SWSAS News | Second Edition 2022

2022 ACADEMY GAMES

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SWSAS GOLF DAY RETURNS

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Interactive Academy Magazine

OUR PARA-SWIMMING SUPERSTARS

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swsas.org.au

SWSAS News Welcome to the Second 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.

We hope you enjoy reading this latest edition which includes The Academy's Wagga wRap, exciting new partnership announcements, getting to know our athletes, sponsorship offers, community engagement and much more...

WHAT'S NEW? Take advantage of the many sponsor promotions and offers avaiable exlusively to SWSAS News readers.

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

yes it's interactive!

No need to lick your finger to turn the page, this magazine has dozens of clickable links that will help enhance your reading experience.

Wow, what an exciting few months it has been for the Academy.

Our sports programs have expanded to include four age and gender specific, Volleyball teams within our Volleyball program.

We have inducted a wide range of additional talent identified athletes from across a number of sports, into our individual athlete Wests Future Stars program.

And have seen many of our current, and recent athletes gain NSW, junior Australian and Australian selection.

Plus, we have been fortunate to have three new high-profile sponsors come on board.

In our most recent edition, we identified the internal excitement generated by the 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.

And it is 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 NSW Institute of Sport and State Sporting Organisation pathway development opportunities.

This cannot be achieved without the support of quality coaches, to analyse the individual, identify strengths and current weaknesses, offer advice, and facilitate learning.

The Academy, along with its fellow independent NSW Regional Academies, see our coaching staff members as the ‘foundation,’ for everything else we individually, and jointly wish to achieve.

This could have not been demonstrated more strongly, than with the development and presentation of the fully funded opportunity for our coaches to attend, the inaugural ‘NSW Regional Academies of Sport Coaching Conference,’ staged over the 6 to 8 May weekend, at Mingara and the Crown Plaza, Terrigal.

The Academy appreciates that many of its coaching staff also support our local associations and clubs. And recognises that Academy coach development has an internal and external athlete and coach development benefit.

These opportunities for athlete and coach development are provided due to the support of many individuals and organisations, including our own highly industrious and committed staff members, and many valued corporate partners.

Including our new corporate partners Steadfast, Underwriting Agencies Australia (UAA) and Bingara Gorge – Metro.

And current Academy partners the Campbelltown Catholic Club our ‘Naming Rights Partner’ and ‘Platinum Partner’ SOUTH32. Plus, our local Councils and all of our highly supportive corporate, supporter, who continue to assist and encourage us during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its many challenges.

Gerry Knights CEO

Image Below: The South West Admin Team. CEO Gerry Knights, Admin Assistant Catarina Di Ramio, Sport Program Manager Daniel Currinckx and Operation and Media Coordinator Stephen Craig

Wagga wRap South West Style The atmosphere at the 2022 ClubsNSW 'Your Local Club' Regional Academy Games held in Wagga Wagga April 8-10 was electric, and to say the least, our South West Sydney athletes had an absolutely amazing time cheering on their fellow academy athletes, bringing home a few medals along the way, but most importantly, memories and friendships that can last a life time.

Read on to see how each Academy sport faired during the 'Games.

BASKETBALL Wagga ’22 was a huge ClubsNSW 'Your Local Club' Academy Games this year for our Sharp Extensive I.T. Basketball Squad, and our largest South West contingent of athletes this year. Our basketball squad found themselves competing across four teams, at three different venues across Wagga Wagga – a logistical challenge in itself.

Adding to this challenge was the Squad relocating its accommodation to Albury, and commuting in each morning for the ‘Games.

Despite these challenges, tall athletes showed great improvement throughout the course of the weekend, navigating each 'crossover' as they came along the way.

There were some wins and losses throughout the games, as each athlete fought through to add something new to their skill bank. But no doubt some of the biggest wins came from the squad bonding over long bus rides with many making friends for life in the process.

Special thanks must go to athletes Sam Timbs, Jasper Buchanan, Kristian Downie and coach Darren Buchanan who also stepped in and assisted refereeing during the Games. Along with our two “full time” referees in Koby Banks and Brittany Anderson. SWSAS ended up providing referee coverage on one-third of the total Games throughout the weekend – a solid effort from our program, and second only to host association Wagga Wagga.

The event could not have been possible without our squad manager Sue Paulic, who took care of the catering for all athletes and staff, including making sandwiches on both days for ALL athletes and hungry coaching staff! (Well over 100 sandwiches in total) Fortunately Sue was able to seconder some additional help from highly experienced NSW programs manager Deb Banks.

GOLF What a weekend for our Academy ‘Campbelltown Golf Club’ Golf squad, with South West Sydney Academy of Sport taking out the Team's Event win and Priya Singh taking out the overall Female win!

We were very proud to see some outstanding achievements for a number of individuals who played above and beyond their own expectations and grew from being a part of the Academy Games experience.

All of our athletes put in a fantastic effort and made the Academy so very proud. It is great to see programs such as golf, where normally individual athletes are able to come together as a team and achieve great results together.

With the Wagga Wagga PCYC expected to be completed later this year, Basketball is already looking forward to playing in a new stadium at next year’s event.

There was some great team bonding along the way with fellow Academy athletes, which shows great inclusiveness across all Academy programs.

Our Golf squad now continue their training and preparations as athletes strive for selection into the JNJGF North v South Cup, as well as prepare to take on all-comers at the SWSAS Golf Day! What better opportunity to not only meet our Regional Academy Games Golf Team Champions, but also have a hit against the South West Best!

Teams Scratch Winners = SWSAS Zain Kadir, Zackie Kadir, Priya Singh, Noah Graham Girls Nett Winner = Priya Singh with commendable performances from Ayden, Noah, Zackie, Zain, Braxton, Archie, Megan and Joey

The squad enjoyed the opportunity to travel alongside the Academy’s Netball program throughout the weekend which added to the Academy village environment.

A huge shout out to our squad coaches Nathanael Stewart and Michelle Lewthwaite, who put their hand up in helping the Academy renew one of its favourite, and longest running sports in 2022. Without you guys, we would not be where we are today, so we thank you and we know the athlete’s do as well.

We look forward to what our program can bring as we look ahead to Wagga ’23.

NETBALL

HOCKEY #gutsy#honourable#united are all the words that come to mind when looking back on the weekend for our Club Menangle Hockey athletes.

It was our Academy’s first year back with a full boys squad competing in the ClubsNSW 'Your Local Club' Academy Games since 2019, and our Hockey athletes gave it everything.

With our girl's Charlotte Manny and Amanda Condon playing hard for Hunter Academy of Sport and the boys running themselves off their feet over the three days of strong interAcademy competition, it is very easy to say the Academy and especially our esteemed Hockey-mad CEO Gerry Knights was incredibly proud.

With the HAS girls taking out 4th and the SWSAS boys coming 6th the squad was an absolute joy to have around on tour. With Motel shenanigans, bus beats and lively characters among the bunch there was always a laugh to be had.

This year at the ClubsNSW 'Your Local Club' Academy Games our Bingara Gorge Netballers put on a stunning show at the recently built Equex Centre.

With only one team competing at this year’s event, our squad started their Division 1 campaign flat out with a fiery draw with Western Sydney Academy of Sport.

With development the aim of this year’s 'Games, the athletes really lapped up the opportunity given to them to learn, and grow from the competition experiences, in the strong competitive environment.

Our two Netball umpires, Piper Steed and Hannah Green also relished in the opportunity to umpire the high level of competition, with Hannah successful in gaining her National B Umpires Badge.

And a special mention to Janita LeotaBrown who was selected by her peers as the SWSAS MVP, and included into the Academy Games merit team.

A Huge shout out and thanks must go to our coaching staff for leading the way alongside squad managers, Jan Cleary and Jenny Corbett for providing the goods in managing the kitchen and many media requirements.

And a big thank you to our Physiotherapists from Movement Essentials for keeping our athletes in top shape before and after matches.

The girls teamed up with Hockey on the bus this year and had a blast supporting each other along the way.

TRIATHLON Our Triathlon squad was missing a few of their SWSAS family for the Games, including athletes and coaches this year, due to a mix of COVID close contacts, injuries and longplanned family vacations; yet in true triathlon spirit they all soldiered on and raced their hearts out the entire weekend.

A gutsy effort from Kade Burgess who failed to let himself succumb to the icy waters of Wagga’s Lake Albert on Day 1, and a tremendous performance from Joel Skipper, who finished just one solitary spot shy of the podium were definitely highlights from this never-say-die squad.

Including a big effort from Will Carter, who only recently passed his “draft-legal” requirements to compete in the event proved to be a fantastic send-off Games for Ryan Carter who we have proudly seen grow over the past five years in the Academy.

A Big shout out to Coaches Thomas Hine and Caitlin Sendt who took the reins of the squad for the weekend with Head Coach David Hine unable to attend. Whilst we know David was gutted to not be there we know he was proud of Thomas and Caitlin, both former SWSAS athletes who are helping guide the way for the next generation of our Academy Triathletes.

VOLLEYBALL Wagga ’22 was Indoor Volleyball’s first venture into the ClubsNSW 'Your Local Club' Academy Games, and haven’t they really made their presence known!

The atmosphere at the Games was electric, and to say the least, our South West athletes had an absolutely amazing time cheering on their fellow academy athletes.

The volleyball squad certainly taking out the cultural award, with their presence known both on and off the court. In between games it was not hard to find the 'South West Squad', often playing pickup basketball games on the outdoor courts at the Riverina Anglican College, whilst blasting music from their many speakers.

Not to mention taking over the (at times flaming) BBQ at the Wagga RSL Hotel, ensuring that all Academy programs were not only well fed, but gained an appreciation of what it means to be “South West”.

But it was the on court action that showed how tight our teams had become in such a short space of time. The Academy Senior Boys ‘A’ team representing themselves and their region well, bringing home the Gold Medal, winning the final against our good friends (and great rivals) Illawarra Academy of Sport.

The Junior Boys were not to be overshadowed by their older team-mates, also bringing home Gold, again against Illawarra.

Our Junior girls finished a close second (you guessed it, against Illawarra), and our Senior Boys ‘shadow ‘squad put up possibly one of the best games of volleyball ever seen against Hunter Academy of Sport in closing out their tournament.

Yet it is the comradery and culture of this program that keeps being talked about, with the volleyball squad keen to share their achievements and stories with fellow Academy athletes.

Including at the Yass truck-stop on the way home, happily showing off and sharing their new 'bling' with the Academy’s basketball squad.

The squad though were obviously not too tired after their weekend of competition, with several players spotted chasing furiously behind the Brighton’s coach as it departed Yass. Only to find that Basketball had played probably the biggest practical joke of the Games!

This is just the beginning of what has been a major development in the pathways for local Volleyball athletes in NSW, and we can't wait to see the heights it reaches.

Join with us as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary Graduation and Sports Awards Dinner, hosted by our Naming Rights Partner Campbelltown Catholic Club

Bingara Shoots Goals for Academy Netball

Metro Property Development (Metro) and its local Bingara Gorge development have announced its support of the South West Sydney Academy of Sport, through its corporate sponsorship of the Academy’s Netball program.

The Academy Netball program draws athletes from one of the largest sporting groups within the region. The program comprising of twenty talent identified female athletes aged between 15 and 16 years of age, and five similarly identified young umpires are selected from the representative associations of Wollondilly, Campbelltown, Camden, and Liverpool.

Jeff Atkinson, Project Director at Metro Property Development stated that Metro, the parent developer of Bingara Gorge in Sydney’s south west, is a community minded company which see’s excellent value in supporting its local community through opportunities such as this, in the areas it develops. Atkinson said, “Sport plays an important part in shaping young minds and helps lay the foundations for success later in life”.

And he recognises that over the past 25 the Academy has done an outstanding our region, by creating a flagship organisation, focused on fostering talent.

years, job in sports young

Many of the Academy’s Netball athletes have achieved incredible success both personally and professionally, ‘on and off’ the court, as a direct result of the holistic skill development and sports education approach adopted at the Academy.

current State programs, and two in National squads. And in future years, we expect to continue to develop even more representative athletes.

None more recently than at the Australian 17U and 19U National Netball Championships held in Hobart, where former Academy Athletes Erin and Kiara Bloor were a part of the NSW 19U side, with current scholarship holder Neveah Matenga forming a key part of the NSW 17U side, with all three girls returning home as National Champions.

Add to this the recent involvement of a host of current and former Academy Coaching and Support staff who were a part of the Tongan National Team that won the Pacific Nations Cup, held in Sydney, and the pathway from grassroots to state and national representation fast begins to form.

And Metro Development is a strong advocate for creating communities that place an emphasis on health and wellbeing, by providing hundreds of hectares of wide-open spaces for recreational and sports pursuits, within its varied developments.

"The partnership support provided by Metro will assist with camps, education seminars, academy games participation and specialist coaching,” said Academy CEO, Gerry Knights Who continued by saying, “Inclusive of graduates and current athletes, the Academy has two athletes competing at the Suncorp Super Netball level, an additional three at the NSW Swifts and Giants Academy level, five in

To have two of our former head coaches in Jacqua Pori Makea Simpson (Head Coach, Pictured), Jo Morgan (Assistant Coach) and current head coach Van Nguyen (Head Physio) head up the Tongan campaign, along with past athletes Tina Mosca (Primary carer) and Lesieli Moala (player) a part of Tongan’s success in the Pacific Cup speaks volumes about the reach and potential of our Netball squad.

The Academy focuses on building a holistic athlete, by providing education seminars and specialist coaches, including mind experts to assist players both on and off the field.

We are excited to be partnering with such quality organisation’s such as Bingara Gorge and the Metro Development Group.

Organisations that are focused on developing not only themselves but the local community around them, and also share the values and goals of our own Academy.

And we look forward to continuing to grow our relationship, and the Academy, in a similar high-quality way, as Bingara Gorge and Metro.”

VOLLEYBALL TAKE OVER

PODIUM AT ACADEMY GAMES The South West Sydney Academy of Sport was delighted to see our Volleyball squad make the Local, South West Voice paper from their performance at the 2022 Local Academy Games in Wagga Wagga. Their efforts during training sessions and results in performance were truely outstanding and they should be very proud of what they have achieved, as are we.

'Local volleyballers put on an impressive performance at their first ever regional academy games.

The South West Sydney Academy of Sport volleyball squad finished with two gold medals and a second and fifth placing at the 2022 games held in Wagga Wagga. Two senior boys, a junior boys and girls teams represented our local academy. Coaches David Toomalatai, Francis Nanai Ah-Kin and manager Rod Hardwick were in charge of the teams.

The senior boys top team defeated Illawarra academy in the final to win the gold medal. Not to be outdone, the junior boys side also defeated Illawarra in the final to win the gold medal. South West Sydney junior girls volleyball team finished second after going down to the Illawarra side in the final.

The senior boys shadow team finished fifth in their competition, falling short of a finals berth in a thrilling showdown with the Hunter academy side. “The boys played hard. There was a bit of friendly banter between the squads prior to the match, but as soon as the side walked onto the court, our side went about their business in a clinical display of sheer power and athleticism,” says academy sport program manager Daniel Currinckx about the gold medal effort from the senior boys' South West Voice

G N I M M I SW ERSTARS

& L L I L L E I N DA H T I M S N E D KA

SUP

The 2022 Australian Para-Swimming Championships kicked off in Adelaide from the 9th – 13th of April with two of our Wests Future Stars Para-Athlete’s, Daniel Lill and Kaden Smith.

Both athletes had outstanding performances across multiple disciplines, and it is safe to say their hard work paid off. It is always exciting and humbling to see our athletes succeed and be able to share their experience so it was most fitting to allow both Daniel and Kaden share it in their own words.

DANIEL LILL

Why is Swimming Important to you?

Daniel "It's a sport I like to do with my FRIENDS, and to HONOUR one of my COACHES who sadly got cancer and passed away and he was only 27 years old"

Kaden "Swimming is important to me as it keeps me FIT and HEALTHY and it is what I LOVE to do. Swimming is my life."

What Emotions did you face during the leadup and throughout the Competition?

Daniel "My emotions [were], when I [had] done something really good in my swimming, I [would] get HAPPY with myself and keep IMPROVING, to get BETTER." Kaden "The emotions I faced was CALMNESS and EXCITEMENT leading up to the competition and before my first race I was a bit NERVOUS. During the competition I felt HAPPINESS when I PB'[d] and came 6th in Australia in 50m backstroke. I also felt angry with myself when I had a bad race. I kept my COOL by listening to MUSIC, music CALMS me "

How did you prepare yourself in the lead up to the 2022 Australian Para-Swimming Championships?

Daniel I get into the ZONE by listening to my MUSIC. I train 6 DAYS a week for 1 hour sessions and some LAND TRAINING at home. And talking to my COACHES and watching and cheering my other TEAM MATES. Kaden "I trained 7 times a week with my SQUAD, then did a couple of extra swim sessions by MYSELF, as well as GYM and PHYSIO sessions. I did not have to give up anything as swimming already takes up a lot of TIME. Listening to MUSIC helped me stay in the ZONE"

Who was part of your Support Team at the Championships?

KADEN SMITH

Daniel "It was my COACHES, my TEAM MATES, my PARENTS and the people who were WATCHING me. And all the best wishes from my CLUB MATES and their parents and even my school TEACHERS. It felt like I was at the PARALYMPICS" Kaden "My support team was my MUM, my COACHES and other Campbelltown SWIMMERS who were there. "

What are some of your goals for your Swimming Career heading into the Future?

Daniel "My goal is to be in the PARALYMPICS and my career is to be a swimming COACH with PARA SWIMMERS and ABLE BODY swimmers."

Kaden "My goal for my swimming career is to make it onto the AUSTRALIAN for the OCEANIA VIRTUS GAMES in November THIS YEAR and my ultimate goal is to be a PARALYMPIAN."

Basketball SHARPens Pathway The South West Sydney Academy of Sport itself has a growing number of corporate supporters made up of local business owners who’s support of junior sport is their passion.

And after a COVID challenged couple of years, the support of local businesses is greatly needed to ensure the ongoing success of each Academy program.

On the eve of the 2022 edition of the ClubsNSW 'Your Local Club' Regional Academy Games in Wagga Wagga, the Academy was delighted to announce an additional partner to the family, with Sharp Extensive IT coming on board as sport pathway partners for the basketball program.

Australian based technology company Sharp Extensive IT has a genuine appetite for providing high quality award-winning products and innovation to their customers, commented the Academy's Operation and Media Coordinator, Stephen Craig.

Initially Sharp Extensive IT approached the Academy to review it's copier and phone services. Which itself greatly assisted the Academy to set up and operate a more remote office during the most recent of lockdowns, as well as provide an enhanced printing solution for the office.

As the relationship quickly grew, Sharp Extensive IT, who have a passion for networking through sport, took the opportunity to partner with the Academy.

“Sharp Extensive IT are proud to partner the Academy and its junior athletes as they aim to meet their goals of developing themselves in their respective sporting performance pathways.

Like Sharp Extensive I.T, the Academy is constantly looking to improve the quality of their programs, and grow their extensive network." said Sharp Extensive IT’s key sales manager Joe Psaila, who had the opportunity to meet some of the athletes of the Academy’s basketball program during the recent partnership announcement.

"We are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the Academy and the growth of junior sport within the South West Sydney region.” said Psaila, when learning of their lofty ambitions and hopes for the program ahead.

“Hopefully I can use basketball to help get an education, whether here or in the USA,” said William Timbs, who along with brother Sam, are in their first year with the Academy. And in their second year competing for the Wollondilly Razorbacks. “Basketball is a great sport with lots of opportunity, whether playing coaching or refereeing.”

Fellow Razorback Emily Paulic, also in her first year with the Academy, enjoys challenging herself to get better each and every time she goes on the court.

“Our goal was to win at Academy Games. We have good coaches and good athletes who are training hard” said Paulic.

14 Girls - 7th 14 Boys - 5th 16 Girls - 8th 16 Boys - 8th

RASI COACHING CONFERENCE EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS Close to 130 Coach and sport program support staff from the Regional Academies of Sport (RASi) NSW network undertook the opportunity to attend a high-performing coaches conference on the Central Coast over the weekend of May 7-8.

SWSAS was strongly represented by a collective of coaches, administration staff, and special guest coaches including the immediate-past Head Coach of the Australian National Futsal Team, Rob Varela, and past Academy Triathlon supercoach Guy Creber.

"The 2022 Regional Academies of Sport Coaching Conference was an exceptional event." said Creber, who is utilising his undertaking of a Master's in High Performance Coaching, to work alongside the Academy staff in its review and development of its coaching structures and pathways.

"All presentations and commentary from eminent coaches, athletes and sport organisation CEO's and consultants were informative and insightful.

The conference break out sessions also provided a wonderful opportunity for coaches to mingle and engage in discussion with fellow coaches and the various presenters. It was wonderful to listen to and touch base with the many Olympic athletes and coaches, along with NSWIS High Performance staff such as Sean Eadie and Spencer Goggin for example." said Creber.

"The conference was certainly a great experience being able to share information with other coaches", said Academy Head Basketball Coach Stephen Craig. "Being able to share and discuss your own coaching challenges, successes and failures experiences with elite coaches from not only team but individual sports created an incredible atmosphere where all coaches had no option to sit there and have an 'ah-ha' moment.

There was a wealth of sharing of ideas and information amongst the collective group of coaches that will no doubt shape each Academies coaching pathways for the future.

"As BMX racing coaches we generally don’t get to see a lot of professional development opportunities come our way. The RASi conference was an opportunity to meet with fellow BMX coaches, coaches from other sport disciplines and listen to a range of great guest speakers." said Academy coaches Cara Wilde and Dan Morris, who added; "BMX is reasonably new to most other regional academies, with only Western Sydney and Illawarra having programs that are still in their early infancy.

Being able to meet with the BMX coaches of these other Academies meant that we were able to share some common goals and how as a sport we could best go around supporting and developing our athletes.

"Representatives from NSWIS gave us a great insight into the pathways that they have in place for a range of sports and how they would like to see athletes developed in order to get there, the former and current athletes were able to shed light on what it takes to get to that level, the little 1% effort areas that can always be improved and how we can steer our athletes to success."

Following on from the conference, the Academy is looking forward to continue to work with not only Academy coaching staff, but field experts such as Guy Creber and Rob Varela, and further develop the Academy's coaching pathway and framework into a product that will not only service coaches whilst within the Academy sport programs, but aspiring community coaches within the region's local clubs and associations.

It was also a rare opportunity for us to be able to network amongst a range of other sporting disciplines, where we could share stories and ideas from our own sports, this lead to a notebook full of potential opportunities that we could take back to our own athletes.

The conference provided several panels of distinguished keynote speakers, ranging from athletes, coaches, sport franchise owners and representatives from high performance institutes.

Each speaker was able to give valuable information that we could all take on board.

"SWSAS can provide the missing link in the coaching pathway from grass roots to high performance coaching. We look forward to working with local club's, representative teams, state sporting organisations and fellow regional Academies in the continued growth of coach development" said Academy CEO Gerry Knights.

New Partnership Set to Hit Home Run The Academy is delighted to announce a new sport pathway partner in RBI Australia that has allowed a focus on quality coaching across multiple aspects of the game, and not just on field conditioning or competition.

Narellan-based RBI Australia owner and local baseball identity Matt Redman leapt at the opportunity to partner with not only the Academy’s long-seasoned Softball program, but also with the Academy’s Wests Future Stars program, which boast a number of the regions up and coming baseball athletes.

“RBI Australia has a fully equipped indoor batting and pitching facility in Narellan, which has already proved useful for our softball squad which has moved its training sessions indoors due to the recent wet weather,” said Academy Sport Program Manager Daniel Currinckx. “It seems only apt that when we first visited RBI to discuss the opportunity to partner with the Academy that it was raining.

The partnership with RBI helps provide the Academy’s 17-strong Softball squad with a specialised indoor training facility, providing two lanes of batting cages, allowing the athletes access to hit, or pitch many balls in a relatively short period of time, without having to keep chasing, or running after them on the playing field diamond.

“The ability to train both outside as a team, as well as indoors in specialised positions adds that extra level of professionalism to the program” said Currinckx, who mentioned that gaining access to quality indoor training venues for Academy sports is an ongoing challenge.

“The partnership with RBI has also allowed the Academy the ability to offer our Wests Future Star Baseball athletes the opportunity for a training venue and “cage time” as apart of their program.

This is the value of local business support of the Academy programs.

Already we are seeing athletes such as Adam Bates recording pitches around 85 miles per hour, so being able to provide an environment where he can train at that speed consistently, will only help his goals as he continues to work towards representing Australia,” said Currinckx.

“Softball is undertaking somewhat of a realignment and transition phase amongst the NSW Regional Academies of Sport performance structure at present. The Macarthur and South West Sydney region has a long and proud history within Softball, which makes our decision to remain committed to its future an easy one.

Whether Softball remains an Olympic sport, or a high-performance pathway point to the US collegiate system, we intend to stand our ground so to speak, and continue to develop our region’s best athletes”. Said Academy Sport Programs Manager Daniel Currinckx.

RBI proudly supporting our Softball and Baseball Athletes

In the Spotlight: BMX Road Trip Our BMX Squad hit the road to Wagga Wagga over the weekend of April 21-24. Here is an extract of what our squad got up to over the weekend, in the words of our Squad Manager, Shelly Murphy.

It was an early rise for the BMX squad and parents - meeting at the all too famous Macarthur BMX track excited and roaring to go, we packed the trailer, donated by the Morris family, with our bikes and helmets and the awesome bus, who’s use was donated by the Jonson family, was packed with our riding gear, hair gel and the likes.

With coach Daniel as our trusty driver, were ready to get on the move for Wagga Wagga country!

Our first stop saw us at Goulburn Service Centre where we saw the 'Big Ram' and fuelled the bus up with a solid dose of diesel.

Oh and our bodies with McDonalds with the athletes making great attempts to choose a healthy option for a big day of on and off bike training.

We arrived at Wagga Wagga and had a few athletes volunteer to get some essentials from Woolies with team manager Shelly.

It was great watching the athletes talk about cost vs value & quality, discuss what they wanted vs needed and all pitch in to scan items, pack and pass on items through the checkout.

Some new skills were learnt in self-serve.

We packed the bus and headed straight to Wagga Wagga Multisport Cycling facility where we spent most of the day at the new BMX track.

The athletes were pretty excited to get to be one of the first to use the gate and have so many on-lookers watching on as they showcased their skills.

The track session was followed by a 'HOT yoga' session at Simp-lee Yoga & Massage Centre, which athletes quickly learned it wasnt the hot that they were hoping for! There were many groans during the stretches - some found muscles that they didnt know they had, and one athlete was so relaxed at one point that they feel asleep!

Day Two and the squad headed. back to the Wagga track, where Coach Cara and Coach Dan split the riders into two groups. Coach Dan focused on gates to 2 straight whilst coach Cara looked after 3rd and fourth straight. We kept our energy up with some nice cold cut watermelon and Powerade and other snacks along the way.

We all then regrouped to get some full laps of the track from the 5 metre hill with plenty of on-lookers from the public - the athletes were putting on a great show with many locals wanting to learn their skills and get a cool BMX bike.

We then headed out for an afternoon of sprint sessions at a local park that conveniently “unbeknownst” to the coaches, had a community jump track that the athletes just couldn’t resist having a role around after assistant coach Jye put them through their paces during sprint sessions.

Day Three and Coach Cara got the athletes all tricked up playing a game of traffic lights at the bike education area. Riders had to stop at traffic lights when red without putting their foot down and only go once green, give way to the public, stop at crossings with other complexities. It was a great challenge for the riders.

We then packed the trailer one last time, got changed and found a shady place to park up and enjoy our pre-packed wraps + sandwiches, water, bananas, grapes and cookies then headed home to Macarthur BMX track to meet up with our families.

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16 Girls - 8th 16 Boys - 8th

Golf Day Hole Sponsors

LOCATION: Campbelltown Golf Club, Glen Alpine

TIME: 7:30am Breakfast FORMAT: Four-Ball Ambrose

TEAM ENTRY: $500 per team Individual Entry and Hole Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available INCLUDES: Motorised Golf Cart, Breakfast, and a Corporate Networking Luncheon following the Golf

ACADEMY GOLF DAY SET TO TEE OFF After a two-year vacation due to COVID, it's time to dust of the putter, polish up the driver and practice those golf cart driving skills as the the South West Sydney Academy of Sport returns to the Course for its greatly anticipated Golf Day on Friday 27 May. The day tee's off at Campbelltown Golf Course, home of the Academy's Golf Program, for 18 holes of picturesque Ambrose action, with breakfast from 7am for an 8am shotgun start.

Competing teams have the option to include one of the Academy's Golf squad, who recently won the Teams Event at the 2022 ClubsNSW Your Local Club Regional Academy Games in Wagga Wagga.

Whilst out on the course, competitors can challenge for the Longest Drive competition, or if the short-game is more the style, the Nearest the Pin competition.

For those competitors not confident with their starting stroke? the option for some quick coaching or taking an 'Academy Advantage' is there. Where competitors bid for one of the Academy's stars to hit the ball off the tee; along with other various games and challenges throughout the day.

Following what promises to be a thrilling round of golf, competitors then head to the clubhouse and join with fellow Academy supporters as we celebrate the on-course action and antics, and enjoy a strong networking opportunity over our Corporate Aussie BBQ Buffet Luncheon; where the raffle will be drawn for some great prizes, including a 60" Sharp 4K UHD Android Smart TV valued at $1300 courtesy of Sharp Extensive I.T! Other prizes include; Illawarra NBL Hawks Signed Jersey, Jewellry and Wine Prizes, SWSAS Hoodie, Sports Bag and Supporter Merchandise Packs, and more.

With a few team, individual or hole sponsorships availabe, why not join with our current hole sponsors below to celebrate this great day!

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.

Donate Directly to SWSAS CARES >>>

STEADFAST INSURES ACADEMY COACHING FUTURE In what can only be described as a major

"Each program is an investment in our

boost to young regional NSW athletes, like

regions future leaders which will see direct

the South West Sydney Academy of Sport

outcomes resulting in strong community

the Regional Academies of Sport (RASi),

citizenship, job-ready future generations and

have signed an exciting and beneficial

most importantly ensuring our next crop of

partnership which will assist the development

aspiring athletes receive quality coaching

of close to 3000 young Academy athletes

and development, as we look forward to the

and 500 coaches across the NSW each year.

Brisbane Olympics in 2032," said Academy CEO Gerry Knights.

Australia's largest general insurance broker network,

and

underwriting

agencies

in

Echoing

RASi's

sentiment,

Knights

Australia, the Steadfast Group have signed

commented that the participating Academies

with RASi on a multi-year contract, with the

are excited to welcome onboard Steadfast

partnership having three (3) main projects

as a new major partner. The idea stemming

which will deliver multiple outcomes in our

from strategic plans to develop regional

community.

athletes coming almost a decade out from Australia hosting its next Olympic Games.

Mr Robert Kelly, Steadfast Group Managing Director stated that, “This partnership will

Over the last two Olympic cycles at both

fast track the holistic growth of both the

Tokyo 2020 and Rio 2016, 59 past RASi

athletes and their coaches.”

athletes represented Australia winning 31% of our medals.

The three key projects Steadfast and RASi will undertake, which are all anticipated to

The sporting stars that we will be cheering

commence throughout the second half of

on at Brisbane 2032 are currently teenagers

2022 include;

and in the RASi cohort,” he stated.

1. The Annual Steadfast Regional Academy Awards and Athlete Well-Being Event 2. The Steadfast Athlete L.E.A.D program 3. The Steadfast Coach L.E.A.D program

UAA EXTEND REGIONAL INDIGENOUS TALENT ID SUPPORT In what can be described as an exciting initiative

for

the

South

West

Sydney

Academy of Sport, we are pleased to announce

an

extended

and

beneficial

partnership with Underwriting Agencies Australia (UAA) – a locally born and bred company dating back over forty years.

The Academy’s Indigenous Program will Following on from UAA’s existing support of

involve a talent identification day for

multiple academies across regional New

invited Indigenous, First Nation, Aboriginal

South Wales, UAA will now extend its

and Torres Strait Islander students from

invaluable

schools across the region.

support

to

talented

young

athletes across Western and South West With accredited coaches and professional

Sydney.

staff casting a watchful eye over a range UAA

has

entered

into

a

multi-year

of testing procedures and sport skill

agreement that will enable the Academy to

attributes,

the

process

will

focus

on

undertake a ground-breaking Indigenous

“unearthing” local Indigenous talent from

Talent Identification Program (ITID).

across the Academy's Dharawal region.

UAA has also aligned this incredible support

Continuing on from the Talent Identification

to neighbouring Academy, the Western

Day, selected Indigenous athletes will go

Sydney Academy of Sport. Meaning UAA

on to join current Indigenous athletes

will be aligned with eight independent

within the Academy's sport programs, plus

regional academies throughout NSW.

the Academy's UAA Indigenous Athlete Program.

This program will provide increased and specific

cultural

and

educational

opportunities, as well as sport development pathways within the established traditional high performance programs.

Whether you’re looking to upskill, pursue a new career or challenge yourself by learning something new, our range of Online Short Courses are ready for you. With courses available in Health, Information Technology, and Environmental Sustainability, there’s a range of options for you to explore.

Delivered through an innovative model of focused, condensed learning, you’ll be able to ramp up your knowledge and learn new skills quickly – and even complete your studies in as little as 30 weeks. Study online where and when it best suits you, no matter where you are across the nation.

Ready to take the next step?

APPLICATIONS TO COMMENCE IN 2022 ARE NOW OPEN!

Partner With Us Have you considered supporting the 'Dreams' of tomorrow's Australian sporting heroes, in a partnership that compliments both parties?

Something that is of benefit to the wider community and embraces the value of your organisation and its staff members; and Supports your brand in its desire to be economically, socially, environmentally and culturally responsible; Whilst supporting the development of young, local men and women into valued community leaders.

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 benefits suited just for you.

Your partnership will also be a direct investment into a better tomorrow.

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 providing these much needed development opportunities.

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

Become a part of securing the culture of Youth, Sport and Excellence within your Community today.

Act now, please contact the Academy Office for further information and allow the development of your personalised partnership package, today.

THANK YOU FOR READING OUR 2ND 2 EDITION OF SWSAS022 NEWS. IF YOU M SE D ANY OF OUR PREIS V IO U S EDITIONS YOU CAN C L IC K ON AN EDITION TO READ!

2/298 Queen Street, Campbelltown 2560 admin@swsas.org.au (02)4627 7622 www.swsas.org.au