The journey to becoming a sports school is gathering pace at Eagle Vale High as aspiring young athletes start taking part in trials to qualify for its Talented Sports Programs (TSP) across a number of codes.
Principal Craig Butler can’t wait to see the sport stars his school will produce over the next few years.
“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 Mr Butler.
“We look forward to welcoming our future TSP students next year and supporting them through their sporting and academic journey.”
The school’s inaugural class intake will begin in 2025.
Throughout Term 3, trials for Eagle Vale High School’s Year 9 basketball program will take place, along with trials for the school’s first cricket program.
Earlier year 70 boys and girls competed in the hope of joining the school’s Year 7 rugby league placement, and more than 20 boys and girls took part in trials for the first Year 7 intake to the basketball program.
Successful basketball students will train under the guidance of former Sydney Flames team member and international player Adrianne Gilbert.
The selective sports stream at Eagle Vale High School will support the growing Macarthur region, where the population of 300,000 has increased by more than a quarter in recent years.
Previously, students living in the region wanting to attend a TSP had to travel an hour each way.
Local and national sporting organisations have given in-principle support to partner with the school for the program.
These organisations include 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 – as well as Macarthur Quake Futsal Club.
As part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $3.6 billion commitment to building new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney, planning work for upgrades to the school’s facilities continues.
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 at the school.
“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,’’ says the Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty, who joined education minister Prue Car and Campbelltown MP Greg Warren (pictured top) for a visit to witness the start of the trials last week.
“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,’’ Mr Hagarty said.
“I cannot wait to see the dividends this investment delivers for our strong local sporting community.”
Ms Car said the Minns Labor Government was committed to expanding the Talented Sports Program in South West Sydney so athletically talented students can pursue their sporting goals and foster their academic future.
“This area of Sydney has seen its population boom, and it is vital we provide opportunities where students can learn and train in their local area,’’ Ms Car said.
