The Your Local Club Academy Games delivered a packed weekend of high-quality competition, emerging talent, and strong performances across both divisions, highlighting the depth of netball pathways across the state.
Division 1 showcased some of the most polished and competitive matchups of the tournament, with South West Sydney Academy of Sport (SWSAS 1) ultimately claiming the title after a consistent and dominant campaign. Sutherland Netball Association (SNA Blue) pushed hard throughout the weekend and secured a well-earned runners-up finish, underlining their strength and cohesion on court.
In Division 2, Western Region Academy of Sport (WRAS 2) rose to the top with an impressive run, demonstrating resilience and teamwork to take out the championship. SNA Yellow also delivered a standout performance across the tournament, finishing as runners-up and proving to be one of the most competitive sides in the division.
Individual brilliance was recognised through the MVP awards, with every team nominating a standout player who consistently impacted games across both divisions.
MVP's
Division 1
Central Coast Division 1 | Charlotte Long |
Hunter Academy 1 | Bowey Manning |
Illawarra Academy 1 | Indy Bradley |
North Coast Academy 1 | Zoe Townsend |
SNA Blue | Millie Morrison |
SNA Purple | Miki Vandenberg |
SNA Teal | Eva Ahokava |
Southern Sports Academy 1 | Alana Neyland |
South West Sydney 1 | Arijana Strickland |
Western Sydney 1 | Aleigha Panuve |
Western Sydney 2 | Francine Valentine |
Western Region 1 | Hannah Hayes |
Division 2
Central Coast Division 2 | Ariana McVeigh |
Far West Academy | Charlee O'Connor |
Hunter Academy 2 | Tori Daley |
Illawarra Academy 2 | Ava Targett |
North Coast Academy 2 | Ivy Howard |
Northern Inland Gold | Melita Howard |
Northern Inland Maroon | Paige Floyd |
South East | Sophie Lewis |
SNA Yellow | Siena Pessetto |
South West Sydney 2 | Pippa Kelly |
Western Region 2 | Eliza Strahorn |
Southern Sports Academy 2 | Isla Higgins |
The umpiring cohort was equally impressive, with Bianca Kral (South West Sydney) named Rising Star Umpire, reflecting her composure and consistency across the weekend.
Several officials also achieved significant milestones, with Sophie Wykes and Madeline Robinson awarded their C Badges.
B Badge accreditations were earned by Caitlin Holleman, Lola Welsh, Sophie Placek, Bianca Kral, Paige Hammond, Matilda George, Emilie Summers, Abby Andrews, Ruby Bowen, Malani Murphy, Olivia Ketley, Charlee Render, Abbey Whitchurch, and Anna Monteleone, highlighting the strength and development of officiating pathways within the academy system.
Beyond results, the Academy Games once again reinforced their importance as a key development opportunity, bringing together athletes, coaches, and umpires in a high-performance environment. The tournament not only celebrated success but also provided invaluable experience, setting the foundation for the next generation of netball talent to continue progressing through the pathway.
