Academy forges ahead with an eye on a big 2021

Written on the 30 October 2020 by South West Voice

The South West Sydney Academy of Sport is putting 2020 behind it and starting to focus on next year's programs.

It recently inducted triathlon, softball and golf squad athletes for 2021, and will open nominations during November for prospective athletes in netball, BMX, AFL Girls and the Wests Future Stars program.

Nominations in AFL boys development and basketball, new programs in swimming, volleyball and Indigenous talent identification will open early next year.

To support these high quality skills-based and education programs the Academy is calling on the region's talented and up and coming coaches to become involved in leading these exciting programs.

"Quality coaching staff are the backbone of the Academy, especially in those talent identified athlete programs which are not firmly established in the region as yet such as basketball," says CEO Gerry Knights.

Coaching opportunities are also available in the AFL girls, AFL boys development, netball and strength and conditioning programs commencing later this year.

Academy sports programs administration officer Stephen Craig said that despite a tough year the Academy was in a strong position to continue its growth in developing our region's talent identified athletes.

Despite the economic downturn in sport as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Academy board and the CEO had maintained their commitment to growing programs during this challenging time.

"SWSAS has always been a leader in developing our local athletes on and off the field, and a lot of credit has to go to the coaches involved in the Academy,'' says Craig.

"The Academy board has taken a conscious step heading into 2021 to focus not only on athlete development, but also on developing coaching staff through its partnership with Qube Logistics.

"The Academy has always put the development of our community athletes first.

"To get through this next period however, we are definitely relying on the talented coaching volunteers within our community to give back to sport and assist in developing the next generation."

Work is currently in progress to present coaching courses and seminars to Academy and community coaches, with the support of coach education provider, the 3D Institute.

"The 3D Institute is keen to invest into the development of coaches within the Academy framework,'' Craig said.

"The Institute has identified SWSAS as the perfect fit for its coach education courses in Australia.''

Coaches wishing to join the Academy, should seek an Expression of Interest form from the Academy website www.swsas.org.au or call 4627 7622.

Photo: SWSAS netball athlete Abby Wijesekera  during strength and conditioning coaching session hosted by Aaron King at Academy partner, Fitclinic