Academies of sport across NSW, including our own South West Sydney Academy of Sport, are set to benefit from an exciting state-wide Athlete Education Program, developed in conjunction with and sponsored by the NSW registered clubs industry.
Young athletes from across the state will undergo an intensive education program covering everything from the dangers of drugs in sport to financial literacy, thanks to a new scheme funded by NSW registered clubs and to be distributed by the Regional Academies of Sport Inc (RASi).
The local club industry is a strong supporter for our academy, with the Campbelltown Catholic Club in its 7th year as its naming rights sponsor, Wests League Club Campbelltown sponsoring its Future Stars program, Ingleburn RSL Club its Athlete Good Citizenship program sponsor and the Campbelltown Golf Club its golf program sponsor.
As major partner, the club industry has committed $200,000 a year for the next three years towards the program, which will provide a best practice health and wellbeing program to academy athletes across the state.
The regional academy athlete network includes over 3,500 male and female athletes and continues to expand annually.
“To have a unified professional and elite education program servicing the talented youth of NSW will only develop stronger generations of athletes and community leaders,’’ says Gerry Knights, executive director of South West Sydney Academy of Sport and vice chairman of RASi.
The new Athlete Education Program curriculum will cover 11 modules including in Year 1: nutrition, drugs in sport/community, sports psychology and youth leadership.
The program will be delivered both face to face and backed up by the development of an online hub.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The relationship with RASi is a natural fit for the club industry, given our long-standing commitment to local sport and development of junior athletes,” says Peter Newell, ClubsNSW chairman. [/social_quote]
“NSW clubs contribute $65 million to junior sport each and every year, through ClubGRANTS funding, for things like uniforms and equipment, as well as the provision of sporting infrastructure collectively worth billions of dollars.
“Now, through our partnership program with the Regional Academies of Sport, we will be able to provide guidance on off-field education issues as well, which, all too often derail promising sporting careers.”
For more information on the Athlete Education Program contact Gerry Knights 0407 415 847 or 4627 7622 during business hours or email him at gerry.knights@swsas.org.au
Marissa Jane
Hannah