The World Game of Football will be represented in the new South West Academy of Sport which was opened on Friday in front of 150 guests at the Sanctuary Golf Resort in Bunbury.
Western Australia’s governing body for the sport, Football West, is delighted that recognition has been given to football in the regional areas where participation rates are at an all time high.
Football West CEO Garry Chandler and Education & Development Manager Andrew Bettell were present for the launch of the Academy after a successful tender by the governing body was accepted by the South West Commission to ensure that football is one of the founding sports.
“We are delighted that our submission to the South West Development Commission has resulted in the inclusion of football in this inaugural Regional Academy of Sport” said Chandler.
“The South West is going through a significant period of growth, and represents the largest regional player participation in WA. The Academy of Sport will provide our talented players in the region with the opportunity to maximize their potential, and will play a critical role in our player development pathway.”
The academy, which also has hockey, basketball and Australian rules football as its partner sports, will give young people the level of training and education they require to reach the next level of their chosen sport.
It will do so by enhancing training and support at a local level in an effort to save up-and-coming athletes the burdens of travel or having to leave their homes to pursue sporting excellence.
The State Government and South West Development Commission have so far committed almost $250,000 toward the South West Academy of Sport.
South West Academy of Sport board chairman Don Punch said it was heartening to see the planning stages of such an exciting project head toward the finish line.
“Regional Western Australia has a strong history of producing quality athletes,” he said.
“The academy is an outstanding project which will provide increased opportunity for young talents to rise through the ranks and become State, national and international champions.”
South West Academy of Sport board member Tom Busher said the academy will equip participants with the skills they need to compete in the next level of their chosen sport.
“Support will be given to participants through specialist training as well as through education in subjects such as fitness and nutrition,” he said.
“This holistic approach to sports tuition will help provide participants not just with the training they require to be competitive at an elite level, but also the life skills they need to ensure a long and rewarding career.”
Football West CEO Garry Chandler and Education & Development Manager Andrew Bettell were present for the launch of the Academy after a successful tender by the governing body was accepted by the South West Commission to ensure that football is one of the founding sports.
“We are delighted that our submission to the South West Development Commission has resulted in the inclusion of football in this inaugural Regional Academy of Sport” said Chandler.
“The South West is going through a significant period of growth, and represents the largest regional player participation in WA. The Academy of Sport will provide our talented players in the region with the opportunity to maximize their potential, and will play a critical role in our player development pathway.”
The academy, which also has hockey, basketball and Australian rules football as its partner sports, will give young people the level of training and education they require to reach the next level of their chosen sport.
It will do so by enhancing training and support at a local level in an effort to save up-and-coming athletes the burdens of travel or having to leave their homes to pursue sporting excellence.
The State Government and South West Development Commission have so far committed almost $250,000 toward the South West Academy of Sport.
South West Academy of Sport board chairman Don Punch said it was heartening to see the planning stages of such an exciting project head toward the finish line.
“Regional Western Australia has a strong history of producing quality athletes,” he said.
“The academy is an outstanding project which will provide increased opportunity for young talents to rise through the ranks and become State, national and international champions.”
South West Academy of Sport board member Tom Busher said the academy will equip participants with the skills they need to compete in the next level of their chosen sport.
“Support will be given to participants through specialist training as well as through education in subjects such as fitness and nutrition,” he said.
“This holistic approach to sports tuition will help provide participants not just with the training they require to be competitive at an elite level, but also the life skills they need to ensure a long and rewarding career.”
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