• Create an environment where athletes can develop the necessary tactical, technical, physiological and psychological skill competencies to aid progression through their sports Athlete High Performance Pathway.
• Develop athletes to be competitive, with a fundamentally sound base.
• Provide fundamental individual and squad skill development sessions for athletes during representative off-season, and in-season maintenance programs, as a part of the Softball NSW High Performance Pathway program. 
• Compliment athletes local club and representative team training, encourage and develop athletes to be leaders within those teams.
• Prepare athletes for NSW High Performance trials and pathways, such as the NSW U16's State Squads and Teams, and future NSW and/or National selection. 

The program provides access to pathway performance coaching, analysis of individual skill and development within a squad structure, sports science testing, and access to high performance strength and conditioning programs.

A large range of athlete appropriate education workshops such as sport psychology, nutrition, drugs in sport awareness, public speaking, resilience, media training, sports medicine and injury prevention are also undertaken as a part of the regular training program.

The South West Sydney Academy of Sport Softball program is closely aligned to the Softball NSW high performance curriculum, and operates in conjunction with fellow Regional Academy of Sport Softball programs. As such, is designed to introduce athletes to the State and National high performance pathway. And include training in the NSW Style of Play along with technical and tactical skill development. 

Key performance opportunities will be selected to best suit the current development level of athletes, and may include events scheduled in conjunction with other NSW Regional Academies of Sport, Softball NSW and Interstate High Performance programs, and/or visiting International programs, through camp-like training environments, or performance tournament opportunities.

• Athletes must be between 13 and 16 years of age as of 31 December 2024. 
  • ie born 2008 - 2011

• Athletes must be a registered member of Softball NSW
• Athletes must reside in, or attend school, or compete for a SNSW affiliated association within the Academy area of Campbelltown, Camden, Liverpool or Wollondilly local Government areas.

In addition;

• Athletes who have been, or are selected into Softball NSW U16 and/or U18 State Squads are eligible to participate within parts of the SWSAS Academy Program, subject to the approval of Softball NSW. 
• Approval will be subject to the training load and commitments for the relevant State Squad program, however may include inclusion into the SWSAS Academy sports education, strength and conditioning, sport science testing and or athlete health and wellbeing programs. 

What to Expect:

The Softball squad is selected based on the athletes performance at an open trial.

The trial will feature a number of skill and drill components, followed by a series of short-sided or modified trial games to assess the athletes skill and potential. 

Elements of sport science testing and/or fitness assessment may be conducted as a part of the trial, however there is no required "pass mark" for these elements to be achieved. 

One or more trials may be conducted.

Selection Process:

• Athletes must nominate and attend one or more trial/s as listed.
• Athletes must attend all trials. If an athlete is unable to attend a trial they must provide a reason in writing, prior to that trial to gain an exemption. 
• The Academy may select up to 14 x Male and 14 x Female athletes from the 13 - 16yr age group.
• The Academy will select a squad, not a team. As such, there is no requirement to select based on filling certain playing positions.
• Final selections, number of athletes and squad composition will be made dependant on the talent available during the trial process. 
• Successful athletes will be advised after the final trial and will need to attend an Induction Session held in early November.  

• An Athlete Scholarship levy of $400 inclusive of GST, will apply to all successful athletes. 
• This levy assists in offsetting the program costs of;
  • Annual Athlete Membership including athlete uniform consisting of Academy Polo Shirt, Walkout Shorts and Gym T-shirt, Water Bottle, Athlete Journal and Annual Awards Dinner admission. 
  • Training and Development including training venue hire, sports equipment, skill development programming, and guest / coaching costs.
  • Education and Support Services including online access to programs / XPS network, targeted sports education lectures and workshops with guest presenters, sport specific strength and conditioning program with an Academy S&C partner facility, sport science testing, and access to athlete wellbeing and support service network providers.

Additional Fees / Levies

Uniform Costs

• Additional competition uniform costs exist, specific to sport requirements, which athletes will need to purchase through the online store from the official uniform supplier, Aceit. The required items will be identified at the sport program induction. 
• Athletes may purchase additional Academy items, that includes Hoodie, Socks, Towel, Sports Bag, Backpacks, and Active Wear. 
• Athletes who are NEW to the Academy will be provided a tracksuit in their first year only. Athletes entering their third year or greater will be offered the purchase of a new tracksuit at half-price. 

Camps, Tours and Tournaments

• Camps, Tours and Tournaments form an important part of each sport program structure. The costs of these events, as with the overall sport program, are heavily subsidised by the Academy and its partners.
• Camp / Tour costs may be applied for certain activities throughout the program year and will be communicated well ahead of the event. These are generally costed at $100-$150 per day and include transport, accommodation and the majority of meal costs, as well as any entry fees associated with tournaments or performance elements of the camp / tour. 
• Eligible athletes who are selected to represent the Academy at the Regional Academy Games in Wagga Wagga in April 2024 will be required to pay a Games levy of between $300 and $450 (subject to sport requirements), which will be invoiced separately to the above Athlete Scholarship Levy.
• Tournaments held locally (where the Academy does not provide Accommodation) may attract a nominal fee of between $10 and $50 depending on the sport requirements, and are used to assist in covering the tournament entry, venue hire and any transport costs.

All Athlete levies must be paid in full within 30 days of the invoiced date, or the scholarship offer will be automatically withdrawn; unless financial hardship or payment plan arrangements have been made with the CEO.

• The Academy will conduct regular on-field training sessions that will include individual and squad based fundamental skill development training between October and April. A focus on team dynamics and both individual and team tactical development will take place towards the latter part of the program and in the lead up to any performance opportunities.

• Additional Academy education sessions and off-field development will take place between April and July each year, with the program concluding at the Annual Athlete Graduation and Sport Awards Dinner, generally held in late July. 

• Regular training sessions will be aligned to avoid clashes with local club training and competition schedules of those clubs within the South West Sydney Academy of Sport catchment area, as much as possible. 

• Selected athletes will be required to undertake a strength and conditioning program, which may include access to a supervised gym program throughout the scholarship period. 

• Athletes will be eligible to participate in Development Camps/Challenges conducted with other Regional Academy or high performance programs, and invited teams throughout the program.

• Training sessions will take place primarily at Softball Association grounds throughout the South West Sydney region. Additional sessions, including optional battery sessions, may take place at the indoor training facility, RBI Australia, in Narellan. A full training and performance schedule will be provided to successful athletes through the XPS Network online communication tool. 

• Selected athletes will be required to participate, and lead drills at 'Come and Try' Days and/or Performance Clinics, hosted by the Academy at the local Association grounds throughout the program year. 

2023-2024 Softball Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Shane Milligan

Assistant Coach: Marsheal Walker
Assistant Coach: Evan Walker
Assistant Coach: Jasmine Taylor
Assistant Coach: Terrance Taumata

2023-2024 Softball Squad