Scholarship nominations for athletes and coaches to join the new South East Sports Academy (SESA) are now open.
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Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Monaro MP John Barilaro and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres made the announcement this week.
Mr Barilaro said the new academy would provide sport development programs in the local government areas of Goulburn Mulwaree, Yass Valley, Upper Lachlan, Bega Valley, Snowy Monaro, Eurobodalla, Queanbeyan-Palerang and Hilltops, helping local athletes progress to an elite level.
The new South East Sports Academy commenced on August 1 and replaces the defunct South East Regional Academy of Sport (SERAS) that previously provided access to top-level coaches and pathway assistance to dozens of athletes for years.
Talented athletes and coaches in Goulburn and throughout South East NSW region are encouraged to apply for squad and individual scholarship opportunities.
“The NSW Government understands the importance of helping young athletes move from grass roots to elite sport, and is excited to launch the new sporting academy in regional NSW,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The individual athlete program will support up to 50 of the region’s high-performing young athletes with a scholarship of up to $500 to go towards education and travel.
“These athletes will have the opportunity to attend a two-day sport education course and have access to the Australian Institute of Sport Basecamp, an online program to mentor athletes in developing important sport and self-development skills.”
Mr Ayres said the academy was also calling for nominations for coaches to join the program.
The aim was for up to 10 high-performing coaches to access advancement opportunities through financial scholarships, accreditation courses and mentoring opportunities with elite-level coaches.
“The academy also offers squad programs in partnership with state sport organisations, including golf, cycling, netball and surfing, and is looking to expand into other sports,” Mr Ayres said.
“SESA is also partnering with the South West Sydney Academy of Sport to provide a hockey program for talented hockey players in the region. A sport governance course targeted towards management committees from sports clubs across the region is also available. These new initiatives will provide an important pathway between grassroots participation and elite-level sport.”
The academy will be managed by the Office of Sport over the next three years.
- Applications are open at sesa.net.au