The South West Sydney Academy of Sport is an organisation that is focused on the identification and development of junior sub-elite athletes through off-season, educationally based programs. Our mission statement is:
"To provide high quality, community focused, talented athlete identification and development programs, which assist athletes to successfully realize their sporting potential".
The age of athletes serviced ranges from 11-21, and is dependant on discussions with the respective State Sporting Organisations.
The Academy operates all its sporting programs in a partnership with the State Sporting Organisation. This partnership ensures that athletes of the SWSAS are in the respective Athlete Development Pathways of each sport.
Academy programs either underpin New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) or Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) development programs.
The South West Sydney Academy of Sport services the local government areas of; Liverpool, Wollondilly, Camden and Campbelltown.
The last twelve months have seen 180 athletes benefit from our off-season, educationally based development programs - which focus more on the mental and skill development side of sport rather than rigorous competition.
Just under 40% of our athletes have gone on to represent NSW or Australia in recent years.
Ever wondered what the process is for a sport to be considered for inclusion within the South West Sydney Academy of Sport?
Each sporting application must be underwritten by the State Sporting Organsiation. Local sporting associations are invited to send a letter to their State Sporting Organisation detailing the local interest in becoming a member of SWSAS.
Information and Expressions of Interest are compiled from local sporting associations, and the State Sporting Organisation informed that there is an interest in the area. SWSAS then invites the State Sporting Organisation to meet with and discuss the possiblity of a sporting program, and to make a formal application.
Essentially there are eight steps that will occur. The overall process from identification of a potential sport to formal application to a program being accepted and started can take anywhere from three to six months.
Step 1: The Sport undertakes a self-assessment process. (SWSAS is in the process of indetifying regional sports through the PSDP.
Step 2: Sport submits SSO Form (available by contacting SWSAS) to Academy outlining the basic details of a proposed program.
Step 3: SWSAS arranges meeting with Sport to discuss proposed program and provide general assistance with the application process.
Step 4: Sport submits comprehensive details of the proposed program to Academy.
Step 5: Academy Sports Committee considers sport program proposal and makes reccomendation to Academy Board.
Step 6: Academy Board makes decision regarding program.
Step 7: The Agreement outlining key responsibilities of the sport and Academy are finalised.
Step 8: Sport program co-ordinator and Academy initiate the program.