Last weekend Netball Central hosted the annual Netball NSW Academy Camp. Representing the 12 Regional Academies of Sport, 288 athletes, 42 umpire athletes, 41 coaches and umpire coaches and 11 managers grasped every opportunity to challenge themselves on and off the court.
The 2021 theme was Empower & Inspire. Athletes and umpire athletes were inspired by their netball role models Tayla Fraser and Sam Wallace from the NSW Swifts and GIANTS netballer Maddie Hay who shared their netball experiences, truly capturing their love for our game.
Coaches were inspired by former NSW Swifts Assistant Coach Anita Keelan, who generously shared her extensive knowledge and challenged coaches to take responsibility to be better people so they can empower the athletes around them.
The Academy Camp had a holistic focus. There were opportunities for umpires, coaches and managers to be empowered on and off the court. Umpire coaches and coaches were mentored and encouraged to be purposeful in setting goals.
On Saturday, athletes and umpire athletes worked on their individual skill set with many of Netball NSW’s most experienced coaches and took part in a skipping program with Nathan and individual ball skills session with athletes from the SSN Academies.
Sunday was a day of match play where athletes and umpires were able to put their learning from Saturday into practice.
The Academy Camp was an amazing weekend where every participant left with new skills and new friends. Netball NSW hopes the weekend inspired and empowered all in attendance to take on 2021!
