South West Academy of Sport

Media Releases

NETFIT Partnership for 2021 SWAS Netball Program

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday 19th January 2021

NETFIT NETBALL & SOUTH WEST ACADEMY OF SPORT COMBINE TO DELIVER ELITE PATHWAY PROGRAM TO REGIONAL NETBALLERS

 

NETFIT Netball and the South West Academy of Sport are delighted to announce their newly formed Academy Partnership aimed at delivering an elite pathway program to South West netballers. Spearheaded by Camperdown local, and 13-year elite netball, Sarah Wall the Under 13 & 15 Academies will be supported by the SWAS team including Sara Quinn, Stacey O’Sullivan and overseen by the SWAS staff.

 

Having enjoyed a professional career that netted 3 national titles, an understandably excited Wall commented “I am passionate about the South West and it’s netballing community and am so excited to be delivering the NETFIT & SWAS programs to them through this new partnership.” “The South West has a strong and proud history of producing not only excellent sportspeople but also strong, community minded leaders and we hope to be able to develop both through the new Academy.”

 

SWAS CEO Nick Kaiser further muted that the partnership offered an exciting opportunity to South West athlete’s, eager to further develop their skill set. “We’ve worked with Sarah and the NETFIT team over a number of years, and with Sarah having recently relocated to the region we were eager to further consolidate that relationship.” Kaiser added “SWAS & NETFIT’s core values on the development of both athlete’s and young people align closely and this Academy partnership was a no-brainer for both sides.”

 

The NETFIT & SWAS Academy will run for the duration of the 2021, commencing in February, comprising two separate age groups, being an Under 13 & 15 Academy limited to 22 participants in each group. The Academy shall run monthly each Sunday for 9 months, with 8 physical Academy sessions and a community give-back program designed to develop community leaders within the Academy.

 

How to Book or Request further information

Please visit the NETFIT & SWAS websites to learn more about the particulars of the Academy including pricing and program inclusions.

You will also be able to secure your position via the online booking platform at NETFIT:

NETFIT Website – www.netfitnetball.com

SWAS Website – swas.org.au/academy-sports/netball/

 

For further information or to request an interview with Sarah Wall please contact:

Claire Oliver

NETFIT Netball

Mobile: +61 425 079 993

Email: claire@netfitnetball.com

 

2021 Individual Athlete Program Applications NOW OPEN

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN for our Individual Athlete Program.

A proven and deeply engaging, subsidised holistic support network for serious young sports persons wishing to maximise their sporting performances and pursue VIS and AIS pathways, state and national selection, international scholarship opportunities, and semi professional to professional careers in all sports.

Contact us today for further information;

(03) 5564 8567

swsportsacademy@swtafe.vic.edu.au

to apply please complete the form below;

 


COVID 19- SWAS Events Postponed

The wellbeing of our Academy community is our highest priority and the South West Academy of Sport has and is monitoring the COVID-19 situation. We are mindful of its potential impact on our athletes, coaches and families and after carefully following the advice of the Centre for Disease Control, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, state government and state sporting organisations.

SWAS has made the decision to postpone all Academy programs, incorporating – attending group S&C sessions, Sport Specific Sessions and functional movement sessions at this time. The shutdown will be until at least 18th April at this stage, but we will continue to keep you updated if anything changes.

It is a challenging scenario for SWAS as we draw from a wide geographical region and diverse sections of the community across the South West, so the risk of transmission into different towns and communities is heightened. At this time we are looking to reduce the group training activities and assist in the containment of the virus through social distancing and reducing family and group travel requirements.

The following group activities will be affected during this four week period:

  • Netball coaching session – Sunday 22 March
  • Hockey coaching session – Sunday 22 March
  • Tennis Hitting session post-JDS – Sunday 22 March
  • Surfing coaching session – Sunday 22 March
  • Clay Target Shooting session – Sunday 29 March
  • Running Technique session – Sunday 5 April
  • Group Strength & Conditioning sessions during the week of 23 March.

 

Please Note: Where you have a copy of your Gym program we encourage you to complete your gym sessions at home or use the SWAS Home programs. Some gym locations may stay open during this time if you feel comfortable going to the gym please take precautions.

At some stage, the sporting seasons will re-commence and as such we recommend (where health factors permit) you all keep in a fit and ready state to compete and train. It might be that you cannot train on a court or with a ball, but that will provide opportunities to practise mindfulness, listen to an Audiobook or complete some cross-training to keep in shape.

During this time, we believe it will be helpful to continue to log your training activities in OwnUrGoal especially your daily wellness reports.

This is an unprecedented situation which is rapidly evolving by the day and is affecting every facet of life for our communities. We encourage everyone to follow the directives from the government and health services, be kind to those around you and monitor your own physical and mental health and that of your families and friends.

 

Regards,

Nic Kaiser

Chief Executive Officer

South West Academy of Sport Inc.

COVID -19 SWAS

SWAS Cycling Program is NOW open for applications

The South West Academy of Sport Cycling Program, proudly supported by Cycling Victoria, will act as a complementary program for the best cycling athletes in South West Victoria and provides a development pathway to State and National representation.

The program provides “skills” coaching through ongoing training programs, camps, and sport science services.

  • The aim is to provide services to these athletes which they could not otherwise access, therefore completing and complimenting their current coaching, training and competition environments.

Program Structure

The overarching objective of the SWAS Cycling Program is to implement a program which takes a holistic approach to an athlete’s development.  This is achieved through on and off surface activities.

From a coaching perspective, the program provides a series of “Training Camps” which focus on ‘Skill Development”. The training camps cover drills and activities as determined by the coach, based on athlete needs. Athletes are also provided with a personalised “Riding Program” through the online Training Peaks program. The cycling program’s approach to coaching provision is “to provide athletes with the opportunity to develop and improve skills/knowledge/approaches/attitudes in their cycling”. 

With an athlete-centred approach, the cycling program provides a structure that integrates the physical, technical and mental aspects of cycling. To this end, the program delivers a series of off-course activities around personal excellence and athlete education, these sessions include sport psychology and nutrition, as well as strength & conditioning programs.

2020 Program Delivery 

The 2020 program will run from April 2020 to March 2021, this change has been made to align with the change in seasons – Road & Track, and club activity/operation, and is coordinated by SWAS, with Cycling Victoria.

 

Athletic Support

As with all SWAS programs we offer athletic support to power your growth to a whole new level by supporting athletes with.

  • IAP Musculoskeletal Screening
  • Year Long Weekly Strength & Conditioning Sessions
  • Injury Prevention & Recovery, Support and
  • Education
  • Sports Psychology Sessions
  • Skill Development Assistance
  • 12 month Gym membership
  • Sports Science Testing & Education
  • Personal Development & Education
  • Professional Development & Education
  • Ongoing Access to SWAS’s Medical Support Network
  • Professional Certification Opportunities
  • Athlete Wellness Monitoring

So if you are looking to reach the next level in your surfing pathway as you look to pursue a career in surfing please complete your application today and for more information please click the link below;

2020 SWAS Cycling Program- Powered by Royal Bikes

We guide, educate, support and define emerging athletes, no matter the sport.

 

WHITE SIGNS ON AS SWAS COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

ACADEMY TO ACADEMY, STRENGTH TO STRENGTH, WHITE SIGNS ON AS SWAS COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

South West Academy of Sport is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim White as the new Communications Officer. SWAS welcomes Tim as we aim to increase and solidify our brand and identity as the peak high-performance sporting body within the South West region.

Tim joins us with not only the modernised business acumen that resulted in the foundation, rapid growth and outstanding success of both academies but also with an accomplished background in graphic design, specifically branding. Such a background saw Tim during his time as Vice President of Country Football Leagues Football Association, establish brands and identities for all 3 organisations that are now easily recognised and identified throughout not only the South West and regional Victoria but Victoria as a whole.

Tim also brings to the role his skills as a highly regarded and talented football youth development coach but also as the founder and Technical Director of Pro Iithias Football Elite and the South West Football Association, Regional Youth Development & Talented Player Identification Academies.

Bringing in a strong understanding of sporting youth development, the need for athletic support, traditional, modern and social media, in compliments to innovative communication and design we trust Tim to assist in the growth of SWAS in line with our brand blueprint.

With Tim now a welcome member of South West Academy of Sport we look forward to a future in which we are an established name and go-to provider of direct pathways for sporting success within the South West.

 

 

Spotlight on Victoria McPhee

Spotlight on Victoria McPhee

 

Hi Victoria and welcome to the South West Academy of Sport’s Spotlight On series, you have been chosen as our focus this week as you have had a particularly spectacular few weeks in your chosen sport and while we have spotlighted quite a few netballer’s previously, it would be awesome if we could ask you some questions around this and also specifically, what impact SWAS has had on your sporting career.

 

Firstly can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your family, school and what got you interested in netball?

I’m in year 10 at Emmanuel College. I have 2 older sisters and 1 older brother; they’re all quite a bit older than me and no longer live at home. My oldest sister plays and coaches netball so I’ve been going to watch her play for as long as I can remember and so it was just something I always wanted to do.

 

In the last few weeks your amazing form saw you take out the WDFNL Best and Fairest, and also win a Grand Final for Russell’s Creek. What was the most exciting part of both of these feats?

The best part about winning the league B&F was that it was totally unexpected. I’d had a few knee injuries, including patella tendinitis, during the season from playing footy. Luckily I only missed 1 game due to injury but I probably felt I didn’t play as well as I could have this year. Seeing that I was leading when they started the count and then to hold on to win was such a shock, but at the same time it was a really nice reward for all the hard work and training I put in. Having my team mate Charlotte come runner up made it extra special too.

The most exciting part about winning the GF was that it was practically our same team that won the U13 flag in 2017. (Only 1 new player) Most of us have been together for 4 years now, we all get along and so sharing that experience with them again was awesome.

 

Your coach at Russell’s Creek is also your SWAS Coach, have you found this to be a help to your form and game planning?

Yes it was. Thalia brought a few of the different drills etc that we did at SWAS over to our club training which I think helped improve us as a team.

 

Could you explain to our readers what Finals Netball is like and how does it differ physically and emotionally to the normal home and away season?

The pressure to play your best is a lot higher in finals.  Especially when you have finished on top of the ladder there is a lot of expectation to win. Finals are usually more intense and physically harder as both teams are really determined to win. Most players tend to lift in finals so you can’t take your opposition for granted. Finals games can get a little too fast but it’s just about trying to slow it down to your own pace and do what you need to do. Finals mean so much more than regular games so I always get really nervous before a final. My hands shake really bad, but I’m all good once the game starts and I just focus on playing my part.

 

Being In a team sport, Premierships are always the ultimate prize, how did winning this year feel, can you explain your emotions when you realised you had won?

My first emotion was relief. It was a really close, tough game and Kolora actually got a goal in front in the last quarter, so when we got back in front and the siren went I was just so relieved. Straight after that I was really excited. It was just so great to celebrate with my team mates and coach.

 

Has being a premiership player changed how you feel about your future in netball?

Not really. I think all my goals are the same as what they were.

 

What is your ultimate goal in your netball career?

My ultimate goal would probably be to play VNL but at the moment I’d just be happy to play seniors more consistently.

 

Do you have anyone in particular that you look up to? Or wish to emulate?

Thalia has been my coach for 3 out of my 4 years of playing netball. She’s been a big influence on my netball and someone I really look up to and try to learn as much as I can from.

 

Being part of the SWAS program gives you extra support, could you please explain what your week looks like and maybe explain the best parts of your SWAS training?

I also played footy this year so my week was pretty busy with sport.

Monday – footy training,

Tuesday – senior club netball training,

Wednesday – SWAS gym and once a month SWAS netball session,

Thursday – club netball training (U15 & senior)

Friday – LOUD netball training up until the end of May then it became a rest day.

Saturday – netball game

Sunday – footy game and SWAS training once a month.

I really enjoyed the netball training sessions. It was really good to have different coaches to give you a different perspective. I think I got a lot out of them, and that they really helped improve my game.

 

Is there anyone in the SWAS program that you would like to thank?

I really enjoyed all the coaching sessions, so thanks to Thalia, Chris, Melissa and especially Sarah. Sarah also coached me in the U15 LOUD team for the last 2 years and I just love being coached by her. She just gets the best out of you and pushes you to improve, and I’ve really enjoyed having her coach me.

 

Thank you so much for being a part of our Spotlight on Series.

We would like to congratulate you on your stellar performances this year and cannot wait to watch your achievements in the coming years.