ISSUE 1
DECEMBER 2023
CEO’S CORNER BRETT O’FARRELL - REGIONAL ACADEMIES OF SPORT LTD
We are very proud of the work our team has completed in 2023 and even more excited about the future of High Performance sporting pathways through-out the Central Coast and Hunter Regions of NSW. This newsletter is not meant to be a reporting document telling you about our actions filled with self adoration, but rather an update to support conversations around our impact, share our innovative projects and hopefully create partnerships and ideas our future. All of which, no doubt, will positively impact the talented youth in our regions. Our purpose is very clear, and easily measurable. We exist to identify talent, we aim to educate and develop that talent and ultimately provide opportunities to those in our programs to progress on the chosen sporting pathway. However, it’s when you dig a little deeper, that you understand our impact in regional NSW. Most of this work is completed a very small budget, therefore we balance this by diversifying our income and constantly driving strategies to allow us to innovate and deliver. We thank the government for its vision to support the talent pathways in regional NSW. Collaboration in the regional academy network has never been at an all-time high as we strive for all academies to work in harmony and unison. Collectively we aim to create innovation, efficiencies and above all work together to motivate and drive for success. We don’t shy away from the fact that our goals and targets are aggressive because we believe we are not only making Australia’s future champions, but Australia’s future leaders. Some numbers for consideration, across NSW the Regional Academy of Sport network talent identified 3855 athletes before including 2185 athletes into 111 programs. The was a 50% balance of male and female athletes and 12% were Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander, 29 athletes form part of a Paralympic squad. All of this overseen by 411 coaches amongst a total of 674 volunteers. Thankyou to all involved. Finally, I would like to wish you all a safe and merry Christmas and a happy new year. Our team will be taking a short break, closing the office at the end of day on Friday, December 15th and re-opening Monday, January 8th. Brett O’Farrell Group CEO of Regional Academies of Sport Ltd Chairperson Regional Academies Of Sport Inc
EMPOWERING COACHES TO DEVELOP FUTURE CHAMPIONS
2023 RAS COACHES CONFERENCE The 2023 Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) Coaching Conference, held on October 28th, brought together coaches and sports enthusiasts for a day of knowledge sharing, innovation, and inspiration. Building upon the immense success of the 2022 edition, this year’s conference set new standards for the sporting industry in NSW. Close to 130 regional coaches, administrators and staff came together at Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi. This event was an opportunity to upskill the coaches across NSW but also a chance to acknowledge and say a very sincere thankyou to the many volunteer coaches who support the pre-elite athlete pathway in NSW. Hosted by the Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS), on behalf of the RAS network, the 1-day conference bought together the best regional pre-elite coaches from all 11 RAS from throughout New South Wales; Central Coast, Far West, Illawarra, Hunter, North Coast, Northern Inland, South East, South West Sydney, Southern, Western Region and Western Sydney Academies of Sport.
Academy Head Coach), Melissa Wu (Australian Diver), Chava Sobrino (NSWIS Diving Head Coach), Katie Kelly OAM (former Australian Para-triathlete), Brad McGee OAM (former Australian cyclist and NSWIS Cycling Head Coach), Rob Mullard (NSWIS Physiotherapist and Lead Coordinator for Athletics Australia), Anthony Quinn (NSWIS Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement Advisor), Sean Cooney (NSWIS Head of Performance Health), Simon Harries (NSWIS Head of Strength and Conditioning), Dean Widders (NRL Indigenous Pathways Manager), Shaun Mielekamp (Central Coast Mariners CEO), Emily Husband (Central Coast Mariners Women’s Head Coach), Andy Bernal (Former Socceroo and Central Coast Mariners Staff), Simon Woinarksi (Office of Sport) and a video presentation by Lauren Jackson AO (Australian Basketballer). Brett O’Farrell, Chair of RAS said about the event, “The 2023 RAS Coaches Conference was a resounding success, featuring a stacked agenda with elite coaching personnel. This event provided not only great education but also thoughtprovoking strategic thinking, empowering our coaches to unlock their full potential.”
“Additionally, it served as a great way to express our The stacked agenda included special guests; Liz heartfelt gratitude to the coaches who work Ellis AO (former Australian Netballer), Carrie Graf tirelessly throughout the year.. We are immensely AM (former Australian Women’s Basketball grateful for the invaluable support of NSWIS... Head Coach), Mark McVeigh (Sydney Swans CONTINUED
CONT: in making this event a reality, uniting us in the pursuit of sporting excellence,” Mr O’Farrell finished. Kevin Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) said, “The 2023 RAS Coaches Conference was an enormous success, bringing together the state’s best coaches to learn, share and collaborate with some of the best high-performance experts in sport.” “Coach development and regional planning are critical in supporting the NSWIS’ Pursu32+ program and developing the next generation of the world’s best athletes ahead of Brisbane 2032. NSWIS was proud to invest in the opportunity, alongside the Office of Sport, to create a platform to further educate and celebrate the achievements of regional coaches.” The 2023 RAS Coaching Conference continued to embody the commitment of the RAS to advance sports coaching and athlete development across the region. It was a resounding success, shaping the future of sports coaching in the region. The RAS network would like to take this opportunity to thank the sponsors of this event; The NSW Office of Sport, NSWIS, Steadfast, UAA and Mingara Recreation Club. A full gallery of images can be found HERE.
CELEBRATING A SUCCESSFUL 2023 SEASON
2023 AWARD WINNERS Across the latter part of the year, the Regional Academies of Sport Ltd hosted their highly anticipated 2023 Awards Evenings, evenings filled with excitement and celebration, recognizing achievements in the 2023 season. The events took place at McDonald Jones Stadium (Hunter) and Mingara Recreation Club (Central Coast) where athletes, coaches, managers, families and VIP’s gathered to honour excellence and commitment within the sporting community. Congratulations to the following athletes who were celebrated at these events: Central Coast Academy of Sport Athlete of the Year: Alana Miller (Hockey) Para-Athlete of the Year: Dylan Littlehales (Para-Canoe) Indigenous/Torres Strait Islander Athlete of the Year: Owen Lees (Tennis) Steadfast Athlete Leadership/Chairs Award: Oliver Power (Basketball) Greater Bank Volunteer Manager of the Year: Rod Northey (Triathlon) Greater Bank Volunteer Coach Leadership of the Year: Mark McDermott & Peter Moore (Hockey) The Ray Sandell Dedication to Sporting Excellence: Graeme Carroll (Swimming) Athletes of the Year (Sporting Programs): 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 Stars: 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).
CELEBRATING A SUCCESSFUL 2023 SEASON
2023 AWARD WINNERS HUNTER Academy of Sport Athlete of the Year: Noah Mason (Cycling) UAA Indigenous/Torres Strait Islander Athlete of the Year: Miles Carl (Basketball) Steadfast Athlete Leadership Award: Ozzie Cameron (Hockey) Greater Bank Volunteer Manager of the Year: Rebecca Mason (Cycling) Greater Bank Volunteer Coach of the Year: Mark Ingrey (Golf) Athletes of the Year (Sporting Programs): 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), Tom Woods (Softball), Rohan Barnes (Triathlon), Marcus Ma (Volleyball). Rising Stars: 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), Arwen Kavanagh (Softball), Jazmine O’Brien and Mitchell Jeffery (Triathlon), Charlie Neill and Ava Smith (Volleyball).
ACADEMIES ANNOUNCE SPORTING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR YOUNG ATHLETES IN THE HUNTER AND CENTRAL COAST REGIONS
COASTAL FIRE SERVICES SPORTING SCHOLARSHIP Coastal Fire Services, in collaboration with Grow a Star and the Regional Academies of Sport Ltd (RAS), the parent company of the Hunter and Central Coast Academies of Sport, is proud to announce the availability of the Coastal Fire Services Sporting Scholarships for young aspiring athletes in the Hunter and Central Coast regions. With a generous donation from Coastal Fire Services, Grow a Star is offering 10 scholarships, each valued at $1,000.00, to support talented athletes in pursuit of their sporting dreams. Grow a Star, an innovative youth mentoring and scholarship program, focuses on assisting young individuals and their families facing financial hardship, helping them overcome barriers hindering their academic, sporting, or artistic pursuits. This unique partnership aims to create opportunities for young athletes in the Hunter and Central Coast regions, enabling them to overcome financial obstacles and reach their full athletic potential. The scholarships are designed to cover various costs associated with sporting pursuits, including training fees, equipment, uniforms, travel expenses, and more.
Applications for the Coastal Fire Services Sporting Scholarships are now open to athletes affiliated with the Hunter Academy of Sport and Central Coast Academy of Sport. The scholarships will provide financial support and access to resources that will contribute to the athletes' growth and success. Bianca Smith, Marketing and Communications Manager for RAS said of the partnership, “These scholarships represent more than financial support; they symbolize a commitment to overcoming barriers and empowering the next generation of sporting stars. Through the Coastal Fire Services Sporting Scholarships, we aim to empower young athletes in the Hunter and Central Coast regions, providing them with the resources to turn their sporting dreams into reality.” Coastal Fire Services, Grow a Star, and the Regional Academies of Sport Ltd are excited about the positive impact these scholarships will have on the lives of young athletes in the Hunter and Central Coast regions.
PATHWAY TO UNIVERSITY
ACADEMIES JOIN UNIVERSITY SPORT SCHOLAR PROGRAM From next year, Hunter and Central Coast Academies of Sport athletes who are intending to or are currently studying at the University of Newcastle will have access to more support to balance study and sport after the two academies became partners of the University’s new Sport Scholar Program. The Sport Scholar Program will provide academic support, flexible study options, access to world class facilities at NUsport and networking opportunities to students in the program, with the core objective of ensuring that athletes can balance their sporting and study commitments. Through a dedicated Sports Concierge service, students will also receive personalised assistance to navigate university and guidance on areas like course selection, scheduling, and access to academic support resources, tailored to the individual needs of each athlete. Brett O’Farrell, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Hunter and Central Coast Academies of Sport said he was pleased to be able to offer the program to student athletes from the two academies. “We are thrilled to partner with the University of Newcastle for the Sport Scholar Program. This initiative represents an impressive opportunity for the talented athletes in our region to pursue their sporting and academic dreams simultaneously,” Mr O’Farrell said. “It reinforced our commitment to nurturing the next generation of champions, both on and off the field.” Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Global, Professor Kent Anderson said the Sport Scholar Program will broaden access to higher education for student athletes in our region. “Our priority is to support students from a range of competitive sporting groups like the Hunter and Central Coast Academies of Sport to achieve their best. We want to create an environment where athletes excel both on and off the field, court, or track,” Professor Anderson said.
“We are proud to support these students as they pursue their sporting passions while earning a degree at the University of Newcastle and this program will allow talented local athletes to stay and study in our region.” Under the Sport Scholar Program starting next year, any athlete who is a member of the Hunter Academy of Sport or the Central Coast Academy of Sport and studying at the University of Newcastle can apply. Key Program Highlights: ATAR Point Boost: Athletes participating in the Sport Scholar Program can earn up to 12 ATAR points, opening doors to a wider range of undergraduate programs at the University of Newcastle. Academic Support: A dedicated Sports Concierge will be available to provide ongoing academic support, ensuring that athletes can excel in their studies while pursuing their sporting goals. Flexible Study Options: The University of Newcastle offers flexible study options that accommodate the training and competition schedules of student athletes. Access to World-Class Facilities: Athletes will have access to state-of-the-art sports facilities and resources, enhancing their training and performance. Networking Opportunities: The program fosters a community of like-minded individuals, creating opportunities for networking and mentorship among student-athletes.
NSWIS LAUNCH HIGH PERFORMANCE TALENT PATHWAY
ATHLETES ON HIGHWAY TO OLYMPICS VIA PURSU32+ NSWIS in partnership with the RAS, have launched a high performance talent pathway program for athletes from country NSW. The program connects both targeted regional athletes and their coaches to high performance expertise and provides opportunities to develop their success in Olympic sports. NSW Minister for Sport, the Hon Steve Kamper MP, was pleased to see NSWIS (NSW agency for High Performance sport) join forces with the Regional Academies of Sport network to formulate a pilot program focused on creating opportunities for regional athletes to explore their potential to progress to elite level competition and ultimately represent the nation at global sporting events. “The Pursu32+ RAS talent program is a great example of NSWIS and RAS collaborating to identify and nurture young, talented athletes and their coaches from country NSW to be competition ready for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games,” said Mr Kamper. The collaboration between NSWIS and RAS provides a crucial connection and strategic outcomes. For NSWIS, the program establishes a pipeline for talented athletes, while RAS will benefit from their connection to the Sydney-based Institute’s expertise and support. The program’s first intake included 25 athletes aged between 14-18. Each participant was nominated in consultation with RAS and their sport as having the potential to progress to elite level competition. Besides travelling to Sydney to attend an initial NSWIS led training camp, the athletes will also receive access to the Institute’s staff, the NSW Office of Sport online physical literacy program, and exposure to national level coaches.
Chair of the NSW RAS network, Brett O’Farrell, said he was excited by the opportunities the Pursue 32+ RAS talent program would provide the athletes who were selected to participate in it, and the impact it would have on sport in regional NSW. “This program will build on the athlete numbers RAS has produced for many years working with NSWIS. Further innovation in performance support will also provide these talent pathway athletes with higher quality support, continuing our recent successes that includes 56 Australian Olympians being RAS Alumni in the past two Olympic cycles,” said Mr O’Farrell. “Connecting regional athletes and their coaches with NSWIS at a deeper level and supplying more talent rich regional athletes can only enhance our ability to help nurture the next crop of Australian sporting stars from regional NSW. Today’s announcement will excite many young athletes, their parents, coaches, and local communities.” Selected Central Coast Athletes: Ella Lawson (Sprint Kayak), Julian Glew (Sprint Kayak), Harvey Campbell (Skateboarding), Huxley Luntungan (Sprint Kayak), George Wells (Throws, Discus). Selected Hunter Athletes: Albert Forbes (Hockey), Nathan Lewsam (Trampoline), Matilda Hanlon (Mountain Bike), William Watts (Sprint Kayak), Hunter Baldwin (Hockey), Ella Scaysbrook (Golf), Ocean Lancaster (Surfing)
PARTNERSHIPS UPDATE A TAPESTRY OF SPORTING DREAMS UNFOLDS AS ACADEMIES FORGE PARTNERSHIPS
In regions where passion for sports runs deep, a series of groundbreaking new and exciting partnerships are reshaping the landscape for aspiring athletes. From golf greens to hockey fields and the crashing waves of the coastline, Regional Academies of Sport Ltd are forging alliances with prestigious clubs, creating avenues for talent to flourish and dreams to take flight. Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club: A Haven for Golfing Dreams At Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club, a new chapter in golfing excellence unfolds as the academies join forces with this renowned establishment. The greens of Magenta Shores become a canvas for aspiring golfers, where the synergy between academies and the club promises to elevate the sport to unprecedented heights. Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club: Nurturing Tomorrow's Golfing Stars Meanwhile, the fairways of Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club bear witness to another exciting collaboration. RAS Ltd, recognizing the potential of the next generation, partner with this prestigious club to create an environment where golfing excellence is not just encouraged but expected. Cypress Lakes becomes a crucible for talent, forging connections that will shape the future of golf in the region. Hockey NSW and the Futures Academy: Paving the Way for Hockey Prodigies The pace quickens on the hockey fields as RAS align with Hockey NSW to launch the Futures Academy. This revolutionary partnership aims to provide a structured path for budding hockey players to evolve into future stars. From skill development to strategic mastery, the Futures Academy promises to be the training ground where the next generation of hockey talent hones their skills, ready to leave an indelible mark on the sport. Riding the Waves of Success with Surf Life Saving NSW: Athlete Development Takes to the Shore The partnership between RAS and Surf Life Saving NSW brings a unique twist to athlete development. In this program, aspiring athletes don't just master the art of surf life-saving; they also cultivate the skills and mindset required for success in the broader sporting arena. The partnership heralds a new era where the beach becomes a classroom for life skills and athletic prowess.
HAS Triathlon Squad: Nurturing Champions The HAS Triathlon Squad has recently formed a strategic partnership with voco Kirkton Park Hotel, Hunter Valley, marking a significant collaboration for both entities. This alliance underscores a shared commitment to fostering the growth and development of aspiring triathletes in the Hunter region. With HAS'’ proven track record as a nurturing ground for young athletes and the Triathlon Squad's consistent production of remarkable talent, this sponsorship from voco Kirkton Park is anticipated to enhance training and competitive opportunities. Home in Place Support Regional Athletes with Scholarship Opportunities Home in Place is set to make a significant impact on the dreams of young aspiring athletes, thanks to a generous donation from Coastal Fire Services. This partnership introduces 10 $1,000.00 scholarships, providing financial support to youth facing economic challenges. The scholarships, funded by Coastal Fire Services, are designed to alleviate various costs associated with sports. This initiative reflects a collective effort to empower and enable young athletes in the Hunter and Central Coast regions to overcome financial obstacles and realize their sporting dreams.
THANKYOU TO OUR MAJOR PARTNERS FOR 2023