Netball Academies of Sport
Netball NSW, Regional Academies of Sport and the Office of Sport work together to deliver twelve programs state-wide that provide an individualised, positive and wholistic experience for athletes. The focus is for athletes to Enjoy the Challenge.
The Academy programs provide regular training sessions from January – April and July - September, enabling athletes to focus on representative netball in the lead up to State Titles. Training sessions challenge athletes and umpire athletes to set individual goals and strive for technical and tactical growth.
Competitive opportunities in the Academy program focus more on individual development than winning, allowing all athletes to take risks and experience success.
Throughout the program there is a strong focus on physical development and athlete well-being to ensure athletes learn life-long skills that will help them reach their potential on and off the court.
Change of target ages for 2022
In 2022, the target age for athletes will change to 15-16 years and for umpire athletes to 14-18 years of age.
Athlete and umpire athlete nominations
Athletes turning 15 or 16 years of age in 2022 and umpire athletes turning 14-18 years of age in 2022 must trial in the Academy determined by their residential address. To establish the area you are eligible to trial see the Regional Academy of Sport Local Government Area Breakdown
Associations are asked to encourage all aspirational athletes to submit a nomination to trial.
Sydney Netball Academy
More Info: https://nsw.netball.com.au/sydney-netball-academy
Regional Academies of Sport - Central Coast Academy, Hunter Academy, Illawarra Academy, North Coast Academy, Northern Inland Academy, South-West Sydney Academy, Southern Sports Academy, Western Region Academy, Western Sydney Academy
More Info: https://nsw.netball.com.au/academies-sport
Foundation Waratahs
In 2022 Netball NSW will introduce the Foundation Waratahs program. This state-wide program for athletes turning 13 and 14 in the year of the program will be delivered in multiple locations throughout metropolitan and regional NSW to increase opportunities for aspirational athletes. The focus is for athletes to Love the Game.
The targeted athlete age aligns the Foundation Waratahs with the Netball NSW Athlete Pathway Framework and competition structure. Mindful that athletes develop at different rates and times the Foundation Waratahs program will not have a selection component and is targeted at all aspirational athletes. A technical skills program will be developed centrally by Netball NSW’s most experienced coaches and will include best practices and innovative approaches. Foundation Waratah programs will highlight to athletes the importance of developing effective fundamental movement and strength and will also include education on athlete wellbeing. A major focus for this exciting program will be evolving the consistency of opportunity across the state.
The Foundation Waratahs program will also benefit umpire athletes and coaches throughout NSW who will be supported to challenge their skills in a caring and collaborative environment.
Further information about the Foundation Waratahs program including dates and nomination forms will be available shortly
Indigenous Athlete, Umpire and Coach program
In 2022 Netball NSW will deliver a program to support Indigenous athletes to realise their potential on and off the court. The program will foster an environment where cultural connections and pride are built alongside technical and tactical skills, physical competencies and athlete wellbeing.
The statewide program will target aspirational Indigenous athletes 13 and 14 years of age and will also support the growth and fuel the passion of Indigenous umpires and coaches.
Athletes will build confidence and readiness to trial for pathway programs. The focus is for athletes to Love the Game.
Further information about the Indigenous Athlete, Umpire and Coach program including dates and nomination forms will be available shortly
