A sports high school in outer South West Sydney was an important commitment from the Labor Party at the 2023 NSW state election.
Eagle Vale High School was nominated for this proposal, and now that Labor is in government the promise is slowly becoming a reality.
Aspiring local athletes from the region have this week been taking part in trials to join Eagle Vale High School’s selective sports stream.
Athletic trials have also begun for students looking to enter Eagle Vale High School’s Talented Sports Programs (TSP).
The school’s inaugural class intake will begin in 2025.
More than 20 boys and girls took part in trials on Wednesday for the first Year 7 intake to the school’s basketball program, while 70 boys and girls also put their hands up for rugby league placement.
Trials for cricket and Year 9 basketball will continue in Term 3.
“These trials mark the beginning of a very exciting time for Eagle Vale High School and the Macarthur community, with so much sporting potential already on display,’’ says Eagle Vale High School principal, Craig Butler.
“We look forward to welcoming our future TSP students next year and supporting them through their sporting and academic journey.”
A number of local and national sporting organisations have given in principle support to the school, including Wests Tigers (NRL), Macarthur Rams, Camden Tigers and Macarthur District Football Associations (soccer), Campbelltown, Wollondilly and Roar Basketball Associations, Campbelltown/Camden District Cricket Club and Camden District Cricket Association and Macarthur Quake Futsal Club.
Eagle Vale High is located within the electorate of Leppington, won at the election by Nathan Hagarty.
“I am thrilled to see sporting trials begin here at Eagle Vale High School ahead of the beginning of the school’s first selective sports intake next year,’’ the Leppington MP said.
“Delivering a selective sports stream for the Macarthur community will enhance opportunities for the talented young athletes in our community, who will now be able to nurture their future sporting careers without having to spend hours travelling each day.
“I cannot wait to see the dividends this investment delivers for our strong local sporting community.”
As well as trials, planning is under way for upgrades to the school’s facilities.
As part of these upgrades, the school will receive a new multi-purpose hall, and new and upgraded sports facilities to support the delivery of sports programs.
“Our region is home to some amazing athletes and to have an opportunity like this close to home will be invaluable for many of them,’’ says the member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren, who is also parliamentary secretary for education and early learning.
“It is fantastic to see so many of our young athletes get out to Eagle Vale High School’s athletic trials and I wish all of them the absolute best of luck.’’
