Our local Sports Academy awaits Council's 'Centre of Excellence' move outcome

Written on the 5 August 2019 by SWSAS

We are well aware of the outstanding achievements of the South West Sydney Academy of Sport.

And, the way it quietly goes about developing and fast tracking the future, of our regions talented young sports stars.

"And importantly, provide these opportunities without our young athletes having to move away from their family, friends, school, or religious organisation."

When interviewed, it's long-term CEO Gerry Knights confirmed that the 'not-for-profit' community-based organisation, is eagerly awaiting the outcome of a decision by Campbelltown Council, on its operational future.

And specifically, its move to Council's soon to be built 'Sports and Health Centre of Excellence', located within the grounds of Western Sydney University's, Campbelltown Campus.

He smiled when he said, moving from its current fibro cottage located on Queen Street to the Centre of Excellence, would be like relocating from the basement to the penthouse, in one move.

Our investigations identify that Regional Academies in NSW are held in 'high esteem' by their local regions and the NSW and Australian Institutes of Sport.

And nearly all other Academies are located and use the training facilities available within appropriate major sports venues, like Penrith's Panthers Stadium, Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium, or the likes of Charles Stuart and Wollongong Universities.

We all know that our region is one of the fastest growing populations in Australia and that the call on the Academy will grow dramatically, over just the next 3 to 4 years.

And that our talented local athletes definitely deserve to be able to receive a similar level of athlete services available to other NSW Regional Academy athletes.

Especially if our Academy is expected to maintain the level of success it currently has, by doing things the hard way.

So, let's hope Council can make the right decision regarding our Academy's future and the future of our local 'high achieving' sports stars.