Ministerial media release: New sports academy coming to regional NSW

Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Member for Monaro John Barilaro and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres today announced the opening of scholarship nominations for athletes and coaches to join the new South East Sports Academy (SESA).

Mr Barilaro said the academy provides sport development programs in Bega, Eurobodalla, Yass, Snowy Mountains, Queanbeyan and beyond, building a pathway for athletes to progress to the elite level.

“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,” he said.

Mr Ayres said the academy is also calling for nominations for coaches to join the program and is aiming to work with up to ten high performing coaches with 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.

“A sport governance course targeted towards management committees from sports clubs across the region is also available for application.

“These new initiatives will provide an important pathway between grassroots participation and elite level sport. I encourage all eligible sports people to apply,” he said.

SESA covers the local government areas of Bega Valley, Snowy Monaro, Eurobodalla, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Goulburn-Mulwarree, Yass Valley, Upper Lachlan and Hilltops.

The academy will be managed by the Office of Sport over the next three years.

Applications are now open and nominations can be made at www.sesa.net.au

MEDIA: 
Georgina Kentwell │ Deputy Premier │ 0427 206 308
Vanessa Grimm I Minister Ayres I 0419 744 233