CORE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM COMPONENTS

The primary objective of the Academy is to improve the individual athlete's sporting ability and to equip them with skills which will enhance their prospects of future success.

Training & Skill Development
Coaching and training sessions form the major component of the scholarship program and the provision of quality coaching is the top priority in each sport. The coaching staff design programs that emphasise individual development concentrating on the strengths and weaknesses of the athletes' together with activities to improve the athlete knowledge and ability in the tactical aspects of sport.

Sports Science
To supplement the coaching and training component of the program, the athlete receive advice in specialist areas of athlete development. The sport science program aims to provide regular and relevant feedback to the coaches and athletes on the physical fitness and training levels of the athletes.

Athletes annually completed sessions in nutrition, sport psychology and sports injury prevention and management. The aim of these sessions is to provide information to make the athletes aware of the role these areas play in enhancing individual performance.

Competition Opportunities
Academy squads participate in selected competitive fixtures during their scholarship program.  Competition is usually against selected opponents including other Regional Academies, State Academies, representative sides, or strong club teams and is valuable to the coaches in providing feedback on the progress of the athlete and the effectiveness of the coaching program.

Sporting tours overseas, interstate and within NSW may also be conducted and provide competitive opportunities in the unique environment of touring and are valuable in the all round development of the athlete.

Personal Development
A key objective of the Academy is to develop outstanding sports citizens and education and awareness based sessions on public speaking, drugs in sport, media and sponsor servicing are incorporated into the program. In addition, athletes are exposed to social and promotional situations which contribute to their personal development and community awareness.

Sports Training
The Sports Training component of the Academy programs is co-ordinated by Phil Driscoll. Phil is in charge of recruitment and supervision of the qualified Academy Sports Trainers. He oversees the first aid resources and evaluation of the sports training needs for each sport as well as co-ordinate education and interaction sessions with Academy sports trainers, coaches and athletes.