SWSAS News: 2021 Edition 1

News GIVEAWAY PAGE 18

ATHLETE PROFILE

PAGE 5

WELLBEING PROGRAM LAUNCH

PAGE 11

Interactive Academy Magazine

BMX CAMP PAGE 17

swsas.org.au

SWSAS News Welcome to the first edition of SWSAS News.

This magazine was created by the South West Sydney Academy of Sport for the greater South West Sydney community.

This enhances the Academies quarterly newsletter revamping it for 2021 and saving a few trees along the way.

We hope you enjoy all the latest news, athlete and coach insights, events, sponsorship deals and community

engaagement

that

this

magazine

strives to showcase.

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

yes it's interactive!

No need to lick your finger to turn the page, this magazine has dozens of clickable links that will help you dive right into more information.

from the CEO's desk

Sport is back! And bigger for 2021 And your Academy is definitely at the forefront

And when it comes to the delivery of our many

of the delivery of sport skill, education, and

sport and coach development programs, I must

personal development, for our regions talent

congratulate

identified junior athletes and coaches.

Currinckx and Stephen Craig. Their commitment

our

in-house

team

of

Daniel

to this task has just been amazing. The Academy, We recognise that there are and will be a myriad

its athletes and coaching staff are very fortunate

of various challenges facing all involved with

to have the support of these two highly motivated

running sport, especially at the state sporting

young men.

organisation development level. But I am sure they will be overcome with time and patience.

Today's newsletter articles are but a small snapshot of what has been, and is happening at

It may take this and possibly next year, to get

your Academy.

back to some form of normality. But I am certain sport will be in a better place overall in the future;

To conclude, thank you to our Academy 'naming

due to the challenges and experiences learnt

rights' partner the Campbelltown Catholic Club

since the commencement of the current COVID

and our Platinum Partner SOUTH32, plus our local

-19 pandemic.

Councils and our corporate partners, who have continued to support us during the COVID-19

Your local Academy is no exception, it has

pandemic, and the many challenges it has

revamped its off-field service provision and

provided the Academy.

positively changed its service deliver model, to best suit these challenges.

Gerry Knights CEO

youth sport excellence community

Photo: Thomas Noakes competing in the Athletics NSW Combined Events Championships

Athlete Profile Feature TRIATHLETE BODHI JACKSON Club Macarthur Triathlon Club

Major Sporting Goal Represent Australia

Sports People YOU Admire Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City Soccer Player) and Matthew Wilson (Swimmer)

YOUR Biggest Sporting Influence My oldest sister who was a national swimmer and represented NSW at the Pacific School Games

What has been your most enjoyable SWSAS experience so far?

Attending the Triathlon NSW Orange Super Sprint Weekend, winning all 3 non-drafting races, and being able to watch the elite triathletes race in between my races and pick up further skills.

Name one thing you have learnt from SWSAS coaches in the program, and how has this helped your racing?

Setting up transition for a race, and how important that is. Before the academy it was all about the swimming, cycling and running, but my coach David very early in the program made me realise that transition is just as important.

What excites you about Academy Games in April?

the

upcoming

Competing as part of a larger SWSAS team and getting to meet, watch and support other SWSAS athletes compete in their sports.

Academy BMX Ready to Ride

Recently

graduated

St

Helens

Park

athlete Jye Furner will continue with the Academy, having accepted the position of Apprentice Coach.

Furner is the latest former squad athlete to return in a coaching capacity within the SWSAS BMX program, behind head

FIRST APPEARED ON WOLLONDILLY ADVERTISER Twelve riders from across the south west have been chosen to take part in the prestigious South

West

Sydney

Academy

of

Sport

(SWSAS) 2020-2021 BMX program. And 11 of them are from Macarthur.

Seven athletes will return for another year while five new athletes have joined the program under the watchful eye of head coach Cara Wilde.

coach Cara Wilde, who was a member of the inaugural SWSAS BMX program.

"I joined the program about four years ago as an independent athlete, then we formed a team of about eight to ten riders," the 17-year-old said.

"I am looking forward to coming back in a mentor role.

Wests Future Stars Score State Hockey Goal

South West Sydney Academy of Sport CEO Gerry Knights is one who knows junior

athlete

development

pathways

well, especially in the sport of hockey.

And keenly provided this background story of the outstanding achievements, of some very special athletes in the

BY SWSAS

making, as they continue their individual pathway

2020/2021 has been a tough time for athletes

to

hopefully

national

and

international status.

of any age to maintain focus, remain mentally tough and holistically commit to their dream

Knights said, it is pleasing to see the

goals.

NSW Hockey selectors were right on the money selecting local junior stars Ethan

Due to many state sporting development

Nicholls in the NSW U15 'State' Team and

pathways going into a forced recess and the

Ethan Brooks in the NSW U18 'Blues'

opportunity

Team.

to

demonstrate

their

skills,

determination and fitness being curtailed.

But this is also a time where the tough and strong-willed shine through. And this is the case for a handful of our regions' aspiring young hockey athletes.

Basketball Slam Dunks 2021

Former SWSAS basketball athlete, and

BY SWSAS

"Basketball NSW identified late last year

After an inability to conduct a basketball program

in

2020

due

to

the

Covid-19

pandemic, the South West Sydney Academy of Sport is excited to announce the selection of twenty-eight male and female athletes in its reinvigorated 2021 basketball program that tipped off in early March.

current Illawarra Hawks junior coach Mekdes Geist headlines the programs coaching

staff,

along

with

former

Macarthur Heat player, now coach at Wollondilly basketball, Grant Smith.

that the higher level of development athletes in the metro region were being taken

care

of

by

performance programs.

their

own

high-

Wests Future Stars Shine Bright

BY SWSAS South West Sydney Academy of Sports ‘Wests Future Star’ Athletes relished the chance to compete at the NSW All Schools Championships in Homebush throughout December 2020.

With a slender calendar of events in 2020, Athletes are making the most of being back on the track and out in the field. The Academies Wests Future Stars Athletes walked away with and NSW All Schools record, 4 gold medals, 2 silver medals and a bronze, showing that their hard work and commitment in training is proving to be a strong competitive edge in competition.

Michael King broke the U15’s 800m record with a time of 1:54:92 to take away the win, Michael also medalled in the 1500m and the 400m showing great Athleticism all round.

Thomas Noakes won the U17’s Pole Vault with a 3.8m leap just under his personal best for 2020.

Nakeisha Brimble won both her Triple Jump and Long Jump events significantly with leaps of 12.39m in the triple and 5.58m in the Long Jump, and U15’s Hammer throw specialist Amelia Morgan claimed silver with a throw of 47.44m, narrowly missing out on the gold.

The Academy commends the efforts of its Wests Future Stars Athletics Athletes, with each one of them representing not only themselves but their families and community with great honour.

Photo: Michael King in his record breaking 800m at NSW All Schools

Athlete Wellbeing Support Program Launched FULL ARTICLE After several months of research and strategic planning, the South West Sydney Academy of Sport launched a new athlete support services program throughout February 2021.

"Due to the events of Covid-19, the academy board has taken a conscious step heading into 2021, to provide an increased focus on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of its athlete and coaching staff. Through the introduction and enhancement of the Academy's key support programs", said academy CEO Gerry Knights.

"To now see a dedicated athlete mental health and wellbeing support program become a reality, recognises the academy's commitment to athletes and coaches not only within the academy, but within the entire south west Sydney sporting community."

The academy has engaged former NRL player David Gower and Forge Wellbeing to headline the academy's athlete support services program, which will allow the academy to keep a close eye on the mental health and wellbeing of its athletes

and coaches, by being able to provide targeted strategies at an academy, squad, or personal athlete level.

"The athlete support involves the academy providing targeted assistance, such as mental health training and support and accessibility to strength and conditioning services outside of their normal squad programs. Along with access to an accredited Sports Chaplain, and access to an ever-growing list of academy service providers," said its ports program manager Daniel Currinckx.

"These services go above and beyond the individual skill development and training provided within their sporting programs yet are essential for the development of not only a holistic athlete, but a good community citizen", Currinckx added.

The academy officially launched its athlete support program at the 'Academy Day', held at the Western Sydney University in late February, with the support and introduction from incoming Academy Chaplain, Rev Jim Dayhew, who provided the academy's current squads, a large cross-section of the wellbeing topics available for athletes to undertake, as part of their 2021 scholarship.

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AFLW Kicks Goal in 2021

BY SWSAS After a year of sports turmoil and disappointment due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the South West Sydney Academy of Sport was excited to announce its squad of athletes who have been selected into the 2021 SWSAS AFL Women's U14 and U16 program.

Five U19 AFLW athletes have also been inducted into the academy's Wests Future Stars program, allowing these athletes continued access to the AFL development pathway.

The academy this week has also announced the inclusion of three new coaching staff members, headlined by former Sydney Swans

squad member Darren White, along with up-and-coming coaches in George Hannaoui and Ben Robinson.

The 2021 Academy AFLW U14 and U16 Squad includes; Alexis Paulo (Campbelltown), Annabelle McHale (Campbelltown), Ayva Robinson (Wollondilly), Brea Trevitt (Liverpool), Breana Steele (Liverpool), Breanna Cunningham (Campbelltown), Bridie Kinchin (Wollondilly), Bronte Mowbray (Campbelltown), Brooke Cutler (Liverpool), Charlie Mitchell (Camden), Emerson Argo (Camden), Emily Mitchell (Camden), Emma Ciscato (Camden), Hailee Meurant (Wollondilly), Jasmine McAllister (Camden), Luca Williams (Camden), Maiya-Lily Cole (Campbelltown), Samantha Sutton (Liverpool), Skyla Seal (Camden), Tahlia Yule (Campbelltown), Taylah Norris (Camden), Victoria Loi Galualli (Campbelltown).

Photo: Emmanuel (Track Fitness Australia) training the AFLW in sprint mechanics.

Netball ‘Walkers’ into the new year

reduced the ability of many partners to continue financial support, we are greatly encouraged by the ongoing partnership with the Walker Corporation.

Lang (Walker) has always been very supportive of community projects, especially those in junior sport.”

BY SWSAS The South West Sydney Academy of Sport was proud to announce that Australian property developer, the Walker Corporation would extend their partnership as major partners of the South West Sydney Academy of Sport ‘Walker Corp.’ Netball Squad.

Partners since 2017, Walker Corporation’s Regional Marketing Manager Michael Cox was delighted to make the announcement extending the partnership with the Academy Netball program through to 2023.

It is exciting to have Walker Corporation recognise the value in a continued partnership with the Academy” said SWSAS CEO Gerry Knights, “Given the COVID-19 pandemic has

“2020 was a successful year for our Walker Corp Netball squad, with former SWSAS Athlete and sport programs administrator, Nicole Styles making her debut for the NSW Swifts in the Suncorp Super Netball competition in August. It is that success that shows that the top level is not out of reach for our Walker Corp Netballers”, said Knights.

The 2021 South West Sydney Academy of Sport Walker Corp. Netball Squad of twenty four athletes and three umpires includes;

QUBE Coach Education Program takes flight

BY SWSAS The academy launched its 2021 QUBE coach development program in early February, with its first session undertaken by academy coaches, in conjunction with academy service provider, Movement Essentials.

"The uniqueness of having coaches representing multiple sports, who relished the chance to undertake a practical workshop, in functional movement and recover for performance, which provided them the opportunity to share their own sports coaching knowledge amongst their peers, was simply amazing, "said the Academy sports administration officer, Stephen Craig.

Coaches who attended were definitely challenged, to 'think outside the box', when it came to developing warm-up specific training routines that provided a clear correlation, to the activity the athletes were performing.

Coaches then attended a session in lateFebruary on “Building winning and High performing Teams”, which was conducted by esteemed basketball coach, Rob “Bevo” Beveridge.

Coaches heard firsthand Bevo’s experiences within high performing sport environments, from his days with NSWIS, through to the World Championship winning Australian U23 team, along over 300 NBL Games, through to putting together a team of underdogs in the Scottish national team at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, coming an unexpected fourth.

“Bevo is one of those coaches who has been through both good and bad experiences in building high performing teams, always getting the best out of his players often with limited resources. His ideas on undertaking individual performance contracts with his athletes and building an athlete-centred environment that is heavily supported by administration and coaching staff is definitely a model for success”, said Craig.

BMX Canberra Camp 2021 WORDS FROM OUR BMX ATHLETES "I enjoyed being able to spend a lot of time on both tracks in Canberra over the weekend with the group" Rory "It was good that we got to spend quality time with the squad and get some feedback from the coaches before we race at the Canberra tracks this year" - Bianca "The BMX camp allowed me to get some experience at the 2 ACT BMX tracks ahead of the State rounds coming up. It was good to get some one on one feedback from the coaches and work on my track skills" - Ethan "It was fun and really good that we got to ride both the tracks before the state round and had the opportunity to ride with more experienced rider" -Violet "I really enjoyed riding both tracks over the weekend and improving the skills for the up coming state round. Thanks for the coaches for organising the weekend" - Haylee

"I really enjoyed riding the tracks and getting more experience in the air and finding all the good race lines for racing this weekend and I’d like to say thank you to all the coaches and Jye for taking us all" Jack "I really liked that we could ride both tracks so we were familiar with them especially Melba because we have the open, and thank you coaches for taking us" - Isaac "I loved how everyone was working as a team and encouraging each other and there where no put downs. It was great to get a feel for the tracks again and send some jumps and pick some lines. Big thanks to all coaches/ managers for taking us" - Kayden "I really enjoyed riding the 2 tracks on the weekend which will help with the upcoming state rounds in the year. I also enjoyed all the extra activities we did off the track. Thanks to the coaches for your help and everyone who organised the weekend" - Clay "I really enjoyed working and developing my skills on both tracks and gaining confidence and feedback for next weekend all while spending time and bonding with the squad" - Ireland "I really enjoyed riding both tracks over the weekend and improving the skills for the up coming state round.

Thanks for the coaches for organising the weekend" Mackenzie "It was really cool to see everyone encouraging others trying new things to better themselves. Both tracks were awesome can’t wait to go race there now" - Jayden

PRIZE GIVEAWAY @angusmotorsport @SouthWestSydneyAcademyofSport

Wests Future Stars Athlete Angus Wallace is providing YOU the chance to WIN a CASTROL PRIZE PACK!

DRAWN

To be in the running you need to LIKE both Angus Wallace Motorsport #7 and South West Sydney Academy of Sport on FACEBOOK - And tell us what Angus' NEW Kart # is for 2021 (Comment answer on Facebook post)

Happy

BIRTHDAY

february Bridget Saunders Jarryd Currell Annabelle McHale Hailee Meurant Brooke Cutler Levi Edwards Violet Dutko Tara -Jade Ottmann Ellie Hart Imogen Nies Riley Cherry

Ashleigh Lloyd Thomas Hamilton Joel Skipper Michael King Catarina Di Ramio Jye Furner Darren White George Hannaoui Grace Stewart Daniel Currinckx

march Katarina Sincek Paige Young Ethan Milligan Domonic Palmer Muhammad Cabello Nakeisha Brimble Jaide Gayle-Weiling Holly Jedrzejewski Kaiser Tat Kyan Wilton

Rory Southwell Aaliyah Marsh Belle Watene Van Nguyen Selesitina Savae Thomas Hine Julie Cherry Debbie Sheehan Peter Wards Scott Martyn

april Rhys Morton Brea Trevitt Bridie Kinchin Antonio Zammit Cooper Hardman Noah Graham Leearna Grant

Annalysse Stevens Michelle McNamara Tennille Rowley Vicki Wong Michael Seery Callum Robinson

UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 2021 March 25, 6pm Wollondilly Civic Reception at Picton Bowling Club March 29, 6:45pm Assisting Your Child to Reach their Full Potential Online RASi Zoom

APRIL 2021 April 8, 6pm Camden Civic Reception at Camden Civic Centre April 16 - 18 Your Local Club, ClubsNSW Academy Games Hunter, New South Wales

MAY 2021 May 4, 7pm Staying a Head of the Game QUBE Coaches Education Session Venue - TBC

JUNE 2021 June 10, 6pm Liverpool Civic Reception at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre June 17, 6pm Campbelltown Civic Reception at Campbelltown Civic Centre

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