2024 Your Local Club Academy Games Evaluation Report

2 0 2 4

EVALUATION

INTRODUCTION

The 2024 Your Local Club Academy Games was held across Wagga Wagga from Friday 12th – Sunday 14th April, hosted for the third and final year by the Southern Sports Academy. The Games showcased the state’s best emerging athletes across seven sports including Cycling, Golf, Netball, Basketball, Triathlon, Hockey and Indoor Volleyball.

Over 1500 athletes, supporters, staff, volunteers and coaches attended the 2024 Your Local Club Academy Games at multiple Wagga Wagga venues across the weekend.

The Wagga Wagga region offers a portfolio of excellent venues that were integral to the successful execution of the 2024 Your Local Club Academy Games. This year's event highlighted the critical role of top-tier facilities and a proficient local management team in ensuring streamlined operations. The expansive citywide coverage was significantly bolstered by the support of Wagga Wagga City Council

The strategic media partnership with Southern Cross Austereo was paramount in enhancing the brand positioning and outreach of the Games The comprehensive preevent media strategy played an instrumental role in amplifying the event's brand equity, complemented by an extensive post-event coverage to sustain momentum

The collaborative support from all eleven NSW Regional Academies was pivotal for the successful orchestration of the Games. We extend our sincere appreciation to each academy for their consistent support and dedication to upholding the ethos of competitive sports Additionally, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions from the Sydney Metropolitan Hockey Academy, Jack Newton Junior Golf, Metro Academy, Rest Of State Triathlon Academy (ROSTA) and Sydney Netball Teams for their integral roles during the Games.

The success of the 2024 Your Local Club Academy Games can be attributed to the efforts of event organisers, volunteers, sponsors and participants. Their unwavering commitment, professionalism and passion for sports culminated in an event distinguished by impeccable organisation, exhilarating competition, and a transformative impact on the sporting community.

In conclusion, the 2024 Your Local Club Academy Games not only met but exceeded expectations, delivering a premium experience for athletes, stakeholders, and the broader community. The success of the Games serves as a testament to the strategic value of sports in fostering collaboration, promoting healthy competition and inspiring individuals to realise their full potential

OUR THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS FOR THEIR SUPPORT & PARTICIPATION

Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS)

Far West Academy of Sport (FWAS)

Hunter Academy of Sport (HAS)

Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS)

North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS)

Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS)

Southern Sports Academy (SSA)

South West Sydney Academy of Sport (SWSAS)

South East Sports Academy (SESA)

Western Region Academy of Sport (WRAS)

Western Sydney Academy of Sport (WSAS)

Sydney Netball Academy (SNA)

Sydney Metropolitan Hockey Academy

JNJG Metro Academy

Rest Of State Triathlon Academy (ROSTA)

ECONOMIC TOURISM VALUE

The 2024 Your Local Club Academy Games brought 1,018 athletes, 306 coaching & support staff , and over 2000 spectators to the Wagga Wagga Region From the post-Games survey, it is estimated that 94% of visitors to the region stayed 2 or more nights.

Duration of Stay in the Wagga Wagga Region from Participant Survey

Respondents: 295. All respondents in the post Games evaluation survey were asked to indicate the numbers of nights stayed in the Wagga Wagga region for the Games Most respondents (81%) stayed in the region for 2 nights It is estimated that 6,720 bed stays were generated by the event, with

$ 2 , 0 7 6 , 4 9 0

(Note: This figure is based on the calculations from Destinations NSW in their Event Visitation tourism formula of $309 per domestic bed stay available on Page 2 of www.destinationnsw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/eventsvisitation-to-nsw-ye-dec-2018pdf )

PARTICIPANT SURVEY

Respondents: 296. All respondents were asked to indicate what location they stayed for the duration of the Games. Most respondents stayed in Wagga Wagga (94%) with the remaining staying in ‘other’ which included Estella, Albury, Junee, Borambola and Gundagai.

Accommodation Stay from Regional Academy Reports

All Academies and Invitational teams were asked to indicate how many participants they brought to the Games and in which location they stayed Overall, the Academies and Invitational teams indicated a total of 1,324 participants were brought to the games. With 10% of participants from the local area and 90% of participants travelling and staying in the Wagga Region for an average of 2 nights in accommodation including most commonly motels, apartments, hotels or resorts

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW

Southern Sports Academy utilised various venues and local support to ensure the success of the 2024 event.

Each venue provided an ideal setting for hosting the respective sports.

The utilisation of venues and the level of support received were exceptional We extend our gratitude to the RAS Sport Conveners and local sport coordinators, whose efforts significantly facilitated the management of the event.

RAS SPORT CONVENORS

Basketball: Salvatore Carmusciano (IAS) and Stephen Craig (SWSAS)

Golf: Brett O'Farrell (HAS) & D'Arcy Van den Bossche (NCAS)

Hockey: Gerry Knights (SWSAS) & Dave Ferguson (HAS)

Netball: Shona Eichorn (NIAS) & Clare Green (FWAS)

Cycling: Candice Boggs (WRAS) & Sallie Partridge (HAS)

Triathlon: Cathy Breese (SSA)

Indoor Volleyball: Martin Bullock (WSAS) & Claire McCulloch (NCAS)

LOCAL SPORT COORDINATORS

Basketball – Cath Edwards

Triathlon – Geoff & Cathy Breese

Hockey – Lara Laurent, Zac Tinning

Cycling – Jeff Windsor, Fiona Fahey

Netball – Amanda McLachlan

VENUES

The Wagga Wagga region has outstanding sporting facilities Our thanks to the Wagga Wagga City Council for their ongoing support to the Southern Sports Academy and their ability to assist in the staging of this event.

FRIDAY 12th APRIL

Basketball: PCYC

Hockey: Jubilee Park Hockey Complex

Netball: Wagga Multipurpose Stadium – Equex Centre

Indoor Volleyball: Bolton Park

Golf: Wagga Wagga Country Club

SATURDAY 13th APRIL

Basketball: PCYC

Hockey: Jubilee Park Hockey Complex

Netball: Wagga Multipurpose Stadium – Equex Centre

Triathlon: Bolton Park Precinct

Golf: Wagga Wagga Country Club

Indoor Volleyball: Bolton Park

Cycling: Wantabadgery Village

SUNDAY 14th APRIL

Basketball: PCYC

Hockey: Jubilee Park Hockey Complex

Netball: Wagga Multipurpose Stadium – Equex Centre

Triathlon: Bolton Park Precinct

Golf: Wagga Wagga Country Club

Indoor Volleyball: Bolton Park

Cycling: Pomingalarna Multisport Cycling Complex

PARTICIPATION

Seven sports were delivered for the 2024 event including Basketball, Cycling, Hockey, Indoor Volleyball, Golf, Netball, Triathlon. The participation for both athletes, officials & staff for each Academy and Invitational teams are outlined below:

MEDIA LAUNCH

The Media Launch was held at Wagga Wagga Country Club on Tuesday, 26th March. The attendees were welcomed by the Southern Sports Academy Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mark Calverley, who acted as the Master of Ceremonies for the Launch. Brett O’Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of Hunter and Central Coast Academies of Sport and Chairman of the Regional Academies of Sport and the Mayor of Wagga Wagga City Council Cr Dallas Tout also spoke at the event, expressing their excitement for the beginning of the Games.

Mr. Calverley interviewed four athletes representing the Southern and Regional Academies of Sport; Harry Uphill (Golf), Charlotte Niuila (Netball), Hunter Behnke (Cycling) and Ella Rey (Hockey), where insight into the athlete’s preparation and expectations gave an understanding to what the Games means to the individual.

The media coverage for the event included a live stream from SSA and RAS Facebook pages, social media posts from RAS and individual RAS pages, as well as coverage via Triple M, FM931, ABC Riverina, The Daily Advertiser, WIN News and Prime7 News

MEDIA COVERAGE

The media coverage for the 2024 event remained comprehensive and detailed, placing significant emphasis on digital platforms and social media. This strategy involved briefing each of the 11 Academies on the host's expectations and fostering integration and cross-promotion on their respective accounts.

The Southern Sports Academy maintained a robust relationship with Southern Cross Austereo, which executed an advertising campaign to promote the games and acknowledge the event's sponsoring partners. This advertisement aired throughout April across various time slots, including prime morning and evening slots on HIT 93.1 and Triple M.

Social media continued to be a focal point this year, with the Regional Academies of Sport Facebook page experiencing an increase in likes from 2,829 in April 2023 to 3, 161 in April 2024. This growth is attributed to the high engagement with event-related posts and updates, as well as active participation from each Academy on the page.

MEDIA COVERAGE

Overall, the media coverage from the event was excellent and can be deemed a major success Examples of media:

WIN News Riverina - The Academy Games will be held in Wagga next month for the last time.

The Daily Advertiser - Teenage star hoping cycling team can claim three-peat at Academy Games

The Daily Advertiser - Academy games to descend upon Wagga

The Daily Advertiser - Southern Sports Academy puts in strong showing at final Academy Games

WIN News Illawarra - There's just over three weeks until the Academy Games and the Illawarra Academy of Sport's volleyballers are vying for selection

WIN News Illawarra - The best young netballers from around the Illawarra have been hard at work preparing for the Academy Games

WIN News Illawarra - The Illawarra Academy of Sport hockey program has spent the summer preparing for the Academy Games.

The Illawarra Flame - IAS athletes shine at 2024 Academy Games

Newcastle Herald - Hunter Academy of Sport athletes impressive in Wagga weekend competitions

The Northern Daily Leader - 'A tremendous honour': Which 'prestigious' event is headed our way?

South West Voice - Big South West contingent heads to ’24 academy games

PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

The Your Local Club Academy Games is a major undertaking and would not happen without a sound commercial platform We take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge the many partners that made this event possible Major Sponsors of Your Local Club Academy Games:

Your Local Club

Registered clubs in NSW have long-supported the Academy Games since the competition’s inception back in 2005 NSW clubs contribute $65 million to junior sport every year with many young athletes starting their sporting dream with the encouragement and support from their local club Your local club is proud to be the Principal Partner once again this year

NSW Government Office of Sport

The Office of Sport works with key sector partners to develop a vibrant and valued sport and active recreation sector that enhances the lives of the people of NSW The Office is responsible for planning, managing and delivering high quality venues, facilities and sport and active recreation development programs, high performance sport and sports integrity and safety

Wagga Wagga City Council

Wagga Wagga City Council manages more than $1.47 billion in assets, including a 2300km road network, Wagga Wagga Airport, Livestock Marketing Centre and the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre Council also provides important community facilities such as Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, as well as maintaining countless parks, playgrounds and sporting facilities to ensure Wagga maintains its reputation as “the City of Good Sports”

Southern Cross Austereo

Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) is one of Australia’s leading media companies reaching more than 95% of the Australian population through its radio, television, and digital assets Under the Triple M and Hit network brands, SCA owns 99 stations across FM, AM, and DAB+ radio SCA provides national sales representation for 34 regional radio stations

Active Physiotherapy

Active Health has been a locally owned and directed Riverina allied health provider for over 22 years. Over this time they have developed a friendly, dynamic team and provide a broad range of quality physiotherapy, exercise physiology, pilates, NDIS and paediatric services They believe strongly in our vision for Active, Healthy and Happy Riverina families

SPONSOR RECALL

Without any prompting we asked the survey respondents to recount the brands they remember from the Games. Of the 222 that answered the question the top 5 mentions are below:

Your Local Club/Clubs NSW

NSW Government

Active Health

Office of Sport

Wagga Wagga City Council

EVENT COMPONENTS

FIRST AID

Southern Sports Academy worked with Active Health Riverina to ensure all sporting venues had adequate first aid responders on site for the duration of the competition.

CATERING

The catering for the Academy Games was supported and provided by local cafes and community clubs at the sporting facilities.

PHOTOGRAPHY

The 2024 Your Local Club Academy Games official photographer was provided by Kevin Bull Photography. All images are available on

MERCHANDISE

Merchandise

The 2024 Your Local Club Academy Games merchandise was available for purchase from EVO Sports for pre-order via their online store and across multiple sporting venues throughout the weekend. The 2024 Your Local Club Academy Games merchandise catalogue included the following items:

SPORT REPORTS

Basketball

Teams

North Coast Academy of Sport

Southern Sports Academy

South West Sydney Academy of Sport

Illawarra Academy of Sport

Northern Inland Academy of Sport

Central Coast Academy of Sport

South East Sports Academy

Western Region Academy of Sport

Hunter Academy of Sport

Venue

PCYC Wagga Wagga

Event Summary

Nine academies participated in the tourn team playing four pool games before the by key figures such as Salv Carmusciano ( Basketball), and Stephen Craig (Sub-Convenor), ensuring smooth organisation without notable issues.

Efforts were made to enhance coach and athlete education, with Basketball NSW providing coaching clinics conducted by BNSW Coach Development Manager Jarrod Moore. These initiatives were warmly received by participants, demonstrating a commitment to skill development within the sport. Additionally, there was a focus on referee education, with convenors taking proactive steps to provide training and recognise outstanding officials, highlighting the importance of ongoing education and improvement for all stakeholders involved.

The tournament concluded with the selection of boys and girls all-star squads, with dignitaries from participating teams assisting in the awards presentation. Overall, the success of the basketball tournament and the broader Games was attributed to collaborative efforts, with commendations extended to individuals and organisations involved in ensuring a successful event

SPORT REPORTS

Basketball - Continued

Recommendations/Further Comments

Continue education through on-court coaching clinic as a part of the tournament

Revisit how the Merit/All-Star voting is carried out

Include BNSW Officials Department participation and educator to provide referee education and utilise the tournament as a training/proving ground for development and or intermediate officials.

Include at least one coach per team in any future management meeting rather than just a manager.

Conduct the meeting one week prior, even if over Zoom, or well ahead of the first game (meeting was rushed due to start time of event)

Include medallions (2 x per game) to be presented to referees of Grand Final games

Provide a letter of thanks to Wagga BA, PCYC Wagga and BNSW for their support at various levels of this years games.

Continue to work through MoU with BNSW to provide future opportunities for Merit teams, as well as inclusion / participation of State Squad athletes within RASi programs.

Salv Carmusciano

RAS Sport Convener

Illawarra Academy of Sport

SPORT REPORTS

Cycling Teams

Western Region Academy of Sport (WRAS)

Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS)

Hunter Academy of Sport (HAS)

Southern Sports Academy (SSA)

Western Sydney Academy of Sport (WSAS)

Venue

Saturday - Eurongilly Primary School and Hall, Eurongilly Rd, Wagga Wagga

Sunday - Pomingalarna Multisport Cycling Complex Bagley Dr, Moorong

Event Summary

Format

Saturday 13th April: U15/U17/U19 Individual Time Trials

U15/U17/U19 Road Races

Sunday 14th April: U15/U17/U19 Criteriums

Academy Teams Event (determined by final registration numbers and allocated point score system)

Recommendations/Further Comments

The cycling event once again created a great atmosphere for racing and the added inclusion of the Wagga Wagga community and cycling ages alongside Academy age athletes bolsters the event in terms of entry numbers and the overall “feel” of the weekend. The event ran smoothly thanks to the support of the local club volunteers (Wagga Wagga Cycling Club), our appointed Race Director, Chief Commissaire and Secretary of the Wagga Wagga Cycling Club, Fiona Fahey; John Nicolson who looked after all of our timing; President of Wagga Cycling Club Jeff Windsor and Southern Sports Academy Cycling Head Coach Cameron Oke.

Suggestions for Next Year:

Aligning the academy point scoring system with the timing system to ensure the correct results are being posted live

Consider removing the teams event from the program due to time restraints on the Sunday

SPORT REPORTS

Cycling -

Continued

Steps for planning next year’s event in Tamworth will be dependant on what cycling discipline is chosen (ie. Inclusion of MTB etc)

If the event remains a road event, these are the non-negotiables to ensure a successful event;

Local Club support – the local club really needs to run the entire event (lead/follow cars, commissaire, registrations, marshalling, etc) The local club will also need to heavily promote the event to local clubs in the region to boost numbers for the event. There are not enough Academy athletes in current programs to run this as a stand-alone Academy event (not strong enough numbers across the age groups and genders. Academies also don’t have the number of volunteers required to help at the event).

The local club would likely need to make this a free event to participate in (same as Wagga). The free event really helped boost numbers in Wagga but this may again impact the support/involvement of AusCycling

Road closures are a must and timing systems.

The format of time trial, road race and criterium race should continue to be replicated

The points system used for 2024 seemed to be the most appropriate system used over the past 3 years.

If including other cycling disciplines in 2025, a decision should be made early so that academies can promote the event as part of their program when selecting their squads

Candice Boggs & Sallie Partridge RAS Cycling Conveners

Western Region Academy of Sport & Hunter Academy of Sport

SPORT REPORTS

Netball

Teams

Central Coast Academy of Sport

Far West Academy of Sport

Hunter Academy of Sport

Illawarra Academy of Sport

North Coast Academy of Sport

Northern Inland Academy of Sport

South East Academy of Sport

South West Sydney Academy of Spo

Southern Sports Academy

Western Region Academy of Sport

Western Sydney Academy of Sport

Sydney Netball Academy

Venue

Equex Centre, Wagga Wagga

Event Summary

77 games (2 x 15minute halves), 300 o old Netball athletes, 80+ Coaches an Umpire Coaches, and whole lot of co Netball certainly was the winner ove providing both players and officials w skills and talent, challenge themselves and apply their learnings from years coaching and education sessions.

On behalf of the NSW Regional Academies of Sport, we extend our sincerest gratitude to the sensational workforce team at Netball NSW – Sam May, Mardi Aplin, Chris Hall, Margaret Hamley, and Alexis Smith whose outstanding efforts, together with those of mentors Pate Cooper, Jen Wright, Lauren Hill and Linda MacLeod, were simply exemplary before, during and after the event. The Regional Academies of Sport are indebted to Netball NSW for the support and investment it continues to provide our regional athletes and volunteers from the mentoring to the talent identification and overall encouragement, to the logistics of draws and match play

SPORT REPORTS

Netball - Continued

Thank you very much to the following:

Clubs NSW and the Office of Sport for their ongoing valuable support of the Academy Games

Wagga Wagga Netball Association and the myriad of volunteer helpers who assisted in providing the weekend’s catering

Wagga Wagga local & Netball NSW Regional Development Manager, Amanda McLachlan, for the support on and off court during the weekend.

Wagga Wagga’s Active Health Riverina personnel – thankfully there were no serious injuries reported.

Southern Sports Academy staff – Mark, Bridget and Cathy, on an outstanding and seamless final year (and yes again, the weather certainly was magnificent, thank you).

Wagga Wagga City Council facility staff who worked over the weekend to ensure the event ran smoothly from an operational perspective.

Netball, and all who play, coach, officiate or administer the game, truly is fortunate to have such extraordinarily passionate and invested community.

Recommendations/Further Comments

As a RAS event, it is important to maintain alignment of competition philosophy, as well as presentations/team recognition with all other sports across the event. This feedback has been received from stakeholders both throughout and post event. Whilst identified prior to the event as an area of focus, unfortunately the delivery in this area remains an area further development.

Netball truly is more than just a game. The impressive thing about this sport is the exceptional community which supports and the commitment to the growth and development of every aspect, at every level Thank you one and all for your valuable contributions in the conduct of another successful weekend of Netball. We have enjoyed visiting Wagga Wagga for the past three years. Mark, Bridget and Cathy have set the benchmark very high for the next location…. Tamworth!

Shona Eichorn

RAS Netball Convener

Northern Inland Academy of Sport

SPORT REPORTS

Indoor Volleyball

Teams

North Coast Academy of Sport

Hunter Academy of Sport

South-West Sydney Academy o

Western Sydney Academy of Sp

Illawarra Academy of Sport

Venue

Bolton Park Stadium

Event Summary

All Academy squads were re game such as officiating and scoring were handled without any disruptions. Each Academy was supported by efficient and highly aware staff - all proper match play protocols were followed.

Volleyball NSW representative Francisco Brignone was a tremendous support for the event – providing technical advice and casting an eye over any talent being shown by the athletes.

The venue has reach a stage in its lifespan where upgrades are required to both infrastructure and facility assets (nets etc.). This won’t be a factor going forward with Tamworth hosting next year

The event was a success thanks to the support from Southern Sports Academy, the tireless supervision and support provided by NCAS Program Manager Claire McCulloch, and the presence of VNSW.

Recommendations/Further Comments

Volleyball is one of the court sports with the most teams competing yet has the smallest court space allocated. At future competitions, we would recommend volleyball be allocated 3 courts to ensure adequate game time for athletes

Increasing the volleyball budget to allow the hiring of 2 x official referees to monitor competition and referee finals matches

Organise to have VNSW coach/es onsite to run TID and All Star selections.

Martin Bullock & Claire McCulloch

RAS Volleyball Conveners

Western Sydney Academy of Sport & North Coast Academy of Sport

SPORT REPORTS

Hockey Teams

Central Coast Academy of Sport

Hunter Academy of Sport

Illawarra Academy of Sport

North Coast Academy of Sport

Northern Inland Academy of Sp

Southern Academy of Sport

South West Sydney Academy o

Western Region Academy of Sp

Sydney Metro Academy (HNSW

Venue

Jubilee Park

Event Summary

Hockey was once again one of t Games catering for 16 teams, representing 9 Academies, in 32 rounds and 64 games of boys’ and girls’ competition.

The Wagga Wagga Hockey Centre located in Jubilee Park; was the pictureperfect setting for the 2024 Your Local Club Academy Games Hockey tournament The weather conditions for the 3-day competition were also perfect for playing Hockey.

The support provided by all local Wagga Wagga Combined Hockey Association volunteers was amazing, and the aid and comradery provided by Regional Academy and Sydney Metro Academy coaches and managers was extraordinary.

Recognising that all participating academies provide a program to under-pin the HNSW Futures program and a comprehensive program is provided for Futures athletes, Futures identified athletes were excluded from participating in the event

Normal FIH ‘Rules of Hockey’ applied, apart from providing an additional bonus goal scoring opportunity by ‘shoot-out,’ to the goal scorer after scoring a field goal.

SPORT REPORTS

Hockey - Continued

Teams were encouraged to collaborate strategically with coaching staff members, to develop playing strategies for this shortened game format, which was positively undertaken by all participating academies

We are pleased to report, there were no serious injuries, or incidents during the tournament.

Thankyou also go to Wagga Wagga Combined Hockey Association, its local conveners, umpire, the outstanding technical bench teams, and attending first aid support These highly committed people were outstanding in their particular fields and should be fittingly recognised for their individual and combined commitment to the success of the event.

Recommendations/Further Comments

Competition

That discussions continue with Hockey NSW, regarding how the RAS hockey program can continue to support the HNSW Pathway program in 2025.

That consideration be given to identifying RAS representative touring teams

That HNSW representatives include and attend the Academy Games as part of the overall HNSW Development Pathway

That consideration be given by academies to utilise reversable alternate colour shirts

Umpire and Coach Development

That an assistant coach mentoring development strategy be considered as part of the event

That Hockey NSW be invited to take a positive role in supporting the development of event, umpire, and coach mentoring development

The Regional Academies of Sport (NSW) hockey program has confirmed its position, as an integral transitional step to the HNSW Futures program

The standard of play at the 2024 event was considered by many in attendance as the best to date, with the comradery between academies also being recognised, as a high point of competition.

The event ran very smoothly, due to the outstanding support provided by the Southern Sports Academy, the Wagga Wagga Combined Hockey Association, Wagga Wagga Council and additional individuals and organisations, identified within this report

Gerry Knights

RAS Hockey Convener

South West Sydney Academy of Sport

SPORT REPORTS

Triathlon

Teams

Central Coast Academy

Hunter Academy of Spo

Northern Inland Academ

South West Sydney Aca

Western Regional Acad

Western Sydney Acade

ROSTA (Rest Of State)

Venue

Bolton Park Sporting Pr Robertson Oval.

Event Summary

It was another great weekend for racing in the centre of the city, one which everyone seemed to enjoy. Although the pool temperature was very nice, around 22 degrees, both days racing was delayed by Triathlon Australia’s Technical official due to the cold air temperature. Safety must come first and everyone understood the reasoning behind the delay

The races then got underway under beautiful sunny skies. We started Saturday with 3 heats for all athletes before they were ranked on times and put into their Finals. We had 1 athlete ‘hit the deck’ during his dismount but kept racing. First aid attended to his injuries after both the heat and final. Unfortunately, there were 9 athletes disqualified from their heats due to riding a lap short during the cycle leg. They took it well and it was a very valuable lesson to count for yourself, and not just follow the person in front of you or listen to the spectators on the side of the road who might have miscounted. It was good to see the lesson was learnt by one athlete who rode a lap short during the relay, came into transition and then went back out to ride the missed lap This enabled his team to come second instead of being disqualified. It’s much better to learn the lesson during this race than at an important championship race!

SPORT REPORTS

Triathlon - Continued

The run was slightly shorter than last year due to the construction works happening on the outside of the oval. Athletes had to complete virtually their entire run on grass but coped with it well. Several people had previously run the course to check it wasn’t too spongy.

This year the relays on the Sunday were divided into Youth and Junior categories instead of combining them, and will need to be taken into account with future medal presentations

The atmosphere over the weekend was again enhanced by music being played over the speakers by our great timing crew.

A big thank you must again go to Robyn Low-Hart for organising the heats, finals and relay teams She was invaluable when it came to working out which athletes had ridden a lap short and what action should be taken against them. The athletes were disqualified and relegated to the slowest final but were still able to compete.

Another thank you must be to the Wagga Triathlon Club, especially Geoff Breese, James and Sharon MacMaster, Emma Pocock, Natalie Thoms and many others who gave up their time to help set up and pack up the races – this is a major task. We were also very grateful to receive some help from staff from various Academies. Thank you also to Annika Huisman who performed a song for the crowd while they were waiting for the final presentations

Thomas Warren was our Technical Official again from Triathlon Australia and was more than willing to help us get organised and provided feedback where needed. He was fair with all the athletes competing, including those who were disqualified.

There were many comments on the weekend from spectators particularly on the venue Many hadn’t been to Wagga Wagga before and thought it was a great location and city Some commented they wished they could stay longer to look around They were amazed at the great facilities in town.

Lastly, a big thanks must go to our sponsors Our major sponsors Your Local Club (Clubs NSW) and the City of Wagga Wagga, who generously helped with all our requests including fixing potholes for the athletes Active Health Riverina were again outstanding in providing both physiotherapists and first aiders to look after the athletes. Kim and Paul continue to assist the Academy and athletes to have the best care available.

Cathy Breese

RAS Triathlon Convener

Southern Sports Academy

SPORT REPORTS

Golf

Teams

Central Coast Academy of Sport

Hunter Academy of Sport

Illawarra Academy of Sport

Northern Inland Academy of Sport

South East Sports Academy

Southern Sports Academy

South West Sydney Academy of Sport

Western Region Academy of Sport

Western Sydney Academy of Sport

Jack Newton Junior Golf Metro Academy

Venue

Wagga Wagga Country Club

Event Summary

Friday & Saturday - 18 holes individual stroke play – playing in groups of three. Friday Round 1, 11am two-tee start; Saturday Round 2, 7.30am shotgun start. Sunday – 6 hole individual match play (teams event), 730am start

Recommendations/Further Comments

A huge thank you to the venue, Wagga Wagga Country Club and John Turner for a beautifully maintained course, straightforward teams catering, and brilliant weather for the entirety of the event. The Clubhouse was friendly and accessible for Games staff and spectators alike. Holding the event at the same venue throughout the weekend, close to town, made for easy logistics for everyone involved

Jack Newton Junior Golf ran a tight ship managing all aspects of group selection, on-course play and technical duties Regional Academies appreciate their support and professionalism year in, year out.

Brett O'Farrell & D’Arcy Van den Bossche

RAS Golf Convener

Hunter Academy of Sport & North Coast Academy of Sport

POST EVENT SURVEY

The Southern Sports Academy conducted an internet-based survey to obtain feedback from participants, officials, parents/guardians, spectators and volunteers regarding their experience as a part of the 2024 Your Local Club Academy Games.

A total of 296 responses were obtained for the survey

135 athletes and 36 coaches/managers participated in the 2024 Your Local Club Academy Games survey. Additionally, 111 parents/guardians, 3 spectators and 2 volunteer also completed the survey. 9 responses were received in ‘other’ which upon review were categoried as RAS staff

Sport Representation

Respondents: 295. All respondents were asked to indicate the sport they were affiliated with at the games. The most respondents were associated with Netball representing 37% of respondents

POST EVENT SURVEY

Attendance Frequency

Respondents: 295. All respondents were asked to indicate how many times they had attended an Academy Games The most respondents indicated that this was their first Academy Games.

Travel to the Games

Respondents: 296. All respondents were asked to indicate their mode of transport taken to travel to the Games. The most respondents travelled to the games via car 64% or bus/coach 31%

POST EVENT SURVEY

How Did You Hear About the Games?

Respondents: 296. All respondents were asked to indicate how they heard about the 2024 Your Local Club Academy Games Most respondents (79%) heard about the Academy Games from their own Academy.

Communication From Host Academy

Respondents: 295. All respondents were asked to rate the communication they received from the host academy regarding Academy Games information. Most respondents (36%) rated the communication very good, with 20% rating communication excellent.

POST EVENT SURVEY

Communication From Home Academy

Respondents: 296. All respondents were asked to rate the communication they received from their own academy regarding Academy Games information Majority of respondents rated the communication they received as very good (42%).

Main Source of Information for the Games

Respondents: 296. All respondents were asked to indicate what their main source of information was in preparation for the Games. Most participants sourced information from XPS (59%) and your Academy (57%)

POST EVENT SURVEY

Main Source of Information During the Games

Respondents: 295. All respondents were asked to indicate what was the main source they used to access information during the Games XPS (55%) was the main source respondents used to keep up to date with information during the game, followed by Gameday (30%)

Overall Event Rating

Respondents: 295 All respondents were asked to rate different aspects of the Games based on their experience.

POST EVENT SURVEY

Sport Program Rating

Respondents: 293. All respondents were asked to rate different aspects of their own sporting program based on their experience When respondents were asked about the scheduling of games/competition majority (82%) indicated that the schedule was just right

The participants were asked to rate the amount of games/competition that they experienced during the games, 64% of respondents indicated that the competition was suitable

Expectations of Games Being Met

Respondents: 295 All respondents were asked to indicate whether the Games met their expectations. The expectations of Academy Games of the respondents were either mostly (53%) or completely met (36%)

POST EVENT SURVEY

Overall Event Feedback

Following a comprehensive evaluation of the event survey responses, it is evident that the 2024 Your Local Club Academy Games proved to be a resounding success. Participants expressed high levels of satisfaction, particularly praising the quality of the sporting facilities provided. Notably, feedback from the previous year's event was carefully considered and implemented, demonstrating a commitment to continual improvement and enhancing the overall experience for attendees

A common theme in the survey feedback was the challenge posed by the distance of travel to Wagga Wagga, especially for participants from the Northern Regional Academies. Despite this unavoidable logistical hurdle stemming from our geographical location, it is apparent that participants still valued the opportunity to compete and engage in the Games, showcasing their dedication and enthusiasm for the event.

The primary objective of the Games is to unite athletes, sports enthusiasts, and spectators in a dynamic and competitive environment This goal was successfully achieved, as evidenced by the significant turnout of participants and spectators alike. The event fostered a vibrant atmosphere teeming with camaraderie and a palpable sense of competitive spirit, enriching the overall experience for all involved

We look forward to seeing what Tamworth and the team at Northern Inland Academy of Sport have on offer for the Games from 2025-2027!

The Southern Sports Academy, hosts of the 2024 Your Local Club Academy Games, would like to say THANKYOU to the athletes, parents, volunteers and local facilities who assisted in the successful operations of the Games