SWSAS Timeout | First Quarter 2024

SWSAS TimeOut

Local Councils Recognise Regional Success

CamdenCouncilandWollondillyShireCouncilbothplayedhostto aMayoralReceptioninearly2024,wherelocalAcademy athleteswererecognisedfortheiroutstandingsportingsuccess.

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Athletes Shown It's All Up To You

TheAnnualNetballNSWAcademiesCamptookplaceinearlyMarch, withathletesundertakingtwosoliddaysoftrainingandeducationin preparationfortheClubsNSWRegionalAcademyGames

Gabriella: In the Arena

Second-yearNetballstarGabriellaArenaishardnotto spotoutonthecourt,andnotjustbecauseofherheight. Head‘IntheArena’toseejustwhatmakesherstandout.

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SWSAS TimeOut

‘TimeOut’ is the official quarterly magazine proudly produced in-house by the South West Sydney Academy of Sport for our South West Sydney community.

‘TimeOut’ is published four times per year, with Editions published in April, July, September and December. Weekly updates, ‘The GamePlan’ are published on the Academy's social media channels to keep up to date with current and upcoming events.

For editorial or advertising enquiries, please email media@swsas.org.au

South West Sydney Academy of Sport

Chairperson: Peter Campbell

Chief Executive Officer: Gerry Knights

Sport Operations Manager: Stephen Craig

Sport Programs Manager: Alley Hanagan

Sport Services Coordinator: Catarina Di Ramio

Academy Chaplain: Rev Jim Dayhew

Contact the Academy:

Ph: (02) 4627 7622

Email: sport@swsas.org.au

Visit: 2/298 Queen St Campbelltown, NSW 2560

Post: PO Box 307

Macarthur Square, NSW 2560

Images provided by Academy Staff. Additional images used by permission from Luke Fuda Photography, Brett Atkins Photography and Regional Academies of Sport Inc.

For the best reader experience find us on the Issuu App or view on a desktop, and open in full screen mode.

Cover Image: Kaitlin Kumar speaks as a a part of the athlete panel at the Camden Civic Reception

From the CEO's Desk

The Australian Olympic Committee, (AOC), has formally recognised all eleven NSW Regional AcademiesofSport,asofficial,AustralianOlympicTrainingCentres.

AOC,CEOMattCarroll,said,thatthisrecognitionhighlightsthevitalroleRegionalAcademiesplay, indeveloping,ourfutureOlympicchampions,andacknowledgedthecrucialcontributionacademies maketotheathletedevelopmentpathway,inNSW.

Carroll congratulated each of the academies, on this special recognition, which will provide additional, motivation, for academy athletes, aspiring to represent Australia, on the Olympic stage, asweprogress,towardsBrisbane2032.

For your information an amazing, over fifty, Rio and Tokyo Olympians, were nurtured through their early careers, by the Regional Academies. Including our local academy champions Emily Chalker, GabbyPlaine,andthelikesofJessicaFox,EmmaMcKeon,andTomBurton.

Their journeys, to the pinnacle of international competition, exemplify the effectiveness, of the athlete programs, implemented by Regional Academies. This is the ultimate in academy recognition, andalsoinAustraliansportpathwaydevelopment.

TheAnnualRegionalAcademiesofSport(NSW),AwardsDinner,wasrecentlyheld,inSydney.This was an extremely exciting awards event, for the eleven attending NSW Regional Academies, including,ourveryownlocalAcademy.

The Awards event recognised ‘Excellence’ in five categories, with nominations being received from acrossallelevenNSWacademies.

I must say, our attending Academy guests were ‘over the moon,’ when Adam Bates name, was announcedastheNSWRegionalAcademiesofSport-AthleteoftheYear.

Adamisjust18,buttheCamdensuperstar,islivinghisdream,havingsignedamulti-yeardeal,with USAMajorBaseballLeagueclub,theBostonRedSox.Heispresently,involved,inaspringtraining camp,intheUSA,butappeared,attheawardsdinner,viavideo.

Adam graciously thanked, the Regional Academy network, including his home Academy, for his nomination,andultimatesuccess,inreceivingtheaward.

I can also report that, recently graduated, Academy Para -athlete Jess Cronje, and current Academy Para-athlete Aaliyah Rauchie, toured with the 12-women, Basketball Australia, Wheelchair‘Gliders’team.

The Gliders finished in third place in Japan, at the Asia Oceania Zone Championships and 2024 Paris Paralympic Qualification event. The team will now head to the Women’s repechage qualification event, in preparation for the 2024 Paralympic Games, to be held in Paris, commencing28August.

We continue to be extremely proud of the achievements of our past and current 2024 athletes, andcoachingstaffmembers.

Regional Academies across NSW also continue to work in partnership with the NSW Institute of Sport in the development and provision of an exciting new program launched in 2023, identified asPURSU32+.

Thisprogramisdesignedspecificallytoidentifyandsupportthedevelopmentofathleteswiththe potential of achieving at the highest level, in their chosen sport; and we are proud to have two outstanding athletes performing well in this program, Skylar Murphy BMX and Cody Meisenhofen Volleyball.

In other news, Wollondilly Academy BMX Rider Isla Basa was earlier this month, recognised as the AusCycling NSW BMX Women’s ‘Junior Rider of the Year’ at the 2023, NSW Performance Awards,anotherlocalMacarthurBMXClub,Academystarinthemaking.

We must remember that Academy success is due to the work of many, starting from coaches and trainers, across the Academy region at the club and school level, through to our association and regionalsupporters,andourhighlygenerouscorporatesponsors.

TheAcademyisproudtobeone,butimportantsteppingstoneinthedevelopmentpathwayofour localathletes,insupportoftheirsporting‘Dreams’.

I am pleased to again report that each and every one of our corporate partners continue to recognise the community value of the Academy and have renewed their support, once again, thankyouoneandall.

I also take this opportunity on behalf of all associated with the Academy to congratulate our Sports Program Manager, Alley Pritchard (Hanagan) on her recent marriage to Jacob. For those whoareunawareAlleywasanAcademyhockeyathleteandJacobanAcademygolfathlete.

Inconclusion,ItakethisopportunityonceagaintothanktheNSWGovernment-OfficeofSport, and our Academy ‘naming rights’ partner the Campbelltown Catholic Club, plus our Platinum Partner South32, Wests League Club, and our region’s highly supportive local Councils and all of our corporate partners, who continue to see excellent community value, in supporting the Academy.

Build your Brand With Us

Have you considered supporting the 'Dreams' of tomorrow's Australian sporting heroes, in a partnership that compliments bothparties?

Somethingthatisofbenefittothe widercommunityandembracesthe valueofyourorganisationanditsstaff members;and

Supportsyourbrandinitsdesiretobe economically,socially,environmentally andculturallyresponsible;

Whilstsupportingthedevelopmentof young,localmenandwomeninto valuedcommunityleaders.

We have an opportunity for you to partner with us, and assist athletes realise their sporting potential. Opportunities exist for Corporate and Sport Pathway Partners, through to small businesses interested in sponsoring the costs for an individual athlete. Whatever your budget, the Academy can provide a partnership with benefitssuitedjustforyou.

Your partnership will also be a direct investmentintoabettertomorrow.

The South West Sydney Academy of Sport is a not-for-profit community based organisation, which relies heavily on the financial and social support of its outstanding corporate partners, in providingthesemuchneededdevelopment opportunities.

The Academy in return invests a large amount of its time back into its local sporting community, servicing local associations, clubs, schoolsandcommunity groups, thereby increasing the reach of our corporate partners throughout the region.

Become a part of developing a culture of Youth, Sport and Excellence within your Communitytoday.

Act Now, by contacting the Academy for further information and, commence the development of your personalised partnershippackage,today.

Helping Make Dreams Come True

We are proud to support the South West Sydney Academy of Sport.

Since 2013, South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal has been supporting rising stars across all Academy sports.

Together we are making a difference to the lives of children and young people in our community.

Regional Academy Awards Hit a Home Run

Up and coming 18-year-old baseball superstar Adam Bates, hailing from Camden NSW, has been recognised as the 2024 Regional Academies of Sport (NSW) ‘Athlete of the Year’, when all eleven Regional Academies of Sport from across New South Wales, came together at the Wenty Leagues Club in late February, to celebrate and recognise the achievementsofregionalacademyathletesand coaches, across five sport development categories.

Adding to his already impressive awards resume, which includes winning the South West Sydney Academy of Sport’s South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal ‘Athlete of the Year’ award in late 2023, Bates is presently involved in a springtrainingcampintheUSA.

Unable to be present in person at the event, Bates was able to appear via video, thanking the Regional Academy network, including his home Academy, our South West Sydney Academy of Sport, for his nomination and ultimatesuccessinreceivingtheaward.

When asked about his journey so far and experience within the Regional Academy network, Bates reflected on what he had learned within the many education and support sessionsprovided.

“The Academy has been crucial in my story up to this point, and not only by providing the baseball resources to improve my game, but also in providing seminars on right diet, managing school, sport and life, and also practical hands-on courses that have helped in makingmetheathleteIamtoday,”saidBates.

Keen to pass on his knowledge and advice for fellow nominees and award recipients, Bates said, “Dream big, the best things that come from life come from outside your comfort zone, sotakethatleap”.

Not bad advice from a young athlete who is now living his dream, having signed a multiyear deal with the USA Major Baseball League club,theBostonRedSox.

BatesfatherVincent,andsisterPaige (Pictured below right with Dr Hugh McDermott MP) were bothonhandtoreceivetheawardonbehalfof Adam, with Vincent sharing that, ‘Whilst it couldbesaidthatAdamwassorrythathewas not here in person, would actually be a lie, consideringthathewaspresentlylivingouthis dream’.

Both Vincent and Paige reiterated Bate’s appreciationofthesupportthattheSouthWest Sydney Academy of Sport and greater academynetworkhadprovided.

Bates however was not the only young athlete celebratedattheannualevent,withfourfellow RegionalAcademyofSportathletesrecognised for their significant achievements throughout theyear.

Each award winner was selected from nominations received from across all Regional Academies of Sport in NSW. The categories, andoverallwinnerspresentedwere:

Athlete of the Year – Adam Bates (Future Stars / Baseball), South West Sydney AcademyofSport (Pictured Left)

AthletewithDisabilityAthleteoftheYear–Dylan Littlehales (Para Kayak), Central CoastAcademyofSport

Indigenous Athlete of the Year – Millie Sutcliffe (Basketball), Western Region AcademyofSport

Athlete Leadership – Keira Higham (Netball),NorthCoastAcademyofSport

Coach Leadership – Poihaere Birtles (Rugby League), Far West Academy of Sport

The annual Award dinner, proudly supported by Steadfast Group Limited, Underwriting Agencies of Australia Pty Ltd (UAA) and ClubsNSW was heralded as yet another crowning moment for Regional Academies of Sport,inNSW.

TheRegionalAcademiesofSportweregrateful tohostasignificantnumberofdignitariesfrom a wide array of NSW State Sporting Organisations, along with key representatives of NSW Office of Sport, the NSW Institute of Sport, Australian Olympic Committee, and ParalympicsAustralia.

Guests included Dr Hugh McDermott MP, Member for Prospect, AOC Chief Executive of Community Engagement James Edwards, NSW Office of Sport CEO Karen Jones, Olympic Gold Medallists Emma Tonegato OAM, and Sarah Ryan OAM, plus representatives from the Regional Academies of Sport network’s major stakeholders, athletes, parents, and staff from the Regional Academies, along with the South West SydneyAcademyofSportandWestern Sydney Academy of Sport who cohostedthisyear’sevent.

The Regional Academies continue to represent an extensive geographic areasacrossNSW,withover100Local GovernmentAreasandsupportservices provided for over 2,000 athletes, and 300coachingandprogramstaff.

The Regional Academies of Sport network continues to grow in recognition and significance, across a widerangeoforganisations,suchasthe NSWGovernment,theNSWInstituteof Sport,ParalympicsAustralia,andState Sporting Organisations, as we head towards Australia’s 2032 Brisbane OlympicandParalympicGames.

AlongsideAdamBates,theSouthWest

Sydney Academy of Sport fielded nominees in all categories, with Academy Basketball and Indigenous Program athlete Max Brown-Tjakuapi a nominee in both the Steadfast Athlete LeadershipandUAAIndigenousAthlete of the Year Award, whilst AFL W programheadcoachBenRobinsonwas a nominee for the Steadfast Coach LeadershipAward.

Wests Future Stars Para-Swimmer Daniel Lill rounded out the Academy’s nominees with his nomination for the Athlete with a Disability Athlete of the Year.

formally recognised all eleven NSW Regional AcademiesofSport,asofficialAustralianOlympic TrainingCentres.

RegionalAcademies,includingourveryownSouth WestSydneyAcademyofSport,playasignificant role in the development of young Australian athletes, by providing critical support in the early stages of their Olympic journeys, including access to tailored sport specific education programs, coaching,camps,andcompetitions.

AOC CEO Matt Carroll said this recognition highlightsthevitalroleregionalacademiesplayin developingourfutureOlympicchampions.

“By officially designating the NSW regional academiesofsportasAustralianOlympicTraining Centres, we acknowledge the crucial contribution these academies make to the athlete pathway, in regionalNSW,”MrCarrollsaid.

Carroll congratulated each of the academies on this special recognition, which will provide additional motivation for the academy athletes aspiring to represent Australia on the Olympic stage,aswecontinuetoprogressalongthegreen andgoldrunway,towardsBrisbane2032.

were nurtured through their early careers by the regional academies, including our local academy champions Emily Chalker, Gabby Plain, and the likes of Jessica Fox, Emma McKeon, and Tom Burton.

Their journeys to the pinnacle of international competition exemplify the effectiveness of the athlete programs implemented by regional academies.

LocalSouthWestSydneyAcademyofSport,CEO Gerry Knights greeted the announcement, which was made at the Regional Academies of Sport NSW Awards Dinner, with excitement and high enthusiasm, stating that this is the ultimate in Academy recognition, and also in Australian sport pathway development, whilst recognising its importance at this time for young Australian athletes, as we look forward to the Brisbane Games,in2032.

With the majority of current academy athletes aged anywhere from fourteen years of age to eighteen,mean’sthattheywillbeourappropriately agedfuturestars,thatweseeonthebigstage,in 8years’time.

GLIMPSE INTO THE LIFE OF THE HIGH FLYING HAWKS

The South West Sydney Academy of Sport orchestrated an enlightening 'Day in the Life' event back in late January, designed to offer its UAA Basketball and Sharp EIT Solutions 3x3 basketball program athletes a rare peek into the regimentedworldofprofessionalbasketball.

The day was supported by the Illawarra Hawks, who provided an invaluable platform for the Academy's young aspiring basketballers to learn from the best in the field; including current NBL developmentplayersLucaYatesandHarryMorris.

The Illawarra Hawks General Manager of Community and former player Kevin White (Pictured top right) was also on hand to share his experiences through the athlete pathway, sharing his journey from juniors, to college basketball in Alaska, and on to the NBL, where he played twelve seasons, and over 300 games through Sydney,Adelaide,PerthandIllawarra.

The event itself, was a successful attempt to compress a typical week of a professional athlete into a single, action-packed day, covering all basesfromon-courttrainingandsportpsychology to strength, conditioning, and the quintessential game-daypreparationsandexperiences.

A highlight of the day was the invaluable insights shared by David Barracosa from Condor Performance,whodelvedintotheintricaciesofthe professional mentality, a critical component of success in sports. His expertise offered the athletes a deeper understanding of the psychological resilience required to excel at the highestlevels.

Further emphasising the importance of physical conditioning,theparticipantswereguidedthrough a rigorous beach conditioning session led by AcademySportAdministrationOfficer,CatarinaDi Ramio, and Western Sydney University Exercise Sciencestudent,BrielleCvitic.

This session not only challenged the athletes physicallimits,butalsobyencouragingacollective resilienceamongtheathletestogetthroughtheat timesphysicallydemandingchallenges.

The day wrapped up in an electrifying visit to the WINEntertainmentCentre,andtheevening'sNBL gamebetweentheIllawarraHawksandtheCairns Taipans.

Seatedonthebaselineattheawayteamsend,the athletes found themselves immersed in the highstakesatmosphereofthegame,aswellasplaying witness to a thrilling buzzer beating shot from the Taipans.

Whilst the shot ended the game in a heartbreakingone-pointlossfortheHawks,theathletes were able to witness the sheer elation of the win by the Taipans, providing a live showcase of the highs and lows inherent to professional sports, leaving the young athletes both exhilarated and more appreciative of the journey they aspire to embarkon.

This immersive experience was made possible through the generous support of the Illawarra Hawks, Condor Performance, and Sharp EIT Solutions. Their commitment to developing young talent played a pivotal role in the event's success, underlining the community's collective investment in nurturing the next generation of sports professionalsintheSouthWest'sSydneyarea.

As our promising athletes continue to hone their skills and chase their dreams, the lessons learned fromthisuniqueexperiencewillundoubtedlyserve as a solid foundation of their own basketball journeytoflyhigh.

South West Sydney Academy of Sport athletes, coach and support staff who call Camden home, were honoured as guests of Camden Council, who hosted a Civic reception at the Camden Civic CentreinearlyMarch.

This reception, hosted by Camden Mayor Ashleigh Cagney, marked a momentous occasion where the athletic prowess of Camden-based athletes was both celebrated and recognised the local Council, andextendedCamdencommunity.

The annual event also serving as a platform to honour the dedication, hard work, and achievements of these athletes across various sports disciplines, including that of UAA Basketball athlete Kaitlin Kumar, who delivered an encouraging athlete response speech, encapsulating the gratitude and aspirations of not just the Camden based athletes, but those of each and every South West Sydney Academy of Sport athlete.

“I want to express my gratitude to the people in Camden council for their support,” said Kumar, who added that “whether through facilities, resources, or community encouragement. Your contribution has played a crucial role in my developmentasanathlete.

And as I continue on my sporting journey, I carry with me the lessons learned, and the support received, fueling my passion for the game, and shapingmyongoingsuccessinbasketball.”

"Threeyearsago,webuiltahouseinCamdenwith a half court, courtesy of my Dad, and that has fosteredmynewfoundpassionforbasketball.”said Kumar,whowasquicktopointoutthatwithoutthe support of her parents, including teaching her about her indigenous Australian and Fijian heritage, that her thirst for learning and growth withinhersportwouldnotexist.

When speaking on behalf of her fellow athletes, Kumarmadesuretothankeachandeveryparent, astheathlete'snumberoneandkeysupporters.

"Thank you for waking up on those early mornings evenwhenyouwouldloveasleepin,thankyoufor supportingourpassions,thankyoufortakingusto training, and an extra big thank you for giving us an opportunity to strive for success in our loved sports.”saidKumar.

And when asked about her time within the Academy, “I've learned invaluable lessons and gained significant experiences, A few of my favourites have been the sport psychology sessions,teambondingdaysandspeedtraining.”

Kumar however wasn't the only athlete called upon to take part in the Civic Reception, with fellow Camden Indigenous netball athlete Lilli Nakhoul acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land to welcome all to the event.

A stirring presentation that set a respectful tone for the evening, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and recognition of Indigenousheritage.

Throughout the reception, each of the 92 Camden-based athletes, coach and support staff from within the Academy's twelve sporting and support programs were proudly acknowledgedbyMayorCagney.

A captivating athlete Q&A panel followed the presentations, which featured athletes Kaitlin Kumar (Basketball), Lilli Nakhoul (Netball), Libby Newcombe (Golf), and Andrew Northdurfter(WestsFutureStars-Swimming).

All four further sharing their insights, experiences, and challenges encountered throughout their Academy journeys. Their stories resonating with all in attendance reflecting on the resilience and determination inherentinpursuingexcellenceinsports.

As the event drew to a close, the resounding applause amplified the amount of pride and admirationfeltfortheAcademy,andCamden's latestsportingambassadors.

Photos:

Page Opposite:

This Page: Top to Bottom: Netball Umpires, Softball, Triathlon, Volleyball.

Page Over: Top to Bottom: Wests Future Stars, Coach and Support Staff, Kaitlin Kumar with Alley Pritchard, and the Athlete Panel.

Top to Bottom: Left to Right: (with Mayor Ashleigh Cagney and SWSAS Chairperson Peter Campbell; 3x3 Basketball, AFLW, Basketball, Golf, Hockey, Indigenous Athlete Program, Netball.

Wollondilly Welcomes Regions Best

The Wollondilly Shire Council played host to it's 32 locally-based Academy Athletes, coach and support staff in late March, with the annual Mayoral Reception taking place at the Tahmoor SportsGround.

With the new sports centre opening in late 2023, thereceptionwasheraldedasthefirstmajorevent held in the precinct, apart from its official opening inAugustlastyear.

WollondillyShireMayorMattGould(Picturedbelow with CEO Gerry Knights), was excited to show off the new ‘digs', which is fast becoming a popular centre for local sport in Wollondilly. And a centre that Academy CEO Gerry Knights sighted as a place with potential for the Academy's southern sportingpopulation.

When recognising the sporting prowess that currently exists in Wollondilly, Knights also expressed a keen interest in continuing to work with the Council to continue to talent identify and grow opportunities for the next generation of Wollondilly athletes, as they themselves set their sights on the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games and beyond.

Academy athletes AJ Coles (Wests Future StarsBaseball),ChloeHoogenboom(Netball),andDaniel McDonald (BMX) provided those present with a crazy insight into their sports pathway, as well as howthelocalcouncilhasbeenabletosupporttheir sporting journey through the support Council providestheAcademy.

Jade Dabrowski (3x3 Basketball) then provided a thank-you speech on behalf of the athletes, given via video, in light of her unable to be present due to an overseas basketball tournament she was competingin.

Bingara Gorge Metro Committed to Build Academy Netball Dreams

Bingara Gorge Metro are very proud to again support the South West Sydney Academy of Sport’s netball program for the third year running.

The 2024 Bingara Gorge Netball Squad features an impressive array of 27 highly talented 15-16yr old female athletes, and an impressive 10 netball umpires from across the South West Sydney region.

The squad has been participating in strength & conditioning and sport education development over the summer and are looking forward to getting back on the training court in preparation for the Yourlocalclub Regional Academy Games to be held in Wagga Wagga in April.

To help celebrate Bingara Gorge Metro's ongoing commitment to building the dreams of the South West Sydney Academy of Sport Netball squad, Bingara Gorge Metro Property is offering a $10k rebate off the land price.

Athletes Shown That Its All Up To You

In early March, The Academy Bingara Gorge Netball and Umpires squad attended the two-day Regional Academies Camp, hosted by Netball NSW, in preparation for the upcoming ClubsNSW RegionalAcademyGames.

Join with us as one of our camp attendees, athlete Gabbi Arena shares with us her review of the camp, which focused on inspiring the athletes to, “Beyou,Doyou,Foryou.”

Thiscampgoesovertwodayswhereall11Regional Academies of Sport, plus the Sydney Netball Academy, come to Netball Central and participate inaweekendlong-camp.

On the first day of the camp we did training in groups mixed with girls from other academies. This involved specialist work with Netball NSW coaches, speed, agility, elevation and multi directional movement training with Renell Hobson and her team from Academy Of Sport Speed and Agility, and a workshop on body confidence from LizzieWelbornandKaManaCommunity.

First day of camp, I had mixed feelings. I was reallyexcited,butalsoabitnervous-Notsomuch aboutthecamornotknowingwhattoexpect,asI attended the year before, but more so in meeting thenewgirls.

I hadn’t been able to attend an Academy training session yet this year, as I had been selected as a train-onplayerwiththeNSWU17StateSquad,who alsotrainedatthesametimeinpreparationforthe NationalChampionships.

SoIwasexcitedtomeetallthenewathletesinthe team when I arrived at Netball Central, where I waited outside with a few teammates for the rest oftheteamtoarrive.

AtRASiCamp,wehavetowalkinasanAcademy, which is really cool. Once everyone arrived, our coaches Lisa (Filby) and Sam (Garrido) checked that everyone was there and then we started to head inside. Walking up the ramp to Netball Central with your whole team has a much better feeling than walking in by yourself. You feel so muchmoreconfidentandkeentogetstarted.

When we walked down the stairs inside we went over to Show Court to find our area in the grandstand. We always sit in the same spot, right at the end using the top half of the seats. We all foundaseatandputourbelongingsdownandour coachesgaveusacolouredstickerwithourname, group and a letter. These were for when we split up into our training groups so everyone knew wheretheyweregoingandwhatgrouptheywere in.

And with over 350 athletes there, being able to identify your group throughout the day kind of helps.

After putting our stickers onto our singlets, we went over to the other side of the Show Court to watch a Q&A interview that featured Super Netball League GWS Giants players Amy Sligar and Sam Winders. (Fun Fact: Amy is a former South West Sydney Academy athlete, so I made madesureIpaidcloserattention!)

TheQ&Awasveryinterestingasweheardabout bothoftheirnetballjourneys.Theinterestingpart for me is that both of them are in the same team, butbothofthemwentdownverydifferentpaths togetthere.

After the Q&A Mardi Aplin, (Netball NSW GM of PerformanceandPathways)explainedtouswhat our stickers meant and told us what court each groupneededtobeon.

Iwasonshowcourtdoingmidcourtdefencewith

two Netball NSW coaches. The specialist groups were mixed and consisted of two to three people from each academy. I was lucky to have three teammatesinmygroup.Westartedoffbydoing a warm up as a big group then we got split in half.

The first group did two on one defence and the second group did defence on circles edge. We did an hour in each group then switched. The court session was really helpful, I learnt some reallygoodthings.Afterthespecialistsessionwe had a short break to eat some food and refill drinkbottles.

Once the break ended, my group went up to Courts 4 & 5 to do the speed, agility, elevation andmultidirectionalmovementtraining.

This session was so much fun. When we got to the courts we got split into four groups. My group startedwithmultidirectionalmovementtraining.

We did short and sharp combinations that had some short sprints, jumping, and changes of direction. We rotated groups and this coach was doing elevation and sprinting combos. This drill helped with our elevation, landing and sprinting whichareallveryhelpfulinnetball.

After the elevation drills, we rotated to the next coach,whodidrepetitiverunningwithus.Thisdrill consisted of running to a certain spot on the court and back, and we would do about eight reps on each run so lots of changing direction in this session.

Notonlydidwejustrunupanddownthecourt,we had to focus on changing direction quickly, deceleratingthenaccelerating.

When we rotated to the last session we did sprinting off of a different starting position. For example, we would start facing sideways and do “fastfeet”andsprinttoamarktheyhadplaced.

Overall, the speed, agility, elevation and multi directional movement training was very fun and I enjoyedit.Afterthatwehadanotherbreak,which was longer and allowed us to fuel up and rehydrate.

The final thing we did for the day was the workshop on body confidence presented by Lizzie WelbornfromKaManaCommunity.

Lizzie’s workshop helped girls build confidence in theirownamazingbodiesandinthemselves.Itwas so fun and engaging to play the kahoot hear from her own personal experiences with body confidence. It is safe to say that day one of RASi Camp was a great day filled with lots of learning andfunexperiences.

Day two of camp started the same as day one, meet and wait outside, and walk in as an Academy.

However this time, we waited in the foyer to get our dresses. Something that a netballer always looksforwardtoo,asthissymbolisesitsyourtime toplay.

Once we had our netball dresses we walked downstairs and sat in the same seats as yesterday and put our bags down. We then got placed into one of two South West Sydney teams and did our prehab program in our team. I was luckytobeplacedinTeamOne.

Team two played first so we went to go and watch. It was so much fun watching our Academy girls play. At half time of Team Two’s game,weheadeduptoourcourttoplayourfirst game. We did our warm up and we were feeling readytoplay.

And a huge congratulations to our Bingara Gorge Netball Umpires, Chelsea Sirec, Sienna Barrett, and Tanisha Saba, who were each awarded their National C Badge during the Netball NSW RASi Camp.

It felt amazing to play with this team, and it felt even more amazing to get a first up win. A Great waytostarttheday!

Over the day we played 8 games and our team did really well. It was a great way to figure out combos and try new plays with this team. After allthegameshadendedwedidanotherQ&A.

We look forward to seeing each of these three wonderful umpire-stars on the court in the near future as they continue to control the game and ‘own the sideline’ .

This time it was with NSW Swifts players Paige Hadley and Maddy Proud (Pictured below). They also told us about their netball journeys and how they are enjoying the Swifts preparation for the yearahead. ofar.

After the Q&A, we were free to head home, rest up and do recovery. The Netball NSW Regional Academies Camp was an amazing experience and I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot and met new people,andIcannotwaittoheadofftorepresent SouthWestattheAcademyGames.

-GabbiArena

Gabbi,asasecond-yearathletewithintheBingaraGorgeNetball program,howhastheAcademyhelpedyouinyourjourneysofar?

SWSAS has provided a wonderful opportunity to play with talented athletes and develop my individual skills. It has also prepared me for tournament style play and the educationsessionshavebeenveryvaluable.

You have been fortunate enough to be selected as a training partner with Sutherland in the Premier League. What is it like being a training partner with a Premier LeagueNetballTeam?

Being a training partner for premier league is amazing. I love training with the girls, they are all so talented and have such good knowledge of the game and I love being in that environment. Being a training partner pushes me to really work hard and fight for game time as that’s not guaranteed as a TP. But, I love a good challenge and I love putting in the work.

Inyourpersonalopinion,whatarethekeyqualitiesorattributesofanathlete thatcanmaximiseperformance?

Forme,it’sallabouttheonepercenters.Doingrecovery,eatingproperly, sleepingwell,havingselfcontrol,beingdisciplinedareallkeyqualities youneedtohavetobeanathlete.

How do you prepare yourself for big matches, and keep yourselfmotivatedthroughsetbacks,challengesetc?

Visualisation is a huge help, it lets me focus on a certainaspectofthegamebeforesteppingontothe court.

I envisage myself doing a particular movement so thatitismuchsmootherduringthegame.Ialsodoa lot of game analysis and watch back games. In addition, I watch what I consume the day before. I always eat pasta the night before I play, this is a mixture of habit and I know that it supports the amountofenergyIwillhaveforthegame.

Regarding setbacks, I always say that, 'Your comebackwillbegreaterthanyoursetback',tonot let there be any form of barrier to your rehabilitation.

Asanexample,Ididmykneeandwasoffthecourt for three months, I still attended training so that I couldstaywiththerhythmoftheteamandsustain thatrelationshipwithmyteammates.

Whodoyouadmiremost,andwhy?

ThepersonIadmiremostismyyoungerbrother.(who,at15playssoccerinItalyfor Pescara) Hehasshownmethathardworkreallydoespayoffandthatifyouwant something,youwilldoanythingittakestomakeithappen.Hehasalsoshownmehow importantitistobeagoodathletebutalsoagoodperson.

Whatareyourlong-termaspirationsandgoalswithin Netball?

IwouldlovetoplayfortheGiantsasthathas been a dream of mine since 4 year old me startednetball.Iwouldalsolovetoplayforthe DiamondsandrepresentAustraliaintheOlympics, thatwouldbeamazing.Mostimportantly,Iwant toinspireyoungathletestolovethegameandI lookforwardtobeingacoachinthefuturetoo.

ACADEMY CHAPLAIN KEY TO FCA 360 AUSTRALIA LAUNCH

The Academy would like to extend its congratulations to our very own sports chaplain, Rev. Jim Dayhew (pictured), who was inaugurated as the Executive Director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Australia in mid-February.

This announcement results in Jim working fulltime for FCA 360 Sports Australia, which will result in him being able to pursue new opportunities to service the South West Sydney AcademyofSport.

"FCA 360 Sports is an extension of the international arm of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which firmly has its roots within the United States school, collegiate and professional sporting environments”, said Dayhew, who expressed his excitement in seeing an Australian-based entity come to fruition.

“It is exciting to see FCA take hold here in Australia, with its strong foundation to serve the south west and grow across Sydney and Australia”,saidDayhew.

Whilst founded on Christian principles and carries the name, Dayhew is also quick to point outthatitisnotallaboutreligion.

"FCA's mission, whilst one founded on discipleship, focused on equipping, empowering and engaging coaches and athletes within their local sporting communities, providing the encouragementandsupportforthemtogrowin their faith, and support them through challengesfaceddaytoday.”saidDayhew.

A sentiment that fits perfectly with that of the Academy and focus through it’s athlete wellbeingandsupportprograms.

“The Academy takes a holistic approach towardsprovidingsupportandwellbeingacross theathlete-parentandcoachrelationshipatall levels.”saidCEOGerryKnights.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Jim and FCA Australia to provide our athletes with support in the areas they most need it. And by providing them the off-field supportclosertohome.”addedKnights.

Make sure you keep a close eye out at upcoming training sessions as Jim aka ‘The Chap’ checks in on our sport programs and athletes.

Recently, I had a uniquely proud sports parentingmomentwithmy8-year-olddaughter. Itwasn’tscoringagoalorwinninganaward;it was noticing her teammates. After one practice,shesharedwithme,“Hannah’skicking has really improved.” This seemingly innocuous comment might seem like a small and insignificant comment from an eight-year-old. But it’s rare and different for an athlete today toreallynoticeothers,andittooksomeworkto gettothispoint.Letmeexplain.

Just think about conversations with your own kids after practices or games; the conversation is usually centered around them. How was practicetodayforyou?Didyouhavefun?How did you do? What did you learn? There’s nothing horribly wrong with these types of questions. In fact, I think it’s great to check in with our kids on what they are enjoying, learning,andstrugglingwith.

Except when these are the only questions we ask, we keep the focus on them. Everything is about them: their experience, their enjoyment, andtheirimprovement.

Even if they are in a more individualistic sport like tennis, cross-country, or golf, the majority of our children are participating in a team or group setting. And our children influence that environment with how they show up and the typeofteammateandleadertheyare.

Afewmonthsago,Ibecameawareanduneasy with how much of the conversation with my daughter was about her, not the team. So I decided to make a shift as a sports parent. I decidednottomakeitallaboutmychild.

Recently, I shared this shift in an interview on the Athlete Maestro Podcast when asked, “What’s my number one piece of advice for sports parents?” My answer was, “It’s not all about your child.” As a basketball coach, this was obvious to me, as I had a responsibility for the team’s experience, development, and performance, along with fifteen individuals. As aparent,thisislessobvious.

As parents, we can fall into the trap of believing our sole responsibility is to our child andnooneelse.

Not so. As I share in my book, The Sports Parent Solution, coaches need to help parents feel connected to the team (the other athletes and players), so they are more likely to support theteam.

As a sports parent, I have become aware not only of my responsibility to support the team (not just my child) but also to help all my children take responsibility for their impact on theteam.

To help them become good teammates and leaders. Rather than just lecturing my children about the importance of being a good teammate, I’ve tried to help them shift their mindset—tostarttonoticeandthinkofothers.

So instead of peppering my children with the same traditional questions after every practice about how things are going for them, I’ve shiftedmyfocustoaskingaboutotherkidsand theteam.

What did you notice about the team today? Whatdidtheteamdowell?Howistheteam gettingbetter?

Who on the team is playing well at the moment? Who is improving? What are you noticingabouthimorher?

What did you do to help a teammate or coach today? Who might need your help nextpractice?Howcanyouhelpthem?

Is there a teammate who might be feeling leftout?Howcanyouincludethemormake themfeelvalued?

What teammate did you enjoy playing with the most today? What makes them a good teammate?

By asking these questions, you help your child focus more on their teammates, the team, and their influence. You’ll foster a more selfless mindset, and they are more likely to find opportunitiestolead.

Aresportsparentsgettinginthewayof yourteam’ssuccess?

Ifyou’restrugglingwithtoday’ssports parents,youarenotalone.

Headlineslikefollowingarecommon:

-HowParentsareRuiningSports

-SportsParents,WeHaveaProblem

-TheNightmareSportsParent

TheSportsParentsSolutiongivesyouthe strategiesandmethodsyouneedto transformtheparentcultureinyourteam, allowingyoutobettersupporteach athlete’sgrowth,improveyourteam’s performance,createanextraordinary experienceforallinvolved—andtakeyour programtoawholenewlevel.

TheLastPlay

Early March saw our Hockey squad head to Tamworth for a combined hockey camp with North Coast and Northern Inland Academies of Sport. As a part of their training program, athletes were taught the importance of proper early-morning stretching (and yoga) after a hard previous dayonthefield.Wereckontheywerejust lookingforthatlittlebitofextrasleep-in.

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DatesfortheDiary:

2024 ClubsNSW ‘Your Local Club’ RegionalAcademyGames

WaggaWagga,NSW

12-14April,2024

‘Komatsu’ South West Sydney Academy3x3CorporateCup

ThomasHassallAnglicanCollege

Friday19April,2024

CampbelltownCivicReception

CampbelltownArtsCentre

Thursday16May,2024

LiverpoolCivicReception

CasulaPowerhouseArtsCentre

Thursday6June,2024

27th Annual Sport Awards and GraduationDinner

TheCube,Campbelltown

Friday16August,2024

UAAIndigenousTalentIDDay TBD

Friday23August,2024

South West Sydney Academy CorporateGolfChallenge CampbelltownGolfClub

Friday15November,2024