SWSAS News
Welcome to the First Edition of 2022 for SWSAS News. This magazine has been edited by the South West Sydney Academy of Sport for the greater South West Sydney community.
This extends from the previous Academy quarterly newsletter for 2021 bringing the latest sport and news together from November to February 2022.
We hope you enjoy reading this latest edition which includes 'The Spotlight Drill, feature articles and athlete profiles, 'The Athletes Plate' by Parramatta Eels Sports Dietitian - Kelsey Hutton, sponsorship offers, community engagement and much more...
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In our past edition we identified the internal excitement generated by the recent announcement of Brisbane winning the right to host the 2032 Olympic Games.
And that the average age of an Olympian is 25-27 years old, meaning the current age of future athletes who will compete in Brisbane, will be around the 14-to-16-year age group.
This is the average age of athletes currently training in an Academy program And this generation of athletes, with the right support, will reach their prime years in time for our next home ‘Australian’ Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Academy’s role is to provide quality skill development and sports education, to get our local athletes to a technically skill and sports educated level, suitable for higher pathway development programs.
These programs are provided by the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS), and National and NSW State sporting organisations For example, in 2020/2021 180 NSWIS contracted athletes came through the Regional Academy athlete development pathway
What is not well known by athletes and parents alike, is that the Academy is continually providing requested information to the majority of these organisations, regarding the ongoing development progress of Academy athletes. Which in turn is used by these organisations in their selection considerations.
It is no longer good enough for an athlete to go to a State Championship, perform well on the day, and expect to be selected for a State Team.
Selections have come a long way since that was the case.
State sporting organisations want to know much more about an athlete before the final selection is done. That is why they are in continual contact with organisations like Regional Academies during the year, seeking talent identification and identified athlete progress
This often comes in the form of a report on how mentally prepared an athlete is, what is their technical skill level, are they tactically smart, are they a good community citizen, a team player, reliable, striving to improve both on and off the pitch, and have a high physical fitness capacity. Plus being ready and able to recognise, the pathway to success is not always straight forward.
It is appropriate to again remind all associated with the Academy that the NSW Regional Academy system continues to regularly produce Australia’s Champions
In total 56 Regional Academy graduates wore Australia’s Green and Gold colours at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and 2021 Tokyo Olympic and Games, resulting in 31% of Australia’s total medal tally.
And 13 Paralympic athletes have also been produced in the same Olympic cycle, winning an additional 5 medals.
This level of representation highlights the ongoing success of Regional Academies. An achievement well recognised by the continued financial support provided by the NSW Government, through its Office of Sport.
And how the NSW Institute of Sport continues to work closer and closer with the Regional Academy network
Our Regional Academy Youth development programs are worth so much more than Sport.
They are opening athlete eyes to the opportunities provided by our local Western Sydney University and NSW TAFE College And also creating job ready, mentally robust young people
The Academy also has a wide range of education programs which far outweigh that of just sporting skill development.
These accomplishments are achieved due to the support of many individuals and organisations, such as our own highly committed coaching staff members, and many corporate partners.
Including the Academy’s 'Naming Rights' partner the Campbelltown Catholic Club and ‘Platinum Partner’ SOUTH32 Plus, our local Councils and all of our highly supportive corporate, supporter, who have continued to assist and encourage us during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its many challenges.
Gerry Knights CEO
Image below: Australian Volleyball legend Edi Vukosa meets our Inaugural Volleyball Athletes at Macquarie Fields.
regionalacademies org au/academy-games/
ATHLETEPROFILEFEATURE
TRIATHLON ATHLETE
CHARLOTTE TARBOTTON School
You dont always have to be the best '
MacArthur Anglican School
Sporting Club
Macquarie Fields Triathlon Club
Major Sporting Goal
To overcome any obstacles I face and improve in all legs/disciplines
Sports People YOU Admire
My fellow older athletes inspire me to be a better person and athlete
YOUR Definition of success
Success to me is being happy, healthy and improving in what I do, no matter how slowly
YOUR Biggest Sporting Influences
My coaches past and present as well as my local club, Mac tri, who nominated me to join swsas which got me to where I am today
What are your favourite things outside of sport or SWSAS?
Catching up with friends, relaxing
Basketball 'Slam Dunks' Christmas Appeal
FULL ARTICLE
South West Sydney Academy of Sport Basketball Athlete Emily Paulic had one goal, to help one family this Christmas. The end result however, was far greater, with the Academy’s basketball squad donating seven large tubs of toys and food to the Campbelltown Mayor’s Annual Christmas Appeal this week.
When 13-year-old and first-year basketball athlete, Emily approached Academy staff during the squad’s induction and asked if the basketball squad could participate in a toy or food drive for Christmas, Program Head Coach and the Academy’s Operations and Media Coordinator Stephen Craig jumped at the chance However as Christmas was fast approaching, the squad had less than two weeks to fulfil Emily’s vision to further promote the community service element of each Academy sport program
With Emily taking charge, from designing the poster to give to her fellow squad members, arranging the collection point during the squads final training session a week out from Christmas, and encouraging her fellow squad members to ‘donate if they could’.
“I had a goal to help out one family, but thanks to the generosity from my team mates, we as a squad have been able to hopefully help many families” said Emily.
“For a young athlete to come up with an idea to help the community, putting her team and others ahead of herself and to act on that idea with such vigour is commendable ” “We promote Opportunity and Respect as a part of our key values, so for Emily to take on that opportunity to show the respect for and to help our local community and the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, and after such a tough COVID hit year makes us so proud of her and our entire basketball squad.” Said Craig, who mentioned that plans were already being discussed for Christmas 2022.
The Academy wishes that all it's Athletes, Coaching and Support Staff, Parents, Partners, Volunteers, Friends and Family had a wonderful Christmas and great start to The New Year.
The South West Sydney Academy of Sport BMX squad found themselves finally back on track over the last weekend in November, with ten athletes and three coaches competing at the NSW BMX State Titles Held on a cold, wet and windy track in the Hawkesbury, the Academy BMX squad, of whom the majority also represent Macarthur BMX, finished with an amazing tally of results across the weekend
“All the Academy riders rode extremely well in the wet weather conditions” said Head Coach Cara Wilde “Jayden Morris, Bianca Moubarak and Jack Young were fortunate in securing their first state plates ever, whilst Violet Dutko and Ireland Gerhard picked up the ‘skinny digit’ in their retrospective classes ” said Wilde
The skinny digit a cheeky reference to finishing first in their class, allowing the athletes to display the #1 on their plate for the year ahead, With Dutko (Pictured above) taking home first place in the 14 Girls and Junior Superclass Women category Gerard was successful in winning the 16 Girls 20” category
Other State title success for the Academy program include Kayden Murphy taking out second in the 16 Boys 20” category, Head Coach Cara Wilde claiming second in both the 20” and 24” 17-34yr Female class, whilst Assistant Coach Dan Morris took home the State Title in the 24” 17-24yrs Men’s category B M X S P R I N T S T O S T A T E T I T L E S
Chairperson Peter Campbell, in presenting this year’s awards, reflected on what had been a challenging year not only for the Academy, but the community as well.
“With the South West Sydney region having been the so-called epicentre of two major lockdowns within New South Wales, our sporting communities have been hit hard.” Said Campbell. “Many events and competitions have been cancelled, which has affected the training and competition ability of a vast majority of our athletes, including this year’s major award winners
Rising Decathlete Star Wins Top Academy Award
FULL ARTICLE
After a year again interrupted by lockdowns and sport pauses, the South West Sydney Academy of Sport was finally able to announce its Campbelltown Catholic Club Athlete of the Year, and the South32 Academy Chairpersons Award winner, for 2021.
With the Academy unable to present the awards in 2020, plans were well underway for the 2021 Athlete Graduation and Sport Awards Dinner in August 2021, yet another COVID-19 pandemic lockdown had other ideas
The Academy was instead forced to hold its award presentations online, where its Chairperson award nominees were announced. And with the year fast running out, the Academy, at its final Board meeting for 2021 held in early December, proudly presented its most prestigious awards to Douglas Park resident, and Academy Wests Future Star athlete, Thomas Noakes.
Yet despite these challenges, in true South West fashion, our athletes have failed to give in, and keep punching above their weight to prove the true value of our region, and indeed Regional Academies as a whole.”
Like most people, but particularly those involved in the sport of track and field athletics, Thomas Noakes' major training facilities were not open throughout most of 2020 and 2021, thus limiting the amount of training and preparation in appropriate venues, he was able to undertake. This was compounded even more so for Noakes, as he was also undertaking his HSC, at the same time.
“Unfortunately, some of the changed and compressed preparation led him to compete at the 2021 NSW Combined Events championships with a stress fracture in his back.” Reflected Sports Program Manager
Daniel Currinckx. But despite the pain and later scans diagnosing the issue, he won his events.
Following a full suite of rehabilitation, Noakes returned to compete in the final NASSA events prior to the July lockdown, winning all but one of his seven events, most importantly taking home Gold in the NSW Combined Event Championships U20 Boys Decathlon, in February.
Most recently, and to top off a momentous year, he walked, or should we say ‘jumped’ away with Gold in the 19yr Boys Pole Vault, clearing a handy 3.80m, at his final NSW All Schools competition held December 9-11
Noakes is certainly worthy of being the Academy’s top athlete for 2021, and is definitely a 2032 Brisbane Olympic Game hope said, Currinckx
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GolfHitsit'swayintotheNewYear!
The South West Sydney Academy of Sport has hit its way into 2022, with Golf the first squad back in action, taking part in a two-day combined training camp with the Western Sydney Academy of Sport and the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation’s (JNJGF) talent squad over January 17-18.
The annual camp, held at the Twin Creek’s Golf Course in western Sydney, saw the athletes undertake a wide variety of education and skills development in Golf, as well as the opportunity to develop a friendly rivalry amongst the three represented programs.
JNJGF Talent Pathway Manager Heath Canning led attending athletes through a comprehensive program that included on course skills in putting, chipping and driving, along with classroom sessions in cyber safety, athlete pathways, and correct stretching and preparation techniques Followed by the opportunity for a somewhat competitive match play on Twin Creeks Golf Course itself.
“There has already been some nice banter between the Academy’s, however its this banter that leads to them creating new friendships,” said Academy Head Golf Coach Scott Martyn
The South West Sydney Academy of Sport features ten up and coming junior Golfers from throughout the region.
“The match play was very competitive. Golf is a great game that can see the hardest of competitors on the course, but as this camp has showed, golfers can be the best of friends off the course ” Said Martyn
Incoming SWSAS athlete Archie Branks enjoyed the opportunity, commenting that, “Spending time on the driving range and practicing shots helped to build my confidence in areas of my game that I was not happy with ” “I was able to work on improving my game on a new course, and focus on my down swing and concentration” said Branks.
BANANA OAT PANCAKES
TriathlonRacingtoRepresent
Athletes from the South West Sydney Academy of Sport continue to race head long into the new year, with members of its triathlon squad posting quality results in recent weeks.
With border restrictions making it easier for travel to outdoor competition, the Academy’s triathletes have been busy traversing NSW and venturing interstate, to swim, ride or run against their long-time rival competitors, as well as continue friendly competition against their fellow squad mates.
Heading up the recent success of Academy athletes is Charlotte Tarbotton, who competed in the Hills Tri Club super sprint, in early in January The sprint race was held in wet conditions and proved to be tough but rewarding event for Tarbotton. Taking to the event like a duck to water, Tarbotton finished second female and fourth overall.
A result that set her up for even more success in the Canberra Sprint series, held January 2324. Tarbotton, aged 14, ended up placing first in her age group at the sprint series, whilst also recording an excellent eighth female overall
Speaking about the event, Tarbotton said, “I had an exciting time and definitely learnt from some mistakes made ”
“Canberra is a challenging course and forced me to make some tough decisions throughout, but I was pleased with the outcome The preparation and encouragement from the Academy is helpful and I am definitely looking forward to see how I perform in my next race ” added Tarbotton.
Not to be out done in Canberra, Joel Skipper backed up a first overall in the Hills Tri Club Super Sprint, to claim first in his age group, and sixth overall in the Sprint series.
“Canberra was one of the most enjoyable races, pretty much due to it being one of my only races so far where everything came together to allow me to have a great finishing position” Skipper said.
The sentiments echoed by Academy Triathlon Head Coach David Hine, who mentioned that “Joel’s results show that all his demanding work in training is starting to pay off What a great result for a well-executed race”.
Rounding out the squad’s recent success is that of Ryan Carter, who after a successful trek to Hobart, has his eyes firmly focused on earning the required points that would see him qualify for the Australian Age Group Team, which is scheduled to race at the World Triathlon Championships in Montreal, Canada, later in 2022.
“I am very grateful that through triathlon, I am now travelling to exciting places and embracing all the adventures that come from racing at meets like the Tasmanian Sprint Championships” said Carter, who added “I am now in my fifth year with the Academy and when I look back at where I started, how much I have learnt and how far I have come as an athlete, I am thankful for everything the Academy has taught me and helped me to chase my goals.”
Carter, who has been tallying up some great performances in recent years, capitalised on the Tasmanian Challenge, finishing third in the U20 age group in the sprint race, adding to a third place finish in the NSW Qualifying race
Next up for the Academy’s triathletes will be continuing to compete in the Triathlon NSW/ACT Billigence Pathway Championship series, as well as a number of local club aquathon and mini events, as the squad continues their preparation for the 2022 Regional Academy Games, in April
"The Academy Games is the highlight of competition for the majority of our athletes in the Academy,” said CEO Gerry Knights. “The Academy Games allows athletes who may compete individually, to also compete in a squad environment, which goes a long way to help build sportsmanship, as well as the occasional friendly rivalry both on and off the race course.”
ATHLETEPROFILEFEATURE
WESTS FUTURE STARS ATHLETE CAYLEN GOLDSBROUGH
'Positive thinking = Positive emotions = Positive actions' School
Wollondilly Anglican College
Recent Career Highlights
Placing 2nd at the Five Dock 'king of concrete' champs, placing 7th in the open mens at Brunswick, VIC and 3rd in the U12 at Newcastle
Major Sporting Goal
To represent my country in skatboarding at the Olympics and make a living out of skatebording
Sports People YOU Admire
My most admired sports person is fellow Regional Academy Athlete from IAS, Kieran Woolley
YOUR Definition of success
When you strive to get a goal you've wanted to get It doesn't matter if it's coming first in a race or winning the olympics, you still succeed in both
YOUR Biggest Sporting Influences
My dad, (Mark Goldsbrough) has pushed me through skatebording and I couldn't have done anything without him. He always makes me think long term of my desitions and it's really help me
What are your favourite things outside of sport or SWSAS?
I like to play a variety of sports, arts and games.
RBI proudly supporting our Softball and Baseball Athletes
The antidote to this challenge is One Word. One Word sticks and serves as a driving force that inspires each coach to be his or her best and bring out the best in every athlete. One Word also helps create a great opportunity to build teamwork and unity in the locker room.
COACH EDUCATION 'One Word' An Action Plan for Teams
DAN BRITTON
Coaches and athletes naturally understand the power of focus as it relates to performance. That's why teams all across the country and around the world are using One Word and getting great results. Individual players discover that their One Word serves as an internal motivator
It helps them grow, improve and play their roles. Additionally, teams often discover One Word theme that unifies their focus and efforts. One Word can help create team chemistry, turning an ordinary season into an extraordinary season.
The power of One Word helps teams, coaches and athletes focus on what matters the most. Think about it: every new season, coaches and athletes gather to prepare for the upcoming season. They discuss their vision, game plan, expectations and goals for the upcoming season. It’s a process filled with excitement, hope and enthusiasm.
Unfortunately, by the time the first loss rolls around, the positive energy and optimism has given way to the stress and challenges of the locker room. The game plan that was developed with such passion are likely forgotten in the garbage can, in a binder on the shelf or ignored on a laptop
At the beginning of every season, it is crucial to get to know your athletes and to set the tone. This action plan helps athletes reflect upon how they can improve as athletes and individuals while setting goals for this season by developing a One Word vision
OBJECTIVES:
Athletes will be able to reflect upon their needs as competitors.
Athletes will be able to discover their One Words to focus on throughout the season. Athletes will be able to choose a platform to showcase their One Words.
Athletes will be able to communicate written or verbally how their One Words will help them achieve success.
Throughout the season, athletes will be able to appreciate and encourage teammates as they live out their One Words
ONE WORD PROCESS:
Next, walk them through the three-step process so they can discover their One Word.
Throughout the season, it is important to see how the athletes are journeying and implementing their One Words Each athlete should view their word as a way to contribute to the team and make a difference. It is their way to contribute to a positive team culture. There are many ways you can highlight their words throughout the season, but one of the best is a powerful resource called the Spotlight Drill.
The Spotlight Drill establishes confidence in speaking words of verbal encouragement This simple strategy helps athletes focus on the positive they see in their teammates living out their One Words and verbalize it. It creates an atmosphere of joy, and joy always elevates attitude and effort. For the kids in the "Spotlight," it allows athletes to feel accepted by the teammates and helps them establish an identity based on who they are becoming
Maybe once a week, take one of your athletes and put him or her in the spotlight Ask teammates to say the person’s name and tell the person in the spotlight what they appreciate about how they are living out their One Word It can be how their word personally impacted them or an observation of how they blessed someone else. The exercise should take one to three minutes. A few thoughts to keep in mind as you do the Spotlight Drill:
1 Make sure their comments are directed TO the person and not ABOUT the person.
2. Remind your athletes to look each other in the eye when delivering and receiving the statements
3. Make sure they are specific. If Jill’s word was Serve, make sure they give examples One teammate says “Jill, I appreciate the way you help the team.” Ask them to be specific. For example, “Jill, I appreciate the ride home you gave me after practice when my mom wasn’t able to pick me up.”
This exercise helps produce an atmosphere of appreciation and encouragement. Also, it reminds athletes to experience their word the entire season The Spotlight Drill is a favorite Look Out strategy by keeping the One Words front and center. T h e ' S p o t l i g h t ' D r i l l
Preparing to Compete
The ORIGINAL Greek Definition for Compete is to compete with you, and not against you
This original definition of compete allows a team to focus on what we do as a team, not so much what the opposition does
The opposition probably train just as much and as hard as you do, and they want to win just as much as us. So we go to compete with them.
If they didn’t turn up to play and play at their best, then you wouldn’t have a game.
In turn, you need to turn up and play at your best in respect not only for yourself and your opposition, but in respect for the sport itself.
In order to be at your best, you need to prepare.
Preparing to compete both physically and mentally is crucial to becoming successful at what you do.
Whilst you may prepare to compete for your sporting success in doing drills, such as practicing shooting, batting or running and working on your set play, systems or game structure, you need to prepare yourselves mentally.
Not only for game day, but when other factors away from your sport can distract you. Things like school, holidays, mum and dad, brothers and sisters, to even getting stuck in traffic when travelling to our games can distract us
Even though you may only get to see your Academy team mates and train as a team occasionally, on average you still spend almost twenty times the amount preparing to compete
Why? So when it comes time to compete, you are also prepared.
Here are a few tips on what preparation can look like?
Let’s start by packing your bag!
Prior to any competition, you should start by packing your own bag.
If the game is on a Sunday, then pack the day before. If you are going away on a tournament, pack your bag the moment you get home from your last training session.
This means you are not only prepared, but you have all your gear in the one spot and ready to go.
Have a list of all the equipment needed for the upcoming competition. This may include; clothes, shoes, food, money, registration papers, drinks, asthma puffers, towel, uniform, mouthguard, ankle guards, sports tape, note books and pens etc.
You can even laminate this list and keep it pinned to your bag.
This way no equipment will be forgotten on the day. It avoids missing out or forgetting things if you are feeling nervous, running late, or illprepared
This way no equipment will be forgotten on the day. It avoids missing out or forgetting things if you are feeling nervous, running late, or illprepared
Just think, has there been a time when you have rushed out of the house that fast that you have forgotten your shoes, socks, or your lunch?
Remember that you alone are responsible for ensuring you have what you need The packing process is part of mental preparation.
Think about the upcoming competition as you pack and go through your motivation plan.
This simple strategy also helps to promote a professional image because you will never go to a game, or on a road trip, and find you've left something behind
Now you have your bags packed, it is time to prepare for your upcoming tournament
Tournament Preparation
Throughout the season, depending on your season schedule and League, may play every week on a set day (which makes for an easier weekly routine),or with a schedule of weekend tournaments that may include a number of weeks break in between
You may also play in a competition where you get plenty of warm up time before a game to go through your routine, and access to a locker room, or you may be in a competition where you have very limited access to facilities prior to the game; which means you will have to adjust your preparation.
Whichever schedule you are faced with, you need to begin preparing for your competition ahead of time If you leave your preparation for the day before the game, you will leave yourself open for a poor performance
Usually a good rule to follow is to;
Begin preparing for your game as soon as the last training session before that game is complete.
As with packing your bag, begin to go through your motivational plan and prepare mentally for the game.
Whats your Game Day Routine Like?
Game Day Preparation is just as simple, yet important: develop and follow a routine that you have set for yourself.
Have you thought about any of the following as a part of your game day preparation? arrive at the venue, sign in, find your team... put your uniform on; shorts, jersey, warmup top, strapping, socks, headbands, ribbons warm up stretching
Or what about these? going through your motivation plan and goals... re-reading the team playbook listening to music in the locker room... spending a few moments by yourself thinking about the game or competition ahead talking to your team mates or coach...
All these things can form a part of a pre-game routine that have you preparing for competition
Be careful though that you don't adjust your routine too much. Try to eliminate as many distractions as possible so you focus on YOUR preparation
Even with the best intentions, you still may find that you might need to complete your warm up or preparation routine at the hotel, on the bus, or even in the car park prior to getting to the competition venue.
Yet even with a limited preparation "window", sticking to your routine will keep you focused and prepared to compete.
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FROM THE ARCHIVES: 'Preparing to Compete' has been adaptedfromtheSouthWestSydneyAcademyofSportRugby League Development Program Handbook, written by Laurie FarrugiaandprovidedtotheAcademyin2004
SWSAS Supporting Our Regions Athletes
Throughout 2021, the South West Sydney Academy of Sport, with the support of Platinum Partner South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal and the Australian Sports Foundation, developed "SWSAS CARES"
Through this initiative, the South West Sydney Academy of Sport aims to provide support to under privileged athletes within the South West Sydney Academy region, who may be experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
In addition, SWSAS CARES has identified the need to further support our Indigenous and Culturally Diverse athletes by utilising funds received to offset the costs of athletes levies and uniform fees so that they can participate within our sport, community and cultural education programs.
Through the Australian Sports Foundation and Play for Purpose, you can now support the Academy by either donating directly to the SWSAS CARES Foundation, or by purchasing raffle tickets to win some amazing prizes
Both options are fully tax deductible, with funds raised going directly to athletes of the South West Sydney Academy of Sport
THANK YOU FOR READING OUR 1ST 2022 EDITION OF SWSAS NEWS. IF YOU MISSED ANY OF OUR PREVIOUS EDITIONS YOU CAN CLICK TO READ THESE BELOW!
