Understanding Sports Injury

    Someone watering a garden, in comic style, on an orange background.

    The Female Athlete Podcast is to shine a light and bring focus to topics around the female body and sport and exercise which have originally gone under the radar.


    Visit:     Female Athlete Podcast

    Britain's Olivia Broome competes in the women's Powerlifting up to 50kg final during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

    Physical preparation

    Within this course, you will strengthen your understanding of how exercise physiology affects your preparation, and gain the necessary insight and tools to help you develop your own high-performance training and recovery programmes. (Athlete 365)


    Visit:     Physical Preparation

    Krysten Coombs of Team Great Britain talks with his trainer during the Men's Singles SH6 Group Play Stage on day three of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games

    Sports psychology

    You will learn how your attitude might be affecting your performance and discover relaxation and visualisation techniques that could help you to achieve and maintain a winning mindset. (Athlete 365)


    Visit:     Sports Psychology

    3

    My Para Sport Journey

    Overview

    This pillar supports athletes in developing a sense of purpose, building robust support systems, and making a positive impact both within and beyond sport.

    Key Areas

    • Changes of Identity: Navigating psychological and emotional transitions throughout the sporting journey.
    • Dual Career Strategy: Balancing sport with education and career planning.
    • Sport Ethics & Fair Play: Understanding anti-doping, match fixing, and integrity in sport.
    • Managing & Leveraging Networks: Building and using support networks for success.
    • Personal Brand: Creating a compelling personal story and engaging with audiences.
    • Financial Fitness: Developing budgeting, financial literacy, and negotiation skills.
    • Athlete Voice: Advocating for oneself and others, contributing to decision-making.
    • Sponsorships & Contracts: Managing professional relationships and agreements.
    • Sport for Good: Using sport as a platform for social change and advocacy.

    Resources

    A screenshot from a a document, showing outline of people in blue, green, red, and orange.

    Project PRISM (Para-athletes Retirement: Insights, Support, Management)

    A collaboration between the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport and the UK Sports Institute (UKSI) Performance Lifestyle Team the three page report analyses the after sport experiences of retired GB para-athletes.


    Download:     Project PRISM Report

    Two athletes celebrate as they cross the line, in the triathlon event at Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

    Project 18 (British Triathlon)

    The choices Pathway athletes make post 18 are the biggest decisions they will have made to date. This resource by British Triathlon is specifically designed to support that decision, and the process behind it, ensuring that athletes make the best possible choices for them.


    Visit:     Project 18 - British Triathlon

    A group of athletes in ParalympicsGB outfits take a picture with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

    The Athletes' Voice

    This course is ideal for new or current members of athletes’ commissions of any organisation, and also for athletes who are interested in becoming a member of an athletes’ commission in the future.


    Visit:     The Athletes' Voice

    A crowd watches an athletics meet, National Lottery Logo is present on some boards around the side of the track.

    Athletes' Agreement

    Athletes’ agreements are legal documents that govern the relationship between you and the organisation of which you are about to become a member.


  • Visit:     Athletes' Agreement
    • A weight next to some pills and a syringe. Text reads Built Not Bought.

    Clean Sport Hub (UKAD)

    The Hub provides tailored anti-doping education for different audiences and supports UKAD's Education Delivery Network (EDN) with world-class education delivery. 


  • Visit:     Clean Sport Hub

    • ALSO WATCH: UKAD Clean Sport Live - Para Testing (Video / YouTube)

    Ellie Simmonds commentating at para swimming championships sat on a stool.

    Building a winning personal brand

    Building a compelling personal brand is an empowering experience that can attract new opportunities such as sponsorship deals, collaboration with partners and an increased audience.


  • Visit:     Building a winning personal brand
    • A man sits with an orange background designed around him and squiggles.

    Building a successful relationship with your sponsor

    Sponsorship will help you achieve your competitive goals – if you get it right. This course explains how you should go about developing a successful relationship with your sponsor.


  • Visit:     Building a successful relationship with your sponsor

    • 4

    My Career Transitions

    Overview

    This pillar prepares athletes for life beyond sport, supporting early planning for dual careers, transitions, and continued personal growth.

    Key Areas

    • (De/Re)Classification, De-selection, Talent Transfer: Understanding changes in eligibility and exploring new opportunities.
    • Career Transition Plan: Developing skills for post-athletic careers, including time management and networking.
    • Career Transition Support: Accessing guidance, mentorship, and professional development resources.

    Resources

    A man is writing on a white board , it says Transition out of sport.

    Athlete 365 Career Transition

    With the right tools and a positive mindset, the transition into life after sport can be seamless and even exciting. This course covers the basics of planning and preparing for your transition and offers you insight and advice into the areas of your life you could be working on now, to give your future self the best chance of success.


    Visit:     Athlete 365 Career Transition

    Top Built with Shorthand