2023 RAS Ltd Annual Report

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

TheRegionalAcademiesofSportLtd istheparentcompanyoftheHunter &CentralCoastAcademiesofSport

OurMission

To identify and support talented athletes in a professional and holistic environment to fulfil their potential.

OurVision

We support an athlete's journey to fulfil their dreams.

OurValues

Professional: We are elite in our actions.

Innovation: We are passionate about exploring new horizons.

Leadership: We lead by example.

Integrity: We are accountable through honesty and truth.

Fromthe Chair 02

MarkHolton Chair of Regional Academies of Sport Ltd

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the first Annual Report for the Regional Academies of Sport Ltd, RAS Ltd is the parent company of the Central Coast Academy of Sport and the Hunter Academy of Sport. As Chair, I am immensely proud of the strides we have taken over the past year in nurturing young talent and promoting sporting excellence across our two regions.

RAS Ltd came into operation to create efficiencies across two long standing organisations that were in effect duplicates of each other. Each operated with close attention to servicing the athletes from within the Central Coast and Hunter regions, to do this Staff were stretched in their capacity to drive opportunities and were literally ‘jack of all trades’ as the organisations operated. When RAS Ltd came into being staff were able to specialise, staff numbers were able to increase and staff succession was a by-product of a better operational model. With a merged Board the number of Directors was rationalised and efficiencies in the operation of the business has been significant. The two Academies under the one centralised management structure continues to serve as a cornerstone for aspiring athletes, providing them with the necessary tools, training, and opportunities to improve and in many cases excel in their chosen sports. The dedication and commitment displayed by our athletes, coaches, and staff are truly commendable, and it is their hard work that forms the foundation of our success.

This year has been filled with numerous achievements, milestones, and memorable moments. From outstanding performances on the field to personal growth and development off it, our athletes have showcased their talent, determination, and resilience time and time again.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our partners, sponsors, and supporters for their unwavering support and commitment to our academies. Your generosity and belief in our vision play a vital role in shaping the future of sports in our community and ensuring that our athletes have the best possible opportunities to succeed.

I anticipate that as RAS Ltd become further ingrained into the operations of sport in regional NSW more academies will look closely to benefits that can be delivered form the efficiencies created by a centralised model of governance. This opportunity as demonstrated by the success of the CCAS and HAS merger will no doubt be an opportunity to explore for others willing to consider a change in their operations.

As we look ahead to the coming year, I am confident that we will continue to build on our successes and strive for excellence in everything we do. Together, we will continue to inspire, empower, and elevate the next generation of sporting champions from the Hunter and Central Coast regions.

I pass on my thanks to Brett O’Farrell the Group CEO and his team for his pursuit of excellence and his willingness to do whatever it takes to drive opportunities across both regions for the benefit of our athletes and supporting constituents. Finally, a sincere thank you to the Board of the Regional Academies of Sport Ltd for their wise counsel and genuine concern for the sporting youth of the Central Coast, Newcastle and Hunter.

Fromthe CEO 03

BrettO'Farrell

CEO Regional Academies of Sport Ltd

As we reflect on the past year, I am proud to share the remarkable achievements of the team from RAS Ltd, including our volunteers, coaches and staff. Our commitment to nurturing athletic talent, fostering excellence, and promoting sports in our region remains unwavering.

In the last year, we have talent identified over 1500 aspiring regional athletes, placed over 800 athletes into sport programs across various disciplines and achieved significant success in regional and national competitions. All the while expanding our community outreach programs to identify and support young talents.

Our financial position has strengthened, thanks to increased sponsorships and partnerships and very good financial management led by our board and senior executives. This has enabled us to invest in our core purpose, Talent programs. We have introduced more program specific staff, advanced our training programs, facilities, and resources for our athletes through investments in performance support programs, coaching, better equipment and facilities.

Despite the challenges posed by changing sports landscapes, we remain focused on our mission. We are dedicated to expanding our programs, enhancing coaching standards, and strengthening our community engagement initiatives.

I would like to express my gratitude to our dedicated team, athletes, partners, and stakeholders for their unwavering support and commitment. Together, we have made a positive impact on the lives of many young athletes and enriched our community through sports.

As we look forward to another exciting year ahead, we remain committed to our vision of developing and promoting sports excellence in the Hunter and Central Coast regions.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

MajorAwardWinners -CentralCoast

AthleteoftheYear

AlanaMiller-Hockey

UAAIndigenousAthleteoftheYear

OwenLees-Tennis

Para-AthleteoftheYear

DylanLittlehales-ParaCanoe

Chair'sAward/SteadfastAthleteLeadership

OliverPower-Basketball

GreaterBankVolunteerManageroftheYear

RodNorthey-Triathlon

GreaterBankCoachLeadershipAward

MarkMcDermott&PeterMoore-Hockey

RaySandellDedicationtoSportingExcellence

GraemeCarroll-Swimming

MajorAwardWinners -Hunter

AthleteoftheYear

NoahMason-Cycling

UAAIndigenousAthleteoftheYear

MilesCarl-Basketball

SteadfastAthleteLeadership

OzzieCameron-Hockey

GreaterBankVolunteerManageroftheYear

RebeccaMason-Cycling

GreaterBankCoachLeadershipAward

MarkIngrey-Golf

PaulTrisleyContributiontoSport

NickyWestern-Triathlon

HonourRoll 08

CentralCoast

Athletes of the Year: Brady Mackay (Aussie Rules Football), Xavier Perry (Athletics), Oliver Power (Basketball), Huxley Luntungan (Sprint Kayak), Georgie Clune (Golf), Alana Miller (Hockey), Keira Piggot (Netball), Carmen Smit (Netball Umpires), Savannah Maynier (Swimming), Isiah Ryan (Triathlon), Owen Lees (Tennis).

Rising Star: Brayden Evans and Melanie Bendevski (Aussie Rules Football), Phoebe Ward and Rhyan Johnson (Athletics), Owen Howes and Amelie Boonstra (Basketball), Blake Cranston (Golf), Elijah Rae and Emma Moore (Hockey), Amy Tanner (Indigenous Talent), Gabrielle Nicholls, Emma Broadbent and Lara Scaravizzi (Netball), Mia Girvan (Netball Umpires), Aaliyah Currie and Louie Jay Fuentes (Swimming), Korbin Heathwood and Peyton Heathwood (Triathlon), Carla Norris (Tennis).

Hunter

Athletes of the Year: Tayla Bryant (Athletics), Jackson Frame (Baseball), Miles Carl and Phoebe McGregor (Basketball), Noah Mason and Hayley Dell (Cycling), Arman Zolfaghary (Future Stars), Emily Leong (Golf), Ozzie Cameron and Sarah Juchau (UAA Hockey), Zali Keats (UAA Indigenous Talent), Harper Nelmes (Mountain Bike GE), Matilda Percival (Greater Bank Netball), Zaara Alexander (Greater Bank Netball Umpires), Sophie Drummond, (Sailing), Eva Keen (Swimming), Rohan Barnes (Triathlon), Marcus Ma (Volleyball).

Rising Star: Marli Brunckhorst (Athletics), Patrick Harrison (Baseball), William Dobbins, Sasha Jaunalksnis, Keely Rao and Zoe Keeble (Basketball), Tom Harbone (Future Stars), Cooper Ridgeway (Golf), Angus Eicher and Tahlia Ottery (UAA Hockey), Phoebe Raisbeck (UAA Indigenous Talent), Oscar Berry and Owen Lane (Mountain Bike GE), Archie Gibson (Mountain Bike XCO), Paiton Cook (Greater Bank Netball), Yasmyn Alexander (Greater Bank Netball Umpires), Samuel Dalton (Sailing), Aleksander Gillon, Hamish Ihle and Sophie Scislo (Swimming), Jazmine O’Brien and Mitchell Jeffery (Triathlon), Charlie Neill and Ava Smith (Volleyball).

OurValued Sponsors

We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support and commitment of our sponsors, whose partnership has been instrumental in the success and growth of the RAS Ltd. Their belief in our mission to nurture athletic talent, promote sports excellence and build stronger communities has enabled us to make significant strides in achieving our goals.

Impact of Sponsorship:

The generous contributions from our sponsors have had a profound impact on our programs and initiatives:

Athlete Development: Through sponsor support, we have been able to provide training opportunities to over 800 athletes across a diverse range of sports disciplines, helping them to develop their skills, enhance their performance, and reach their full potential.

Program Expansion: Sponsorship has facilitated the organization of training camps, workshops, and competitions, allowing us to expand the reach and quality of our programs and provide more opportunities for athletes to grow and excel in their respective sports.

Community Engagement: Our sponsors have played a pivotal role in our outreach efforts, enabling us to engage with schools, clubs, and communities to identify and support young talents from diverse backgrounds. This has helped us to build stronger, healthier communities and inspire the next generation of athletes.

Building Strong Partnerships:

We are proud to collaborate with a diverse group of sponsors who share our passion for sports and our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities:

Corporate Partners: Our corporate sponsors have provided vital financial support, enabling us to invest in equipment and resources to enhance the quality of our programs and provide our athletes with world-class training opportunities.

Community Partners: Local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations have partnered with us to support our outreach initiatives, promote physical activity and wellbeing, and create memorable experiences for our athletes, supporters, and community members.

As we look ahead to the future, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the continued growth and success of the RAS Ltd. We are committed to strengthening our partnerships with our sponsors, expanding our programs, and reaching even more athletes across the region to continue making a lasting impact on the lives of young athletes and our community as a whole.

2023Athletes

Athletics

Central Coast: Phoebe Ward, Rhyan Johnson, Xavier Perry Hunter: Amarni Ward, Ashlyn Wall, Brooke Xavier, Coen Morgan, Conor Matthews, Dixie Conlon, Gabrielle Waerea, Harriet Greentree, Hunter Rowntree, Marli Brunckhorst, Nate Ward, Riley Booth, Shari Hurdman, Taihlar-lee Draper, Tayla Bryant.

AussieRulesFootball

Central Coast: Girls - Addison Gale, Annabelle Wood, Ariya Gurnhill, Brielle Gurnhill, Evie Gordine, Grace McCartney, Holly Bryson, Jedda Webb, Jessika Mackie, Kiara West, Kiarra Hofbauer, Lacy Myers, Melanie Bendevski, Olivia Hemming, Sarah Woolford, Scarlett Booth, Tess Midwinter. Boys - Bobby Kerrigan, Flynn Shackleton, Joshua Hunter, Kiarra Hofbauer, Koby Ede, Lachlan Phillips, Liam Pass, Riley Pass, Rhys Morrisby, Ryan Collie, Ryan Wenger, Thomas Hooke, Thomas Schneider, Tyron Bird.

Hunter: Girls - Adryane Montgomery, Annika Cornford, Ashlee Fealy, Audrey Obrien, Ava Donkin, Billie Davies, Erin Fitchett, Hannah Peterson, Jorja Warren, Keira Wilson-irving, Kupa-lilli Rowntree, Lily Martini, Meredith Collins, Mia Dinning, Milla Gainsford, Molly Cook, Pippa Hamilton, Polly Comyns, Tara Murphy, Teagan Hine, Una Fitzpatrick, Willow Croft, Zahra Marchant. BoysArchimedes Parker, Ayden Collinson, Bede Berry, Bobby Kerrigan, Brody Patton, Caleb Isaac, Cambell Connolly, Cohen Denne, Danny Doherty, Eli Simon, Elliott Taylor, Ewan Benbow, Ezra Abbott-mebrate, Fletcher Thomas, Flynn Shackleton, Gabe Flynn, Harrison Sturman, Hayden Oliver, Hunter Lynch, Isaac Dean, Jake Rooney, Jakx Drewe, James Gray, Jasper Mara, Jeremy Gocher, Jimi Nolan, Joshua Hunter, Kiarra Hofbauer, Koby Ede, Lachlan Phillips, Lenny Geach, Liam Pass, Luke Dinning, Morgan Pegler, Nash Cameron, Oscar Schneeweiss, Rhys Morrisby, Riley Johnston, Riley Pass, Ryan Collie, Ryan Wenger, Sam Gray, Scarlett Booth, Thomas Hooke, Thomas Schneider, Tom Warren, Tyron Bird, William Boyle, Xavier Griffiths, Zachary Pinkowski, Zeke Drewe.

Baseball

Hunter: Aden White, Alyssa Frame, Aydan Brown, Benjamin Frost, Cailan Hartwell, Chase Peterson, Eamon Cobcroft, Hamish Gleeson, Harrison Rodgers, Harry Novak, Jack Elasi, Joel Austin, Kallen Barker, Liam Cobcroft, Liam Gardner, Noah Rodgers, Patrick Harrison, Quin Fox, Riley Watson, Seven Stephens, Wilson Glover, Xanden Weber.

2023Athletes

Basketball

Central Coast: Girls - Amarliyah Howes, Anastasia Belthikiotis, Aurora Bor, Charlotte Roder, Elley Hawken, Giselle Geurs, Grace Garwood, Isabella Lockhart, Kate Auld, Lara Tillott, Madison La faber, Malia Carpenter, Matilda Abela, Molly Smith, Sienna Draper, Sienna Folitarik, Zali Heffernan, Zali Ohlback. Boys - Aden Tillott, Angus Barrett, Archie Lane, Charlie Dowler, Chase Hickson, Joshua Winter, Logan Tupaea, Marley Fawcett, Mason Potestas, Nate Frohmuller, Noah Edwards, Oscar McMahon, Owen Howes, Rasmus Borg, Samuel King, Will Dooley, Zac Barton, Zac Elliott. Hunter: Girls Squad - Abigail Sawang, Addyson Kirby, Amber Buffier, Charlotte Cooper, Darcie Wade, Ella Fox, Eilish Brooker, Farrah Luckey, Hayley De friskbom, Isabella Newman, Isla Rafty, Keely Rao, Laila Macdougall, Matilda Warren, Ruby Sharrock, Salaam Elsamani, Sibella Dean, Sienna Gordon, Sophie Pratt, Zara Wherrett, Zoe Fowler. Boys Squad - Brodie Cosier, Cooper O’neill, Fabian Knapp, Hayden Real, Hugh Teasel, Jack Jones, Jerome Isaac, Jimmy Rowland, Koby Gawthorn, Luca Sheridan, Max Proctor, Noah Tam yam, Odin Fa’asolo, Oliver Hirst, Oscar Hurley, Sasha Jaunalksnis, Slater Luckey, Stuart Thorn, Thomas Crozier, Thomas Garland, Tyler Buckingham, William Dobbins. Development Girls - Ameka Melmeth, Evie Macdougall, Frankie Boyle, Genevieve Luckey, Harper Mcdermott, Hazel Bukey, Isla Wawszkowicz, Ivy Lowe, Keeley Darr, Lilah Gibson, Lyndsy Brasher, Maddie Wilsmore, Matilda Lawrence, Matilda Shedden, Nevaya Liva, Paige Sng, Priya Hampshire, Scarlett Hurley, Serafina Wilfert, Sienna Cooper, Sienna Proctor, Sophie Fox, Sunny Breen, Violet Frost. Development Boys - Archie O’neill, Austin Lewandowski, Bentley Skinner, Boston O’donoghue, Darcy Bendich, Diyah Brown, Elijah Freedman, Flynne Gordon, Isaac Macclure, Jett Martin, Lennox Lindsell, Logan Zeitsch, Mackinley Griffin, Noah Leedham, Reid Hamilton, Tom Wawszkowicz, Xavier Milliss, Xavier Threadgate.

Cycling

Hunter: Anderson Dell, Boston Gillanders, Caitlin Rose, Chelsea Gillanders, Hayley Dell, Ivy Hanlon, Matilda Hanlon, Phoenix Julian, Ruby Sauvage.

FutureStars

Central Coast: Alana Miller, Ella Lawson, Georgie Clune, Harvey Campbell, Huxley Luntungan Julian Glew, Killian Cooper, Laura Cruickshank, Priya Fawcett.

Hunter: Albert Forbes, Angelina Ottery, Arman Zolfaghari, Bailey Wilton, Braith White, Brodie Macadam, Brooklyn Mcelevey-hicks, Cameron Andrews, Dylan Wherrett, Emerson Leadbeatter, Emily Brown, Emma Hearnden, Gabriel Santarossa, Gemma Weeks, Hanna Mounter, Isla lillie Bower, Jackson Selwood, James Andrews, Kaitlin Perry, Kyla Renes, Lemashon Lasiti, Lucas Harvey cossettini, Matilda Hanlon, Matilda Percival, Molly Austin, Nathan Lewsam, Nikki Hearnden, Paikea Aoake puru, Phoebe Doran, Preston Cx, Rowan Rigby, Samuel Grebert, Stuart Thorn, Taj Curran, Tiaki Rees, Tom Harborne, William Sullivan, William Watts.

2023Athletes 15

Golf

Central Coast: Alex Hughes, Ava Prince, Blake Cranston, Brant Howell, Bryan Mccann, Ngalan Ah-see, Ryan Carrigan, Shaylan Bennett.

Hunter: Cooper Ridgeway, Eli Peattie, Jesse Linden, Lachlan Lawson, Lachlan Mcdonald, London Mcpaul, Oliver Partridge, Oliver Thomas, Rohan Dormor, Rory Falk, William Martin.

Hockey

Central Coast: Girls - Alana Gee, Amelie Rowland, Ava Grey, Bronte Mcdermott, Charlee Eurell, Ellena Grey, Emily Tweedie, Emma Jones, Emma Moore, Jess Henry, Julia Atherton, Lilly Shaw, Ocea Smith, Olivia Booth, Tori Shaw. Boys - Adam Best, Ashton Patterson, Corey Englebrecht, Elijah Rea, Garrick Brummer, Harold Kay, Hugo Wicks, Jonte Wicks, London Toon, Luke Chandler, Nate Weary, Ryan Blanch, Tobey Cooke.

Hunter: Girls - Allegra Adamson, Anais Fraai, Chilali Baggins-cupitt, Ella Howitt, Ella Simes, Emily Castle, Emily Kabayama, Emma Blume, Georgia Juchau, Georgia Saridis, Isabella Basedow, Isobel Sillar, Julie Brummer, Keira Spoljaric, Molly Wiehahn, Mya Ford, Rachel Azzopardi, Rahma Ahmed, Tahlia Ottery, Talia Andrijic. Boys - Aaron Gurr, Alexander Hartup, Brayden Casitovski, Cameron david Andrews, Declan Upneck-nel, Finlay Quince, George Mullard, Hamish Grebert, Henry Boys, Jude Carey, Kenan Drury, Kyle Duguid, Max Roach, Riley Osborne, Thomas Coombe, Thomas Davy, Timothy Avery, Toby Allan.

SprintKayak

Central Coast: High Performance - Ella Lawsen, Huxley Luntungan, Julian Glew, Penelope Strickland. Academy - Jasper Hunter, Jazzmyn Fillingham, Molly Laing.

Hunter: High Performance - Ashby Allen, Bailey Connolly, William Watts. Academy - Ashleigh Pegrum, Bronte Kippax, Brodie Macadam, Ella Pegrum, Elliott Graham, Miley Cox.

Netball

Central Coast: Abby Lewis, Cameron Stamper, Chloe Radocaj, Ella Barrack, Ella Jessen, Emma Broadbent, Gabrielle Nicholls, Grace Jones, Jade Downs, Jayda Grant, Jemma Wooden, Jeorgia Bourke, Keira Piggott, Lara Sgaravizzi, Lara Stuart, Mia Jackson, Mia Smit, Mia Springett, Sienna Bottle, Solei Vogel, Tahnee Potter, Tylah Houghton.

Hunter: Acacia Elers, Amelia Ockerby, Charlie Griffiths, Eden Hilder, Ella Smith, Ella Tupou, Elle Kaluski, Ellie Stacey, Ellora Greirson, Emma Cooke, Emmy Jensen, Evie Manning, Halle Clemente, Harriette Arnall, Lana Kaal, Layla Fearnley, Maddison Ridgeway, Matilda Lidbury, Matilda Percival, Mia Marshall, Mya Foster, Olivia Cullen, Paiton Cook, Ruby Swain, Sarah Graham, Sienna Liva, Sienna Porter, Sofia Pirillo, Taylah-jane Belcher.

EventsReport

Regional Academy of Sport (RAS) Awards Night - March 25th:

The RAS Awards Night was agathering of athletes and coaches from the 11 Academies across NSW. This prestigious event aimed to celebrate and recognize their exceptional achievements across five distinctive categories. Alesha Bennets of the Western Region Academy of Sport was named the 'Athlete of the Year' in Athletics, while Mia Parker from the Illawarra Academy of Sport was recognized for 'Athlete Leadership' in Water Polo. Robyn Low Hart, from the Central Coast Academy of Sport, received the 'Coach Leadership' award in Triathlon. Telaya Blacksmith of the Illawarra Academy of Sport was honored as the 'Indigenous Athlete of the Year' in Athletics and AFL, and Josh Hanlon from the Southern Sports Academy was awarded the 'AWD Athlete of the Year' for Para Alpine Skiing.

The awards ceremony was a resounding success, thanks to the generous support of Steadfast and Underwriting Agencies Australia (UAA). The Wenty Leagues Club hosted the event, providing excellent hospitality that added to the evening's vibrancy. The presence of the Minister for Sport, Alister Henskens SC MP, and representatives from major stakeholders, Academy staff, athletes, and parents further elevated the event.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Talent Identification Day - March 28th & 30th:

The Central Coast and Hunter jointly hosted the 2023 Underwriting Agencies Australia (UAA) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Talent Identification Day. This event spanned two days and saw close to 250 local students showcase their skills across five sporting disciplines, including Aussie Rules Football, Basketball, Netball, Golf, and Function Movement Screenings and Testing.

The Talent Identification Day was conceived in collaboration between CCAS and UAA with a specific focus on uncovering indigenous talent. The ultimate goal was to offer full scholarships to Academy Sports Programs. The standout performers from this event will be invited to a six-week training program starting in Term 3, 2023, and subsequently be integrated into existing sports programs operated by the CCAS/HAS throughout the year. Approximately 40 athletes were identified at these events, and entered into a 6 week program. Following this multiple were given full scholarship into one of our elite sport programs.

Your Local Club Academy Games - April 21st - 23rd:

The 2023 Your Local Club Academy Games was a significant event that brought together over 1,300 athletes from 11 Regional Academies throughout NSW to compete in Wagga Wagga. Hosted by the Southern Sports Academy (SSA), this event was held across various venues from April 21st to April 23rd. Hunter and Central Coast athletes demonstrated outstanding talent and skill throughout the competition, showcasing the academy's dedication to fostering athletic excellence.

EventsReport

2023 International Children’s Games (ICG)- 5th-10th July :

The 2023 International Children’s Games (ICG) in Daegu, South Korea, saw Lake Macquarie athletes shine on the global stage. With a delegation of 15 talented athletes across Swimming and Track and Field disciplines, the team returned home with an impressive tally of 2 Silver and 1 Bronze medals. RAS Ltd was represented by staff members Bianca Smith as Head of Delegation and Tara Angell as the Athletics coach.

The ICG not only provided the young athletes with a platform to showcase their talent but also offered invaluable experiences in global understanding and friendship. The event was a testament to the RAS Ltd's commitment to fostering athletic excellence and promoting international sportsmanship.

Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame Induction:

The Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame, an esteemed body comprising over 350 top athletes from the region, welcomed six new inductees in 2023. The induction ceremony took place on August 24th at the Newcastle Harness Racing Club. The honored athletes were:

Bridgette Starr (Football)

Jessica Malone (Judo)

Rebecca Young (Rugby League, Rugby Union)

Siennah Pirona (Aerobics)

Simon Orchard (Hockey)

Troy Bayliss (Motor Cycling Racing)

This induction not only celebrated the athletes' achievements but also highlighted the significant impact of sports on the Hunter region. The event provided an excellent opportunity for family, friends, and fans to recognize and celebrate the athletes' illustrious careers.

Athlete Awards Ceremony

The Central Coast kicked off its Athlete Celebration on the 20th of September with an exciting afternoon of team-building activities and exercises in collaboration with Teams Challenge. Athletes engaged in a variety of fun and challenging tasks designed to foster teamwork, communication, and camaraderie among participants. Following the afternoon of activities, standout athletes were honored with the prestigious title of "Athlete of the Year" in their respective sports, earning them an invitation to the formal awards night.

The formal awards night for the Central Coast was a grand affair held on the 22nd of November at the Mingara Recreation Club. This event was a culmination of the academy's efforts to recognize and celebrate the exceptional achievements of its athletes throughout the year. Meanwhile, Hunter athletes, though acknowledged differently via social media and the XPS platform, were also invited to a separate but equally grand formal awards evening. .

EventsReport 20

CONTINUED - The Hunter awards night took place on the 12th of October at the McDonald Jones Stadium. Both events were graced by the presence of esteemed guests, academy staff, athletes, and their families. Award winners noted on pages 4, 5 and 6.

2023 Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) Coaching Conference:

The 2023 RAS Coaching Conference was a comprehensive one-day event held at Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi. The conference brought together nearly 130 regional coaches, administrators, and staff from all 11 RASs across New South Wales.

Hosted by CCAS on behalf of the RAS network, the conference aimed to upskill coaches and provide a platform for knowledge sharing, innovation, and inspiration. The event featured a diverse range of guest speakers, including former Australian Netballer Liz Ellis AO, former Australian Women’s Basketball Head Coach Carrie Graf AM, and Australian Diver Melissa Wu, among others.

The conference also served as an opportunity to express gratitude to the many volunteer coaches who support the pre-elite athlete pathway in NSW

InClosing... 21

As we reflect on the year 2023, the Hunter and Central Coast Academies of Sport have much to celebrate. Our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering excellence in sport has yielded remarkable achievements and significant milestones. Throughout the year, our athletes have excelled, demonstrating their skill and dedication across various disciplines. The support from our coaches, staff, and volunteers has been instrumental in these successes, providing a foundation of expertise and encouragement that has allowed our athletes to thrive.

The partnerships and collaborations with local communities and sporting organizations have strengthened, reinforcing our role as a pivotal force in regional sports development. These relationships have opened new avenues for resources, opportunities, and shared knowledge, benefiting all involved. The foundations laid in 2023 will serve as a springboard for further growth and achievement. We are confident that the Hunter and Central Coast Academies of Sport will continue to be a beacon of excellence, inspiring the next generation of athletes to reach for their dreams with determination and passion.

In conclusion, the year 2023 has been a testament to the resilience and spirit of our academies. We have faced challenges with resolve and have emerged stronger. Our gratitude goes out to everyone who has been a part of this journey, and we eagerly await the accomplishments that 2024 will bring.

We express our heartfelt thanks to our athletes, coaches, staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters for making 2023 a year of inspiration and success. Here’s to continuing our pursuit of excellence in the years to come!