One of the largest South West Sydney Academy of Sport contingents will head to Wagga Wagga to compete in the 2024 annual Regional Academy Games during April 12-14.
One athlete looking forward to the Games is Bingara Gorge netballer Gabriella Arena.
Arena, who is in her second year with the academy program, is looking forward to challenging herself and her team mates to step outside their comfort zone to learn something new.
“The academy has provided a wonderful opportunity to play with talented athletes and develop my individual skills,” says Arena.
“The academy also helps prepare me for tournament style play, such as the Academy Games.”
Arena and her fellow netball squad members undertook an intensive training camp in early March at Netball Central in Olympic Park.
Hosted by Netball NSW, athletes from all 11 NSW regional academies were mixed into groups to undertake training in on-court movement and skill development, speed and agility training, and self-confidence education.
“This allowed us to test our skills against athletes from other academies, and be coached in our own position,” Arena said.
“The highlight of the camp was definitely day two, when we got to wear the academy dress and play games,” Arena said.
“It feels amazing to play with this team, and I cannot wait to head off to represent South West at the Academy Games.”
Our academy will contest the netball competition in Wagga Wagga with two teams, while three umpires will also travel with the squad.
In addition to the netball squad, the academy will compete in the basketball, golf, hockey, triathlon and volleyball competitions.
“We have over 120 athletes and 45 coaches attending this year’s games, competing in six sports,” says academy sport operations manager Stephen Craig.
As for Gabrielle Arena, success at Wagga Wagga will come off the back of the one percenters – recovery, eating properly, sleeping well, having self-control and being self-disciplined.
“Those are key qualities you need to have to be an athlete, and get each other through the weekend,” Arena said.
For more information on the Regional Academy Games, and to follow the South West Sydney Academy of Sport’s progress, head to www.academygames.com.au
