SWSAS TimeOut
Celebrating Success Start of Path to 2032
The Academy's Annual Athlete Graduation and Sport Awards Dinner went to another level in 2024, celebrating our athletes achievements on the back of Paris 2024.
PAGE 6
Dharawal Talent Continues to Impress
The Academy recently hosted its third annual UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day, with an impressive depth of talent and potential being unearthed.
PAGE 18
Volleyball Continues Stellar Success
Volleyball continued its podium-placing performances, with our Girls squad finishing runnersup at the Inaugural NSW Youth Championships
PAGE 29
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 March, June, 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: Catarina Di Ramio
Sport Administration Officer: Tahlia Febbo
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
2024 RASi Netball Challenge
Port Macquarie Indoor Sport Stadium
27-30 September, 2024
RASi Triathlon Induction Camp
Point Wolstoncroft, Lake Macquarie
28-29 September, 2024
Triathlon Biligence Series Round 1
Illawarra, NSW
Sunday 13 October 2024
The gameplan DatesfortheDiary Presents
2024-2025 Academy Sport Programs Induction (Multiple Sessions)
Western Sydney University, Campbelltown
Friday 25th and Saturday 26th October 2024
Triathlon Biligence Series Round 2
Orange, NSW
1 - 3 November, 2024
Netball Inter-Academy Induction Camp
Canberra, ACT 2 - 3 November, 2024
SWSAS / MAPP Readiness Advanced Leadership Camp
Jindabyne 4 - 9 November 2024
South West Sydney Academy Corporate Golf Challenge
Campbelltown Golf Club
Friday 15 November, 2024
RASi Southern Academies Basketball Camp
Illawarra, NSW
16 - 17 November, 2024
Academy Calendar, powered by
From the CEO's Desk
Which was highlighted at the recent 2024 South West Sydney Academy of Sport Annual Graduation and Sport Awards Dinner, which was indeed another unforgettable evening, honouring a long list of exceptional athletes, coaches, and the dedicated individuals, who work tirelessly behind the scenes, in support of the Academy.
Throughout the evening athletes representing each of the Academy’s high-performance sport programs received well-deserved commendation for their outstanding achievements and their exceptional talent, dedication, and commitment to their respective sport program, and also to the Academy and what it stands for.
A most pleasing aspect of the evening was the Academy’s ongoing high level of recognition by all three tiers of Government in attendance, with dignitaries representing Local, State and Federal Government.
With The Hon. Stephen Kamper, the NSW Minister for Sport acknowledging the importance of academies in his speech, and also the way he personally interacted with each academy award winner, on the evening
It is also appropriate that we make mention of the outstanding athlete successes past Regional Academy athletes have had whilst competing in the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. Many medals and personal best performances were attributed to academy alumni athletes once again Which truly demonstrates the quality and value of the Regional Academy Network
In the words of the CEO of the Hunter Academy of Sport, Brett O’Farrell, this year has been a remarkable year of recognition for Regional Academies, with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) officially recognising academies as Australian Olympic Training Centres
This acknowledgement has solidified the pivotal role in preparing the next generation of Olympians for Los Angeles in 2028, and Brisbane in 2032 and beyond.
Looking ahead, these Australian Olympic Training Centres will continue to foster world-class talent, ensuring Regional Academies remain a vital contributor to Australia’s ongoing sporting success.
With our Academy initial Induction weekend set down for 25 and 26 October, I am excitingly looking forward to re-engaging with appropriately aged current athletes and meeting our new incoming crop of potential sporting stars
In conclusion I take this opportunity to once again to thank the NSW Government via its Office of Sport, our Academy ‘naming rights’ partner the Campbelltown Catholic Club, and our Platinum Partner GM3, plus our region’s local Councils and all of our outstanding corporate partners, who continue to see excellent community value, in supporting their local Academy
Gerry Knights
Gerry Knights, CEO
Pictured Opposite: CEO Gerry Knights with NSW Minister for Sport The Hon Stephen Kamper MP
Above: The Academy Board L to R: Peter Campbell (Chairperson), Camden Mayor Ashleigh Cagney, Michelle Caruso (Deputy Chairperson), CEO Gerry Knights, Wollondilly Councillor Blair Briggs, Liverpool Councillor Karess Rhodes, and Amanda Coles.
Celebrating Success Start of Path to 2032
Pictured Above: 2023-2024 Sport Program Coaches Award Winners, with NSW Minister for Sport The Hon Stephen Kamper MP Standing: L to R: Emily Paulic, Max Brown-Tjakuapi (3x3 Basketball), Tarra Hine (AFLW), Kaitlin Kumar (Basketball), Lucy Bowyer (Golf), Arianna King, Myron D'Sousa (Hockey), Michael Psirakis (IAP), Deziah Pugh (Netball), Karlia Warwick (Netball Umpire), Ameliya Fairbairn (Softball), Joyanne Manihera (Volleyball), Indianna Wilson (WFS Weightlifting), and The Hon Stephen Kamper MP Kneeling L to R: Ajay Willmott (BMX), Matthew Fosse (Triathlon), Alexandre Taylor (Softball) and Daniel Lill (WFS Para-Swimming)
The NSW Minister for Sport, The Hon. Stephen Kamper MP, headlined a long list of honoured guests at the 2024 Academy Athlete Graduation and Sport Awards Dinner, held in mid-August, as the Academy celebrated an incredible year of athlete, coach and board achievements, on and off the field.
With the momentous occasion held days after the conclusion of the Paris 2024 Olympics, minds of those in attendance were quickly taken ahead in time, as the Academy continues to set its sights on Brisbane 2032. Whilst eight years away, the opportunity for our current athletes was not lost, with the Academy celebrating an absolute depth of quality and performance potential within its 2024 award recipients.
The Hon. Stephen Kamper MP commenced the evening, recognising the Academy's position in developing our region's sporting champions, before presenting esteemed and long-serving members of the Board an award recognising service to governance. This award was presented to Prof. Gregory Kolt, Ms Denise McGrath, Wollondilly Councillor Blair Briggs, Deputy Chairperson Michelle Caruso, and Chairperson Peter Campbell Each having contributed in excess of ten years of service within the Academy's Board of Directors.
Following on from these awards, The Hon. Stephen Kamper MP presented the Sport Program Coaches Awards. With the selection criteria determined by each sport programs head coach, a total of nineteen athletes from across the Academy's twelve sporting programs were presented an award recognising their attitude, attendance and improvement within their sporting programs.
The sport program coaches awards recognising each athletes investment into their personal and athletic development whilst an Academy athlete. A full list of these award winners appears later within this article.
Acknowledging those who work diligently behind the scenes, the QUBE Coach Recognition awards, which are presented to coach and support staff achieving three, five or seven consecutive years of volunteer service, were presented to a high-calibre field of nine coach and support staff members.
With an incredible list of five esteemed individuals receiving their Gold service plaque recognising seven years of volunteer services within their Academy sport program.
The Academy then took yet another step forward in expanding the Volunteer of the Year award category. Introduced in 2023, the Academy this year included the addition of Young Coach of the Year - and award presented to an assistant, or apprentice coach aged 21 and under
Enhancing this valued award category, the Support Staff Member of the Year was awarded jointly to Van Chandhara (Volleyball) and Sue Paulic (Basketball)
Young Coach of the Year was awarded to Piper Steed (Netball Umpires), with the Academy's Coach of the Year awarded to Jeff Cooper (Basketball).
Following on from the first round of award presentations, and a break for dinner, Thomas Hassall Anglican College's Stage Band, The Aviators, entertained the audience, before a surprise Olympic Athlete panel took to the stage.
Only having just got off the plane from Paris, Australian Judo Olympian Josh Katz, and his brother, who is also his coach, Nathan Katz, were interviewed by Sarah Ryan OAM, herself an Olympian, with all three sharing in a thrilling Q&A on not only Paris, but on the Katz’s journey within their sport.
Incredible to hear was the close relationship athletes share away from the sporting arena
NSW Minister For Sport, The Hon. Stephen Kamper MP
Academy Gold (Seven Year) Coaches Award recipients Cara Wilde (BMX), Lisa Filby (Netball) and Shane Milligan (Softball)
Australian Olympic Judo athletes Nathan and Josh Katz thrilled the audience with the story of their journey, including Josh's most recent challenges in Paris 2024.
Helping Make Dreams Come True
We are proud to support the South West Sydney Academy of Sport.
GM is supporting rising stars across all Academy sport programs.
Together we are making a difference to the lives of children and young people in our community.
Whilst fierce competitors in competition, Josh reiterated the deep friendships the majority of athletes share away from competition.
The panel also touched on a unique transition in their own personal relationship as brothers, with Nathan now taking on on the role of Josh’s coach. This unique shift from brothers and teammates, to coach and athlete has added a new layer of trust and understanding to their dynamic.
Nathan, a two-time Olympian in his own right, spoke about the responsibility and pride he feels in helping guide his brother through competition and return to peak form.
With memories fresh from Paris now firmly entrenched in everyone’s minds, the Academy continued celebrating it's own year of highlights through various video presentations throughout the evening, ahead of keynote speaker Simon Williams presentation, which you can read about within
However the key highlights of the evening were by far centred around the athlete achievements, with the presentation of the Western Sydney University Award for Academic Excellence, which was awarded to Jade Dabrowksi, leading into the academys major Athlete of the Year Award categories. (You can read all about Jade's achievements later in this newsletter)
Fresh off having played a part in the evenings opening festivities jointly presenting the Acknowledgement of Country with local Dharawal elder Aunty Joyce Mate, Indigenous Athlete Program athlete, Isabella Stephens was recognised as the UAA Group Indigenous Athlete of the Year.
Five athletes were recognised for their athletic performance, with Para-Swimmer Daniel Lill being awarded the South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal, Athlete with a Disability of the Year for an incredible second year in a row, recognising his continued commitment to improving his athletic potential, including falling micro-seconds short of a Paralympic qualifier.
BMX Racer, Isla Basa, who represented Australia at the UCI World Championships in the USA earlier in the year, continued on her form as one of the top riders in both NSW and Australia, being named the Academy's South32 Illawarra Metallurgical Coal Athlete of the Year.
And in the final award of the evening, an impressive display of athletic talent was mirrored by humility, personal growth and excellence, with each sport's Chairperson award nominee on display. Yet none stood taller at the end of the evening than Triathlete Zoe Bruce, who was named the winner of the Campbelltown Catholic Club Academy Chairpersons Award for 2024.
Western Sydney University Award for Academic Excellence Finalists: L to R: Zoe Bruce (Triathlon), Jade Dabrowski (Basketball), Libby Newcombe (Golf), Telina Seisun (Netball Umpire) and Deniel Vermeulen (Wests Future Stars Kart Racing)
Sport Program Coaches Awards
3x3 Basketball: Emily Paulic and Max Brown-Tjakuapi
AFLW: Tarra Hine
Basketball: Kaitlin Kumar and Oskar Vagaja
BMX: Ajay Willmott
Golf: Lucy Bowyer
Hockey: Arianna King and Myron D'Sousa
Indigenous Athlete Program: Michael Psarikis
Netball Athletes: Deziah Pugh
Netball Umpires: Karlia Warwick
Softball: Ameliya Fairbairn and Alexandre Taylor
Triathlon: Matthew Fosse
Volleyball: Noah Piper and Joyanne Manihera
Wests Future Stars: Daniel Lill and Indianna Wilson
QUBE Coach Recognition Awards
Three Year Service – Bronze Award
Nathanael Stewart - Hockey
Michelle Lewthwaite - Hockey
Francis Ah-Kin - Volleyball
Five Years Service – Silver Award
Marsheal Walker - Softball
Seven Years Service – Gold Award
Cara Wilde - BMX
Scott Martyn - Golf
Lisa Filby - Netball
Shane Milligan - Softball
Guy Creber - Wests Future Stars
Chairperson Award Nominees: L to R: Emma Duggan (AFLW), Isla Basa (BMX), Libby
Tjakuapi (Indigenous Athlete Program), Saige Tautalafua (Netball), Alexandre
(Netball) and Reki Roberts (Wests
Newcombe (Golf), Patrick Manny (Hockey), Max Brown-
Taylor representing Lachlan Boland (Softball), Zoe Bruce
Future Stars - Athletics)
South32 Illawarra
Metallurgical Coal
Athlete of the Year Finalists
Isla Basa (BMX)
Daniel Lill (Para-Swimming)
Cody Meisenhofen (Volleyball)
Reki Roberts (Athletics)
Indianna Wilson (Weightlifting)
Campbelltown Catholic Club Academy Chairperson Award Nominees
Emma Duggan (AFLW), Oskar Vagaja (3x3 / Basketball), Isla Basa (BMX),
Libby Newcombe (Golf), Patrick Manny (Hockey), Max Brown-Tjakuapi (Indigenous Athlete Program)
Saige Tautalafua (Netball),
Lachlan Boland (Softball), Zoe Bruce (Triathlon), Cody Meisenhofen (Volleyball),
Reki Roberts (Wests Future Stars)
Dedication, Sacrifice and Commitment Rewarded
Academy Chairperson Peter Campbell, was proud to announc Zoe Bruce as it's Campbelltown Catholic Club Academy Chairpers Winner for 2024.
Speaking about Zoe's nomination and selection, Campbell reit many values shown by Zoe in receiving the award.
Starting that the, ‘recipient has earned the respect of all involve Academy, from its staff members and coaches and fellow athlet winner (Zoe) embraces, and totally understands and represents and philosophy of the Academy, including promoting the Academ opportunity.”
A statement not lost on a very humble Zoe, who, when intervie awards, was still somewhat taken back by even being nominated.
"To be nominated is an achievement in itself, and truly its a recognition of all the hard work I have been putting in behind t said Zoe, adding that, “Its honestly rewarding to see how many o support me and see my dedication to training".
When asked if she had any advice for fellow Academy athletes make their mark on their respective programs, “Of course, b version of yourself, work hard and let the results do the consistent and always congratulate your opponents on their hard
“Thank you SWSAS, thank you to my team mates who pushed better all the way, thank you for believing in me.” said Zoe.
Award for Academic Excellence
The Western Sydney University Award for Academic Excellence is held in high regard within the Academy, and this year saw its criteria broadened, enabling athletes, parents, coaches, and schools to nominate athletes for consideration. The updated criteria assesses not only academic achievements but also the athlete's commitment to sport, involvement in the community, and personal development
This expansion acknowledges that excellence is multifaceted, recognising that success extends beyond academic performance. It considers how these young athletes balance the demands of competitive sport with their studies, whilst contributing to their communities and focusing on self-improvement.
As the Official Education Partner of the Academy, Western Sydney University plays a vital role in supporting the educational aspirations of student-athletes This year, five finalists were recognised for their dedication to both education and sport. These finalists were chosen for their ability to excel academically and athletically, while demonstrating the resilience and discipline required to achieve success in both fields.
The task of selecting a winner was given to a panel of distinguished educators, who carefully reviewed the achievements of each finalist And after much deliberation, the panel landed on the successful recipient
Presented at the Annual Athlete Graduation and Sport Awards Dinner by Prof. Sarah Lewis, Western Sydney University Dean of the School of Health Sciences, and Amanda Rymer, Associate Director, Engagement and Partnerships, Jade Dabrowski, a talented basketball athlete, was recognised as the award recipient Jade’s dedication to her studies, sport, and involvement in the community distinguished her as a role model for other aspiring athletes.
The award not only celebrates Jade’s efforts but also highlights the importance of balancing academic and athletic commitments, reinforcing the University and Academy's shared goal of developing well-rounded, high-achieving individuals who can contribute positively to society
Dharawal Indigenous Talent Continues to Impress
The South West Sydney Academy of Sport proudly hosted its annual UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day at the Minto Indoor Sports Centre in late August, marking the programs most successful event to date. This event provided a platform for talented Indigenous athletes to showcase their abilities across various sports, whilst also engaging in sports science and high-performance testing.
This unique opportunity was made possible through the Academy’s collaboration with its Education Partner, Western Sydney University, which provided invaluable support and expertise in assessing athletes from a wide cross-section of sports.
The day featured talent identification skill sessions led by representatives from key State Sporting Organisations Basketball New South Wales was represented by Community Development Officers who ran basketball skills drills, Touch Football NSW organised touch and tag sessions with local Development Officers, and athletes from the South West Mounties Magic Premier Netball team led the netball component. These skill sessions allowed the athletes to demonstrate their athleticism, agility, and sportspecific talents while being observed by coaches, state representatives, and Academy staff.
The calibre of athletes in attendance was exceptional, presenting a tough selection process for the Academy, but for all the right reasons. The sheer potential and talent on display impressed representatives from the SSOs, coaches, and staff, reinforcing the depth of talent within the Indigenous community in the region. The Academy is excited to announce that, following rigorous assessments, 43 athletes have been invited to join the prestigious UAA Indigenous Athlete Talent Programme
This year’s Indigenous Athlete Talent Programme will provide participants with an all-encompassing experience, focusing on sport skill development, education, and strength and conditioning. Athletes will have the opportunity to enhance their physical abilities, refine their sport-specific skills, and benefit from a structured training programme designed to boost their athletic potential. The Academy’s ongoing commitment to developing talent extends beyond the sporting field; participants will also receive education in areas such as nutrition, injury prevention, and mental resilience, which are crucial to their long-term success as athletes.
In early 2025, the selected athletes will join those identified through the Academy’s mainstream sports programme in an Indigenous Culture and Education Programme. This component aims to not only further their sports journey but also enrich their cultural understanding and deepen their connection to their Indigenous heritage. By integrating cultural education into the sporting framework, the Academy seeks to foster a holistic approach to athlete development, one that prioritises both athletic growth and personal identity.
The Indigenous Culture and Education Programme will also promote community engagement, encouraging athletes to give back to their communities and inspire the next generation of Indigenous athletes, through mentorship, cultural activities, and educational workshops The programme is designed to strengthen the athletes’ ties to their culture and equip them with the tools they need to succeed in both sport and community.
In summary, the UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day has not only showcased the impressive athletic abilities of Indigenous athletes in South West Sydney but also laid the foundation for their future success.
With the support of the Academy, Western Sydney University, and SSOs, these athletes are poised to thrive in their respective sports, while also gaining a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage and role within their communities The Academy looks forward to seeing their continued progress and celebrating their achievements in the years to come.
COACHES ENCOURAGED TO “HOLD THE MOP”
August 26th was nothing short of amazing, as we delved into Developing your Coaching Journey within the High Performance Pathway at our Annual Coach Induction and Education Evening.
Our Academy Coach and Support Staff experienced a memorable event filled with transformative insights from nothing short of quality guest high performance coaching panel. Along with the annual update and coach induction, which included a presentation of our coach skills, expectations, requirements, additional administrative support, and benefits for the year ahead.
Academy Coach and Support staff left equipped with valuable strategies to elevate their coaching practice. Including sound advice from Basketball NSW Coach Development Manager Jarrod Moore, who, when asked how do you further your coaching journey, replied, "you have to hold the mop, keep doing what you are doing and when someone notices you and taps you on the shoulder, take the opportunity."
A sentiment echoed from fellow panellists, including fresh off winning the grand final in their first season in the competition, South West Mounties MAGIC Premier League head coach Virginia Welsh, and Football NSW Game Development Office in Coach Education, Pete Nowakowski, who has also coached within the Australian Blind and Deaf Football teams.
The enthusiasm and engagement from those who attended were exceptional, reflecting a commitment to the development of our South West Sydney athletes both on and off the field.
Gaining Success Through Diverse Strategies.
The Academy and it's 400+ guests had the honour of welcoming former Australian Cricketer and highly-respected mindset and motivational speaker, Simon Williams as the keynote speaker at the 2024 Athlete Graduation and Sports Awards Dinner, held in mid-August at The Cube, Campbelltown Catholic Club.
Known for his innovative insights into athletic performance, Simon captivated the audience with his engaging presentation, which explored the fascinating concept of the "gazelle versus the cheetah" in relation to performance and competition.
Simon began by drawing a compelling comparison between the two animals, using them as metaphors for different approaches to performance. The cheetah, he explained, is the fastest animal on earth, capable of extraordinary bursts of speed and short-term power. In contrast, the gazelle is not as fast but relies on agility, endurance, and quick reactions to outmanoeuvre its predator. Both animals, he noted, are remarkable in their own right, but they succeed through very different strategies.
Applying this to the world of sport, Simon emphasised that athletes often focus solely on developing their "cheetah" qualities – speed, strength, and raw power – while overlooking the importance of the "gazelle" traits: adaptability, endurance, and intelligence. He argued that true success comes from balancing both aspects, understanding when to rely on explosive energy and when to employ finesse and resilience. Simon encouraged our athletes to consider their training from a more holistic perspective, cultivating the mental and physical flexibility needed to perform consistently at the highest level.
Picture: Wests Future Stars Kart-Racer Deniel Vermulan with her Kart at the Campbelltown Civic Reception
Simon also highlighted how the gazelle’s ability to respond to the unpredictable environment around it mirrors the need for athletes to remain adaptable and calm under pressure.
While the cheetah is undeniably impressive in a straight sprint, the gazelle's versatility and sustained endurance enable it to thrive in more complex, high-pressure scenarios – a valuable lesson for anyone striving for longterm success in sport.
Simon’s presentation left the audience with a renewed appreciation for the varied approaches to performance and the importance of developing a diverse skill set. His thought-provoking comparison resonated deeply with athletes, coaches, and supporters alike, providing valuable insights into what it takes to succeed both on and off the field.
Simon furthered his presentation by welcoming on stage, friend and three-time Olympic Rubgy 7's star Shari Smale, who was eager to share with the athletes her own journey of hard work, sacrifice and goal setting. And showing off the ultimate reward for that hard work, her 2016 Rio Gold Medal, with some lucky athletes able to ‘feel the weight’ of all that hard work.
Keynote speaker, Simon Williams
Three-time Olympic Rugby Seven's star, and Rio Gold Medallist, Sharni Smale., and Below: Athletes who got to 'feel the weight’of Sharni's success.
eptember, the Academy is ACH CONNECT" - a monthly for all Academy Coach and re scheduled to take place on of each month, featuring a ussion, which are centered e Academy Sport Framework anning and implementing the sport programs, skill development and educational content
Following on from these short presentations, Coach Connect really gains its value by providing time for attendees to meet together online to discuss their current coaching challenges, successes, and programming questions amongst their peer network.
Coach Connect is designed to provide an opportunity for the Academy to connect together to develop and encourage not only its coach and support staff, but continue to grow the Academy athlete’s development.
Whilst the online sessions will be recorded for coach and support staff who are unable to commit to the second Monday of each Month, the Academy strongly encourages coaches to seek out the opportunity to invest one hour a month for the development of our coaches and our athletes. With the entire Academy benefitting through a shared journey together and within the greater coaching community.
In addition to the online Coach Connect zoom's, ahead of the 2024-2025 sport program year, the Academy has also recently launched it's Coach Network Resource ‘App’, through LinkTree. This ‘App’ is designed to provide an online and interactive resource for Academy Coach and Support Staff
This resource includes easy access to Academy Sport program reporting forms, resources, such as Academy policies, guidelines and coaching manuals, assistance in program planning, service providers resources, including XPS Tutorials, coach education and professional development resources and course opportunities, and past editions of Coach Connect
These, and more coaching resources are made available through the support of funding from not only Coach Education Partner QUBE, but by funding secured through the NSW Government and the NSW Office of Sport
Volleyball Continues Stellar Success
The inaugural Volleyball NSW Youth Indoor Championships offered an exciting platform for young volleyball players from across the state to showcase their skills. Held at Sydney Olympic Park’ outstanding Netball Central court facilities over July 19-21, the event tested the athletes’ stamina and determination. Our Academy athletes rose to the occasion, delivering outstanding performances and demonstrating their exceptional natural talent.
In the Under 18 Girls category, our Girls squad, despite being somewhat undermanned with only nine girls available, fought valiantly to secure a highly commendable second-place finish, dropping only one match during the round-robin phase, to eventual champions Vostok.
The highlight of the weekend for our Girls, not just taking a "set" off the highly-fancied Vostok squad, but dominating fellow Regional Academy teams from Hunter and Illawarra, repeating our squad's performances from the 2024 Your Local Club NSW Academy Games
Following up from their outstanding Gold medal performance at the Regional Academy Games, our Boys squad was split in to two teams for the NSW Championships, and despite outstanding and commendable efforts (both teams defeating their rival Academy side in each pool), our Boys, with many playing up an age group, just could not overpower some of the more drilled Metro sides, both finishing 3rd in their pool, setting up an All-SWSAS playoff for 5th and 6th.
The SWSAS 1 Boys team displayed superior skill and teamwork, narrowly taking out 5th spot from the SWSAS 2 Boys team in what was described as one of the most fun, yet intense games of volleyball... ever!
Our Academy's Volleyball Squads achievements continue to build on the outstanding performance at the 2024 Academy Games, where both the Boys’ and Girls’ teams clinched first-place finishes, taking home their third win in the Academy Games since Volleyball's introduction to the Academy in 2021-2022.
The continued, and sustained success of our Volleyball athletes is a testament to their dedication on and off the court, alongside the excellent training opportunities they receive from their experienced team of coaches and support staff.
Boys Squad Manager, Van Chandhara expressed her pride, stating, ‘It is always good when we get to see the boys shine on court’, whilst Academy Sport Operations Manager Stephen Craig also reflected on the event’s success, stating that, the joy on athletes' and coaches' faces when they succeed reminds us that the true reward for hard work is found in the environment for development as a whole.
With the 2024 Volleyball Indoor Youth Ch i hi b i i l h
And a huge congratulations to the following Academy Volleyball Athletes selected to represent NSW Phoenix at the Australian Youth Championships in September.
BOYS
Cody Meisenhofen - U18 Sky
Kevin Napa’a - U18 Sky
Noah Piper - U18 Navy
William Chandhara - U17 Sky
Jeremiah Faavae - U17 Sky
GIRLS
Amelie Alnimer - U18 Navy
Elvena Abel - U17 Sky
Mya Kellow - U16 Sky
Ceila Le - U16 Navy
Heromee Vinluan Tibayan - U16 Navy
Maliha Flexman - U15 Sky
The Kids of Macarthur Foundation are looking for a team of volunteers to join them for their 2024 Gift Wrapping at Macarthur Square If wrapping is not your forte, you can have your presents beautifully wrapped by a team of awesome volunteers starting at a Gold Coin donation for smaller gifts and $5 for larger ones.
Turning Vision into Reality
The 2024 Academy Athlete Graduation and Sport Awards Dinner opened a little differently this year, with a stirring live rendition of Lindsay Stirlings 'The Arena’ presented by the Thomas Hassall Anglican College Senior music students. In front of over 400 guests, this rendition was performed in conjunction with an amazingly choreographed and highly entertaining highlight video of the academy’s sporting journey throughout the previous year, and well and truly set up the night ahead
However as you can imagine, behind the scenes, what resulted in a five-minute performance, took many months of planning and rehearsal. Sport Operations Manager, Stephen Craig, recalls that the idea in fact started with a conversation in the office in August 2023 (less than one month after the previous Awards Dinner) when, whilst debriefing the event, Stephen just happened to throw around the idea of having the introduction video played to live music.
Af lli h h hi ' h ’ l li C i l d d Li dsay Stirlings, ‘The Arena’, a ges to keep working towards rds evening, being held right
Fast forward several months and what started as a simple idea that soon became a reality, when in early February, Thomas Hassall Anglican College Director of Ensembles - Creative Arts, Byron Mark reached out to confirm that the College was keen to again perform at the annual awards evening.
Fellow staff member Catarina Di Ramio, who was providing additional tutoring at the College during Term 1 flagged the idea with Byron, who jumped at the chance to challenge his wonderful group of musicians to "take it on".
Whilst originally written for strings, the College's senior music program took on the challenge, completely re-scoring the work for brass instruments, with the end result - a stirring rendition that after an estimated 250+ hours of practice, played to perfection. Heralding in the 2024 Athlete Graduation and Sport Awards Dinner
And yes, you guessed it. The Academy and College are already planning for a bigger 2025!
Netball Shooting for Strong Finish
The South West Sydney Academy of Sport's Bingara Gorge Metro netball programme is finalising preparations for the highly anticipated 2024 Regional Academies of Sport Netball Academy Challenge. This three-day event, set to take place from 28-30 September in Port Macquarie, NSW, will showcase the finest young netball talent from across the state in a competitive display of skill, teamwork, and athletic development.
The Academy will be represented by 24 athletes and three umpires, all selected from the Academy’s Netball and Umpire programmes. These athletes will be supported by a strong coaching team of ten, led by experienced Head Coach Lisa Filby and Umpire Mentor Michelle McNamara. Competing across two divisions, the South West Sydney squad will face formidable opposition from ten other Regional Academies of Sport, as well as teams from the prestigious Netball NSW Sydney Netball Academy.
As the competition draws near, the athletes are undergoing focused preparation, including a series of targeted training, recovery, and educational sessions throughout September. These sessions, held at high-performance facilities within the South West Sydney region, are designed to enhance the athletes’ tactical awareness, refine their match-play, and build endurance.
Recovery sessions have also been incorporated to ensure the players are in optimal physical condition, with a particular focus on injury prevention and effective recovery, crucial for maintaining peak performance during back-to-back matches across the three days.
In addition to on-court training, the Academy prioritises athlete and umpire education. This includes workshops on nutrition, mental resilience, and match strategies, providing athletes with a holistic approach to their development. These sessions aim not only to prepare them for the upcoming Challenge but also to equip them with essential skills for their long-term sporting careers.
The Netball Academy Challenge is a key event for young players aspiring to progress within the sport. For the South West Sydney squad, it presents an opportunity to showcase their growth and commitment on a larger stage With thorough preparations in place, the squad is ready to deliver a strong performance and represent their region with pride.
We look forward to reporting on our squad's efforts in the next edition of Time Out.
BMX Ride From Coast To Country
Our BounceBack Physiotherapy BMX squad headed north in August, for their third camp of the 20232024 program. Read on as Co-Program Coordinator Dan Morris fills us in on the squad’s adventures riding tracks from Coast to Country.
The Central Coast BMX Camp was a fun opportunity for riders to experience a variety of tracks, with different goals at each stop! The first stop Saturday morning was the San Remo Track, where the riders engaged in skill-building games and competition.
Day two of the camp involved an early start, and a trek west to the country to reach the Maitland BMX track for breakfast and an early ride.
Here the riders again got to test their skills on what proves to be a fun, yet unique track, with the athletes on-track ride doubling as a team bonding experience as all riders worked hard to push each other to new heights. (Figuratively and literally over the jumps)
Our last stop along the way was at the Lake Macquarie BMX Track, unfortunately, not too long after the start of their time riding, there was bad weather on the horizon, which brought about windy conditions.
However, this did open up the opportunity to work on the all-important start of a BMX race, the gate
All in all, the Coast to Country experience provided a weekend filled with lots of riding, on a variety of fun tracks. We got to see a young group of athletes work hard together to improve not just themselves, but the group as a whole all while having a smile on their face.
Our Wonderful Athlete Panel
Build your Brand 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, servicing local associations, clubs, schools and community 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 Community today.
Friends of the Academy Friends of the Academy
