Athlete Wellbeing Support Program Launched

Written on the 11 March 2021 by SWSAS

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.