swsas logo swsas










(c) South West Sydney Academy of Sport
Content Management by Blue Logic

SWSAS News

Netball Squad Plays in Swifts Curtain Raiser

Last week the South West Sydney Academy of Sport Open Netball squad was given a unique opportunity to play the curtain raiser to NSW Swifts match against the Queensland Firebirds.

Playing against long time rivals Western Sydney Academy all 17 squad members were given court time in what was to be a tightly contested game.

Half time saw both team evenly matched. Both teams went goal for goal for the majority of the first half, with Western Sydney Academy pulling away in the last few minutes to take the lead into the half time break.

The second half, like the first went goal for goal, with both teams putting some great netball on show. Again Western Sydney pulled away slightly to come away with the win by 5 goals.

Coach David Shorrocks said all girls played exceptionally well. “The girls communicated and adjusted well to the number of changes of made. They all did themselves proud and the squad as a whole showed great improvement.” Said Shorrocks.

There were a number of players who stepped up and had great games, Moira Lee, Bridget Mason, Emma Gauci and Brooke Lawrence were nominated by David as stand outs on the night.

After their game the netball squad stayed on to watch attended game between the Sydney Swifts and Queensland Firebirds. Not only do the girls enjoy the entertainment of the game, but it is also included as an “Elite Match Review” education component of their squad program. “Attending such games allows the girls to see what it takes to become an elite player and also gives them the opportunity to study and analysis players playing in their respective positions out on court.” said squad manager Denise Quinn.

Next month the Netball squad will again be in action at the Whitlam Leisure Centre in the Academy Challenge. In what has become an annual event organised by the South West Sydney Academy, teams from Western Sydney, Illawarra and South West Academies will come together to play a round robin event. With the three Academies finishing as the top four in the recent Clubs NSW Academy Games, there set to be some outstanding netball played.

SWSAS Athletes Clean Up at Academy Games

 

Last week saw the South West Sydney Academy of Sports, Golf, Netball, Hockey and Tennis squads make the long trip to Armidale to compete in the 2010 Clubs NSW Academy Games.

With 11 different regional Academies competing across 7 different sports the competition was tough in all sports.

“There were many highlights from the 2010 ClubsNSW Academy games, To see close to 1000 athletes participating in their chosen sports, was fantastic, their behaviour and sportsmenship were exceptional.” Said Gerry Knights, South West Sydney Academy of Sport Executive Officer.

It was the first time in 2 years that Tennis was a part of the games and South West Sydney Academy Tennis squad was a standout performer. Rhiannon Marlin finished the tournament at the girls champion winning the girls singles event. The team also claimed the teams event title with athletes Rhiannon Marlin, Jessica Barrett, Ben Marlin and Nathan Lewis winning division one and Isaac McCarthy, Sam McConchie, Allyse Lewis and Emma Potocki coming runners up in division two.

The Golf squad also came away with some excellent individual results with Belinda New winning the girls nett event and Mitchell Lincoln finishing 5th in the boys’ nett event. Second year athlete Jaxson Keller finished 6th overall in the scratch event, finishing one shot over on the last day.

Both the boys and girls Hockey squads performed well at the Games with the girls’ team only losing one game and the boys’ team only losing two games over the two days of competition. At the conclusion of the competition both Andrea Seymour and Jake Rose were names most valuable players for the South West Sydney Academy.

The Academy Netball squad again had a successful Academy Games winning 7 of their 9 games. As was at the 2009 Academy Games, Western Sydney Academy, Illawarra Academy and South West Academy all fought out the top three spots. This year it was Western Sydney who came away with the top positions with South West Sydney Academy finishing second.

First year netball athlete Moira Lee was also award the most valuable player of the entire competition and was also named in the Netball NSW merit team.

“The overall results as an Academy were excellent, each squad performed really well and the coaching and support staff should be congratulated on the way in which the teams performed, they have been in training for several months for these games.” Said Knights.

Prime 90 Success for Golf Squad

The 11th of January saw the start of the Prime 90 golf tournament held over the course of a week at several golf courses through the Wollongong area. This was also the first time the squad of 11 players had come together for the official start of their 2010 program.

 The first day was held at Russell Vale Golf Club, with the Academy squad standing out in their uniforms many positive comments were made by officials, parents and players.

After a few nervous holes players settled and some great golf was played. The day brought mixed results with the best performance coming from one of the development squad members, Justin Poor who played 6 under his handicap.

Day 2 was held at Kiama Golf course, a tight course with course management being a priority. Before starting squad coach Brendan Barnes gave several putting lessons and the results showed, with Kane Alexander taking gross runner up for the day.

Playing at Kembla Grange Golf course on day 3 a much different course to Kiama, many of the squad found the back nine very difficult. The shot of the day went to development squad member Rachael New who on the par 3 18th sunk a putt for birdie.

Day 4 was played at Jamberoo Golf course with short course providing exceptional results, with 6 players playing better than their handicaps.

The final day was played at Wollongong Golf course, with some great results from the previous day the squad had four athletes placed in the top 8 for the scratch, Kendall Hunt, Jaxson Keller, Kane Alexander and Ben Clampham. As well as this Justin Warren and Rachael New went into the final day leading the nett event in their age groups.

The day saw some excellent golf with the final results for the week being announced at the end of play. Justin Warren received nett winner for day 5 and overall U16’s nett runner up, Rachael New finished 3rd in the nett and day 4 nett winner, Ben Clapham was gross winner for day 4 and gross runner up for day 5, Kane Alexander received gross runner up for day 2 and Justin Poor picked nett runner up for day 1.

The week was a great opportunity for the athletes to compete as a squad and to get to know one another said squad coach Brendan Barnes.

“We had some excellent results and every player improved as the week went on, I’m looking forward to the year ahead and working with the athletes and seeing the improvements at the end of their program.” Said Barnes

The golf squad next meet for an intensive one day training and education session before commencing fortnight on course training sessions.

National Success for Academy Athletes

 The school holidays have seen many South West Sydney Academy of Sport athletes out on the sporting field in various representative sports teams, all with outstanding results.

Softball athletes Kayne Kajan, Taylor Martin, Dane Paterson, Sam Spooner, Julia Mc Cann and Karla Davidson represented NSW in the U16’s boys and girls Australian National Championships, held at Blacktown.

In a fantastic result both the boys and girls NSW teams took out Australian titles going through undefeated for the whole week. The boys defeated Queensland rivals 7-2 and the girls accomplished the NSW double by defeating Queensland 3-0 in their grand final.

 For Julia and Karla, the week was topped off with selection in the girls 2010 Australian U19’s squad. The boys’ squad is yet to be announced.

Several hockey athletes were also in action over the holidays at the National Indoor Hockey Championships, held on the Central Coast.

As in previous years, the Academy was well represented in the NSW teams with 13 Academy athletes competing. In the U14’s Jarred Edwards, Nathaniel Stewart, Jackson Harrison and Sally- Ann Legge, in the U16’s Chris Roberts, Stuart Shepherd, Jacob Andaloro, Michael Hemmingway, Corey Cox, Nicole King, Emilia Tracey, Chloe Montgomery and in the U18’s Cameron Rowland.

 NSW made a clean-sweep, winning the U14’s, U16’s and the U18’s National Indoor Titles cementing NSW as the top Hockey state.

 “The Academy is extremely proud of the recent achievements of athletes at National Titles”, said Academy Executive Officer Gerry Knights.

 “The role of the Academy is to enhance the quality development base provided by local clubs and associations and to provide the support athletes need to progress to NSW and National selection”, said Knights.

Also, during the Christmas period, Netball NSW held its selection process for the NSW U17’s and U19’s teams to compete at the National Championships in April 2010. Former Academy athletes Alix McDermott and Megan Styles were successful in gaining selection in the U19’s NSW team.

Both girls will be looking for improved performances from last year with NSW finishing third at the 2009 National Championships.

 “It should be recognised that athlete NSW selection is a tribute the effort of a wide range of local volunteer coaches, support staff members and parents who contribute to junior athlete development, as we appropriately take time to recognise and congratulate individual athletes”, said Knights.

2010 Academy Representative Rugby League Squad Announced

With the support of its seven rugby league partners the NSW Rugby League, Country Rugby League, Wests Tigers, Group 6 Country senior and junior, and Wests Magpies senior and junior rugby leagues, the South West Sydney Academy will once again compete in the prestigious NSW Rugby League Harold Matthews representative rugby league competition.

Following an initial lengthy selection process, 60 athletes were selected to train-on for the past 4 months, with a view to playing representative rugby league for the Academy, or Wests Magpies.

The combined train-on squad has now completed a tough pre season training program, and trials against South Sydney and Manly, culminating in the final selection of the South West Sydney Academy of Sport and Wests Magpies 2010 Harold Matthews teams.

Representing the Academy in 2010 will be Jacob Dematos, Amos Faoagli, Reece Fitzgerald, John Fuli, Ricky Garard, Kyal Greene, John Greene, Joshua Head, Robert Kennedy, Matthew Langfield, Brad Lawrence, Harry Lording, Jace Mendez, Jeremiah Pesa, Ryan Robertson, Tino Junior Siu, Matthew Turland, Trevor Uluaki, Mitch Vamvas, Corey Walpole, Ali Warwar, Brad Wiles and Isaac Wojewodka.

The Academy squad is made up of representatives from Groups 6 Country and Western Suburbs junior rugby leagues. The entry of the Academy team will as in 2009, provide a second team representing the south west Sydney region. This team and West’s Magpies will compete head on with NRL representative club heavy weights in the competition.

Selectors looked for players who are truly dedicated to representative football and positively contribute to their own development, and the outcomes of the program.

“Last year we had limited success on field but exceeded all off field expectations, and the Academy was extremely proud of the team’s overall effort,” said Academy executive officer, Gerry Knights.

“The inclusion of a second Harold Matthews representative team from the south west Sydney region to compete against long established NRL rugby league clubs from NSW and Queensland, highlights the importance our region is to ongoing development of rugby league.” Knights said.

The Academy squad shares the same Liverpool training venue and weights gymnasium with the Wests Magpies and will play a number of its competition matches either before, or after Wests Magpies.

“The two teams will play against each other in Round 8 of the competition, which should be a fantastic game of rugby league,” said Academy head coach Steve Cotsonis. A view supported by Assistant Coach Stan Presdee.

“The South West Sydney Academy of Sport – Harold Matthews Rugby League team is an exciting opportunity for an enterprising local business to become involved in Representative Rugby League with other corporate partners including Wests Tigers,” said Knights 

Academy Lone Star athlete program revised

The South West Sydney Academy of Sport has extended its Lone Star athlete program age criteria by one year and therefore appropriately extends its closing date to Friday 22 January 2010. The age group extension is a direct response to athlete interest in the program.

The Academy is inviting local talented athletes Born between 1992 and 1995, and turning 15-18 in the 2010 calendar year, to nominate for an Academy Lone Star athlete scholarship.

"Athlete interest in the Academy has exceeded all expectations over the past few years and the inclusion of an athlete Lone Star program is a unique, new and exciting way of assisting a larger number of athletes, in a wider range of sports", said Academy CEO Gerry Knights.

It is envisaged that this new program will provide region based athletes currently performing at a junior elite or pre-elite level the opportunity to undertake an Academy scholarship.

"The program is suitable for sports of an individual nature such as swimming, shooting, archery, cycling, martial arts and triathlon, and also individual athletes from team sports not currently offered by the Academy", said Knights.

The Academy will also offer the athletes' personal coach the opportunity to continue to oversee their athlete as part of the Academy's coaching staff, and also be provided the opportunity to undertake the Academy's coaches education program at the same time.

The Lone Star program will provide athlete education, skill and personal development sessions, high level coaching and cross sport coaching, sports science support services, media and profile development and invitations to high profile local Academy events. And, where available access to squad activities conducted by other NSW regional academies of sport, on a fostering basis.

Individual programs will vary in accordance to the ranking of the athlete and the classification of the sport. Athletes must live, or go to school, or play sport in the Campbelltown, Camden, Liverpool, or Wollondilly region to qualify.

Nomination forms are available from the Academy website www.swsas.org.au with an extended closing date of 6.00pm Friday 22 January 2010. For additional information, contact CEO Gerry Knights gknights@swsas.org.au or Sports Program Coordinator Emma Walker, emma.walker@swsas.org.au or by telephone 4627 7622

Academy Graduation Night

Saturday night saw 400 athletes, coaches, parents, sponsors, coucillors and members of parliament attend the annual South West Sydney Academy of Sport graduation night.

The night was not only to congratulate the Academy squad on their efforts throughout the year, but to also recognize athletes who have made outstanding achievements in their sport.

The night includes the presentation of numerous awards including coach's awards for all sports, the SKINS dedication to task award, the Jim Medway memorial trophies, guest speaker former Olympic Swimmer Duncan Armstrong and the night culminates in the announcement of the prestigious Greater West Sports Foundation Chairperson Award.

With such an outstanding group of nominees, selecting a winner was a difficult task. The recipient has to show an attitude that embraces the Academy and its philosophies, social skills, communication skills, leadership, respect and responsibility.

Kayne Kajan, the winner of the 2009 Greater West Sports Foundation Chairpersons Award showed all of these qualities and more. Kayne has loved softball since he started playing at the tender age of 8 years. Kayne has moved through the associations Under 12's, 14's, 16's and now 19's representative age groups, often being one of the younger players.

In January 2009, Kayne was selected in the NSW Under 16's Team and competed at the National Championships in Tasmania, finishing 3rd overall.

Following the National Championships, Kayne was selected into the 2009 Under 19's Australian Squad to compete in the Friendship Series, to be held in July at Blacktown Olympic Park against other Australian teams and teams from New Zealand.

Kayne is a well mannered, extremely driven sports person who puts back into the sport, by coaching, officiating and assisting in the operation of the sport.

When asked Head Coach Heather Skuse said “Kayne was the perfect nominee for Academy Chairpersons award, his commitment to the sport both as a player and volunteer is demonstrated with such dedication.

 Kayne’s leadership skills, commitment to the Academy program, communication skills, respect for others and excellent sporting achievements make her a worthy recipient of this year’s Greater West Foundation Chairpersons award.

 Academy Athlete Twice the Success

"To play sport at a representative level takes commitment, dedication and focus. For Camden athlete Jennifer Brown these attributes are twice that of some other athletes," said Academy Executive Officer Gerry Knights.

Jennifer has been a South West Sydney Academy of Sport Netball squad member for 3 years and has recently taken a step into representative squash with amazing success.

In her first year with the Academy in 2007, Jennifer was selected in the inaugural 15's Netball Development squad and was further selected in the NSW U15's talent squad.

In 2008 and 2009 Jennifer was successful in gaining selection into the Academy Open Netball squad where she has continued to develop her Netball skills, whilst also representing Camden, in the NSW State League competition.

In 2009, Jennifer also commenced playing representative squash, a sport she started to play to maintain her fitness during the Netball off season.

In May, Jennifer was ranked 5th in the NSW U17’ Squash rankings and has successfully continued to improve her standing ever since.

Jennifer recently claimed 1st place in the ACT U17's Junior Squash Titles, gained selection in the NSW Combined High Schools Team to play Queensland in August, was selected in the NSW U17’s Squash team to play in the Australian Junior Squash Championships in October, and was recently placed 4th at the NSW Junior Age titles.

“In what was to be a sport to play in the off-season, Jennifer now juggles her Squash training and competitions with her Netball and school education,” said her proud mother Lorraine.

“Playing State League Netball on weekends; and trying to fit in Squash competitions is hard,” said Jennifer. “But at the moment I’m really enjoying playing both sports, so I want to continue to play both at the highest level possible, for as long as I can.”

 Academy Softball Athlete Headed for the Big Time

Southern Districts Softball Association representative Softballer Kayne Kajan is definitely heading for the big time. Kayne is a current scholarship holder with the South West Sydney Academy of Sport and executive officer Gerry Knights openly congratulates those many people who have assisted Kane’s development to date.

Kayne has loved softball since he started playing at the tender age of 8 years. Kayne has moved through the associations Under 12’s, 14’s, 16’s and now 19’s representative age groups, often being one of the younger players.

Knights said, “Kayne gained entry to Westfield Sports High School in 2006, has played two years of Waratah League, and has also been selected into the Academy softball program for the past two years.”

In January 2009, Kayne was selected in the NSW Under 16’s Team and competed at the National Championships in Tasmania, finishing 3rd overall.

Following the National Championships, Kayne was selected into the 2009 Under 19’s Australian  Squad to compete in the Friendship Series, to be held in July at Blacktown Olympic Park against other Australian teams and teams from New Zealand.

“Kayne’s ambition is to make the 2012 Under 19’s Australian Team and to compete at the Junior World championships,” said his very proud mother Joanne Southam.

“He was inspired to play softball by watching his cousins and brother play and seeing them progress from club level right through to State and Australian representative levels. He has been fantastically supported by his Wildcats club coaches, Academy head coach Heather Skuse and her coaching and support staff members, plus his Southern Districts Softball Association and NSW coaches”, she said.

“Kayne is a talented athlete the region should be proud of, he supports his fellow players and recognises that it takes the efforts of many, including his family and friends to be ultimately successful,” said Knights.

 Athletes Get Behind the Microphone

The South West Sydney Academy of Sport recently began a new education program for all 2009 athletes. With support of local radio station C91.3FM, the Academy has implemented a new athlete media education program.

Currently athletes already complete education sessions in fitness testing, sport psychology, nutrition, drugs in sport, recovery techniques, elite athlete discussions, time management and can now add to the list media education.

Working with C91.3FM’s very own Pat McGeown on a fortnightly basis athletes are taken through a session on talking to media, answering interview questions and public speaking. Following the education session athletes are given the opportunity to take a tour of the radio station and to even record their own piece for a radio commercial.

Already completing the education program the U15’s Rugby League squad and the Boys Hockey squad, response from both the athletes and coaching staff has been extremely positive. Hockey squad manager Tonya Smith said “The boys gained so much out of the afternoon and it was something that they can use throughout their future playing careers, I’m looking forward to going back with the girls Hockey squad when they do the program.”

C91.3FM has recently come on board as an Academy sponsor and will be using the athlete recordings to make several radio advertisements to be played on the radio throughout the coming weeks. Its great to be able to give the athlete this kind of opportunity the Academy is pleased to be working with such a highly respected organization and radio station in the area, said Academy Executive Director Gerry Knights.

In the coming weeks all squads including Netball, Golf, Tennis, Softball and Athletes with a Disability will taken through the program by Pat Mc Goewn and given the opportunity to record their very own radio advertisement.

Academy Showcases Sporting Talent at Parliament House

This week saw representatives of the South West Sydney Academy attend NSW Parliament House along with athletes and staff members from the ten other regional academies across NSW. The event highlighted and showcased the talents and achievements of the academies and their athletes. 

Attending the function along with many members of parliament from across the state was NSW Sport and Recreation Minister Kevin Greene. Athletes were individually acknowledged, in what was a spectacular showcase of young sporting achievements.

The Minister took the opportunity to announce, discretionary funding for the ten NSW Regional Academies of Sport across the state has been extended four more years. Mr Greene said the Regional Academies will share in NSW Government funding worth $500,000 every year, over the next four years.

 “Regional Academies of Sport are a fundamental first step for athletes as they train to represent NSW, or Australia,” he said.

 “These Academies give talented young athletes a chance to access specialist support without forcing them to leave their community and family, and school.

 “The expert advice and training they can take advantage of ranges from sports science and medicine opportunities, to high level coaching and athlete education so developing athletes have every chance to reach their potential.

 “It’s not just for young athletes; the academies also train young coaches, officials and sports administrators, a crucial resource for sport and recreation in NSW, to further their skills and careers.

 “The NSW Government is committed to providing on-going support to Regional Academies to nurture the next generation of sporting champions,” he said. Mr Greene said the ten independent Regional Academies of Sport will see their funding stay at $1.5million a year.

The Rees Government will also provide $25,000 to support the Clubs NSW Regional Academy Games, to be held in Armidale next month.

 “This funding announcement means long term security for the Academies so they can prepare talented young sports people for London 2012 and beyond,” Mr Greene said.

 The South West Sydney Academy of Sport Executive Officer Gerry Knights supported the Ministers remarks by stating “The State Governments four year discretionary funding commitment will ensure that the South West Sydney Academy of Sport will be able to continue to provide its current programs, at its present high level.

 South West Sydney Academy of Sport Harold Matthews Team

The team travelled to the Gold Coast and in very warm conditions were run over by a big Gold Coast side. We started and Gold Coast scored just on 3 minutes in to the match, the game then was a sea-saw end to end until some silly mistakes cost us and Gold Coast scored again after 18 minutes to lead 10 - 0 we then were hoping to hold Gold Coast till half time but they scored with 15sec till the hooter and take a half time lead of 14 - 0.

In the second half we had the wind and a better kicking game saw us putting pressure on Gold Coast and against the run of play Gold Coast scored again then a move from the scrum saw Lock Tylon Tanuvasa make a good run, get a quick play the ball and the ball then went through about 6 sets of hands in what has been discribed by many as the best Harold Matthews try this season by any team, Centre Tom Marshall finished off in the corner and then converted from the side line and SWSAS was back in the match.

From the kick off we completed a great set of 6 with a kick from Hooker Scott Davies not given as a 40/20 by the touch judge and from the next scrum Gold Coast set sail up field and scored in the corner again, 6 -22 and the score remained that way until the last 6 minutes when Gold Coast ran in 3 converted tries to blow the score out to SWSAS 6 Gold Coast 40.

The score was really no reflection in the way the team played today. Best for SWSAS, Second rower Daniel McGookin, Front rower Jarrod Szczudlo, Centre Tom Marshall again had a good match. As we are improving each week a win is not out of the question for 2009. Next weeks match is v Manly at Worrell Park 10.00am Kick off.

Academy Rugby League defeats Parra Power 20 to 10

South West Sydney Academy of Sport 20 v Parramatta 10

Wednesday 28th January 2009

The South West Sydney Academy of Sport under 15 development squad travelled to McCredie Park, Guildford to take on the strong 2009 Parramatta representative development squad line up. The feeling in the Academy change room was full of optimism and nervousness about holding the strong Parramatta side.

A positive start and strong defence in the early stages by the Academy forced Parramatta onto the back foot and into several mistakes.

From a penalty 10 metres out from the Parramatta try line a determined try scoring run by Academy front rower Tylon Tanuvasa  put the Academy ahead 4-0. The conversion by halfback Corey Makelim unsuccessfully hit the upright.

Parramatta then piled on the pressure with the Academy continually defending its try line. The Academy defence held but poor ball handling under immense pressure saw the Academy turning the ball back over to Parramatta in its own half, for the remainder of the period.

 The second stanza was played in weather conditions better suited to quality rugby league. The Academy withstood the Parramatta onslaught and some quality ball saw a great break by second rower Sou Kamuta split the Parramatta defence up the middle and race 70 metres to score under the posts. The try was converted by halfback Matt Applebee, SWSAS 10 Parramatta 0.

The great work was undone by some unforced handling errors which lead to Parramatta crossing the line and convert. SWSAS 10 Parramatta 6.

The last 20 minutes saw Parramatta draw level at 10-10, but the gruelling training regime over the past 2 months started to pay-off for the Academy. The final 5 minutes of the game saw the Academy run over the top of their more fancied opponents. A try to lock Lachlan Yule was converted by Matt Applebee, then a break by five-eight Jhy Douglas and a miracle ball to fullback Ethan Fucile took the final score to SWSAS 20 Parramatta 10.

Wests Tigers recruitment manager Warren McDonnell was full of praise regarding the teamwork and determination of the Academy squad.

Outstanding games by Sou Kamuta, Corey Makelim, Josh Cullen, Luke Warren and Issac Wodjewodka were only sour by a serious rib injury to hooker Jake Muir.

Scorers: Tylon Tanuvasa, Sou Kamuta, Lachlan Yule, Ethan Fucile tries; Matt Applebee 2 goals

The Academy will play matches against Penrith, Cronulla, Canberra and Balmain in coming weeks. For more information about the South West Sydney Academy of Sport under 15 development squad contact Manager Mark Dunn 46277622, or CEO Gerry Knights 0407 415 847.

 NEW AWD PROGRAM

The South West Sydney Academy of Sport early this year launched its new Athletes with a Disability program with the induction of its first track and field athlete. This program has been developed in conjunction with the NSW Department of Arts, Sports and Recreation, the Paralympic committee and the Macarthur Disability Services, the Academy established the program to assist local athletes with a disability.

 The program will provide athletes with up to date coaching resources, education programs, expert coaching advice and the opportunity to participate in all Academy functions. Open to individual athletes and their coaches in the Liverpool, Campbelltown, Camden and Wollondilly area, the program aims to enhance and add to athletes current training programs.

The program not only takes on the athlete, but also allows for their coach to become part of the Academy. Coaches will be provided the opportunity to participate in the Academy coaches education program and to expand on their current knowledge and skills.

“By providing coaches with this opportunity it allows the athlete and coach to develop together and gives the athlete the stability of one coach.” said Academy Executive Officer, Gerry Knights.

Michael Henderson a local Liverpool athlete recently accepted the first Athletes with a Disability scholarship with the Academy.

Michael a track and field athlete specialises in javelin, discuss and shot put. Michael recently represented New South Wales at Pacific School Games and bagged an Australian record in the discus with an outstanding throw of 41.09m, he also came away with two silver medals in both the shot put and javelin.

Coach Ben Towers described Michaels’ performance at the Games as excellent and was extremely pleased with the way he competed and his results. “Michael competed exceptionally well and to come away with an Australian record is a bonus to the medals.” said Towers.

As an athlete, Michael states his goal is to represent Australia at future Paralympics. While in the South West Sydney Academy of Sport program Michael hopes gain valuable knowledge from education sessions and is looking forward to meeting new people and mixing with athletes from other sports.

“The Academy is delighted to have Michael on board as part of the Athletes with a Disability program,  we see great value in including this as part of the Academy. Not only will it benefit AWD athletes and coaches but also current athletes in various other sports who will also benefit from working with and understanding the qualities of athletes with a disability.” said Knights

For more information on the Athletes with a Disability program please contact the Academy on 46 277 622.

SWSAS Australian Representative

Success for the Academy Netball squad just keeps coming. 2008 and 2009 Netball scholarship Jessica Chiefari has recently been selected in the Australian U18’s Indoor Netball team.

Flying out for New Zealand on the 29th November Jessica will represent Australia in a week long international tournament.

Jessica has been a Moorebank Netball representative since the age of 8 and currently plays in the senior A grade competition. She has been a Liverpool Representative in U11’s through to U15’s competing all State Age Championships.

In 2008, Jessica was selected in the Academy 15’s team and was recently offered a 2009 Open Netball scholarships.

2008, proved to be a very successful year for Jessica gaining selection in the NSW U16’s Catholic Schools team which competed in Adelaide in September, and recently representing NSW in the U18’s Indoor Australian Championships.

Jessica has also been recognised by her school for all her sporting achievements; being inducted in to the Freeman Catholic College “Hall of Fame”.

This honor is bestowed on students who have succeeded in achieving high sporting endeavors’ and embrace superior responsibility in-and-out of school.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Under 15'a Netballer Tegan McDonald who was recently selected to attend the Netball NSW Under 15's Talent Identification Camp at Narrabeen.

Softballers to Represent NSW

The South West Sydney Academy of Sport has topped off another successful Softball program with 12 athletes selected to attend the second stage of the NSW state camp and 7 athletes being named in U16’s NSW teams.

Making stage two of the NSW state camp were Grant Clark, Kayne Kajan, Mason Rossi, Tayla Campbell and Karla Davidson from Southern Districts, Alex O’Daly, Scott New and Matthew Wade from Macarthur Softball and Julia McCann, Aimee Lavers, Sharni Draper-Smith and Jay Schouten representing the Campbelltown  Softball Association.

Following the state camp Softball NSW named the 2009 NSW U16’s state teams to compete at the Australian Championships to be held in January 2009. Of the 12 South West Sydney Academy of Sport representatives attending the state camp, 7 were selected in the NSW State U16’s team.

Representing the NSW U16’s boys at the Australian Championships in Tasmania will be Grant Clark, Kayne Kajan, Alex O’Daly and Mason Rossi and traveling to Western Australia for the Australian U16’s girls championships will be Tayla Campbell and Julia McCann. 

Netballers Reach 3rd Phase

Over the weekend of the 22nd & 23rd of November a number of Academy Netball Squad members participated in NSW Under 17’s, 2nd phase trials with several players being selected to attended the prestigious  3rd phase.  

 Academy Graduation Night

Saturday the 16th August saw 500 athletes, coaches, parents, sponsors, coucillors and members of parliament attend the annual South West Sydney Academy of Sport graduation night.

The night was not only to congratulate the Academy squad on their efforts throughout the year, but to also recognize athletes who have made outstanding achievements in their sport.

The night includes the presentation of numerous awards including coach’s awards for all sports, the SKINS dedication to task award, the Jim Medway memorial trophies, chairperson nominee and the night culminates in the announcement of the prestigious Greater West Sports Foundation Chairperson Award.

This year The Greater West Sports Foundation Chairperson nominees received a grant of $200 and the recipient of the Chairpersons Award received $1000 to contribute to further their sporting endeavors.

Nominees included Corey White Rugby - League, Emma Gauci - Netball, Damien Doan - Harold Matthews, Emily Smith - Hockey, Natalie Markovic - Tennis, Alex O’Daly - Softball and Belinda New - Golf.

With such an outstanding group of nominees, selecting a winner was a difficult task. The recipient has to show an attitude that embraces the Academy and its philosophies, social skills, communication skills, leadership, respect and responsibility.

Emily Smith, the winner of the 2008 Greater West Sports Foundation Chairpersons Award showed all of these qualities and more. Some of Emily’s achievements include, NSW state badged umpire, accredited touch football referee, awarded academic achievement for excellence, member of the student representative council, sports woman of the year and a member of numerous state hockey teams. Unfortunately Emily was unable to attend the graduation to receive her award as she is currently touring South Africa with the Australian All Schools team.

When asked about Emily, Hockey head coach Andrew Woolner described her as “a true leader, Emily always has time for others and is undoubtly one of the most committed athletes to have been with the Academy. She is willing to take advice from all coaching staff and is keen contributor at any education session. Her positive attitude often lifts others when they are finding things a little tough.”

“Emily is one of the most respected athletes not only in the Academy but also within the NSW Hockey fraternity; it is a common occurrence for coaches and players to ask Emily for her input at training and games. Being a state badged umpire gives her the advantage of understanding an umpire’s position, again gaining their respect both on and off the field.” said Coach Andrew Woolner.

Emily’s leadership skills, commitment to the Academy program, communication skills, respect for others and excellent sporting achievements make her a worthy recipient of this year’s Greater West Foundation Chairpersons award.

Other award winner include

Coaches Awards

Emily Smith - Netball

Belinda New - Golf

Aimee Lavers and Grant Clarke - Softball

Johanna Rowlands and Ben Suraci - Hockey

Blaine Rico - U15's Rugby League

Christopher Bostock - Harold Matthews Rugby League

Chairpersons Nominees

Emma Gauci - Netball

Belinda New - Golf

Alex O'Daly - Softball

Emily Smith - Hockey

Corey White - U15's Rugby League

Damien Doan - Harold Matthews

Chairperson Award Winner

Emily Smith - Hockey