The eight girls, members of EKB Fitness and Aerobics, will head to Dordrecht, in the Netherlands, for the championships from October 15 to 21.

Coach Emma Bellman said the Accelerate team was doing well to handle its increased training schedule.

The team placed second in its junior fitness category at national titles in Adelaide in July with its racing-theme routine, qualifying it for world titles.

“Before nationals they were doing two routine sessions a week, plus their own home programs,” Bellman said.

“Now they’re doing three routine sessions, two gym sessions and they’re doing their own gym work.

“That’s down at Action (Indoor Sports Centre). They’re a sponsor, so the girls can go any time they want, they can use what they want. They’re doing around 10 hours a week, if not more.”

Bellman said she was conscious of ensuring the training and study workload did not become too much for the team.

She said the athletes’ schools had been “understanding” about their time demands.

“I sat down with them individually the other night,” she said. “We just discussed and made sure everything is on track with each athlete, there are no injuries going on and no-one is stressed about school.

“Everyone is really happy with how it’s going and all athletes are happy with the routine.  That’s all I can ask for as a coach.”

Squad members Sophie Bellman, Emily Lacey and Samantha Stewart were part of an EKB cadet team which contested world titles in 2010. Teammates Aylish Auchettl, Tiarna Drake, Gaby Carty, Stephanie Umbers and Sarah Hill will make their international debuts.

Bellman said she believed the team was capable of winning a medal at Dordrecht.

“For a few of them it’s their first time over there, so they say ‘wherever we come we’re going to be happy because it’s worlds’,” she said. 

“But I can’t see a reason they can’t medal. That’s a good aim.

“It’s definitely an aim for the whole team to make finals. 

“There are preliminaries, semis and you’ve got to be in the top six to make finals.”

Bellman will also compete at Dordrecht, combining with Geelong-based teammates Emma O’Keeffe and Kayla Bamford in the senior sport aerobics category.

“My training has upped as well,” Bellman said.

“I’m training three times a week in routine, as well as getting in gym sessions and finding time to coach, but it’s all fitting in.”

afawkes@standard.fairfax.com.au