Netball

Nominations for the 2026/27 program are now OPEN

NOMINATE NOW

The Western Sydney Academy of Sport (WSAS) Netball Program is delivered through the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network in partnership with Netball NSW. 

the program provides an individualised, positive, safe, holistic and inclusive development experience for athletes aged 15-16 years, and umpire athletes aged 14-18 years.

The program supports the systematic identification, development and preparation of emerging talent and strengthens the Netball NSW Performance Pathway, while prioritising athlete welfare, program integrity, affordability and a consistent, athlete-centred pathway experience across RAS Member Academies.

Program Partners

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Selected athletes receive:

  • High‑quality coaching in a squad environment
  • Access to quality training facilities
  • Strength & Conditioning assessment and programming
  • Sports science testing and high‑performance training support
  • Opportunities to represent WSAS at events
  • Education in technical, tactical, and personal Netball development
  • Academy uniform kit (additional cost)
  • Participation in Your Local Club Academy Games, Netball NSW Academy Challenge and Netball NSW Academy Camp subject to selection and event eligibility requirements.
  • Identification through the Netball NSW Pathway.
 

Additional WSAS benefits:

  • Partner membership discounts
  • Access to Lumin (Academy athlete performance and management platform)
  • Support for award and scholarship nominations
  • Community engagement and corporate partner exposure
  • Promotion through WSAS media channels

The RAS Netball Program aligns with the Netball NSW ‘Sparkle, Strive, Shine’ pathway, which also aligns with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) FTEM (Foundation, Talent, Elite, Mastery) framework. The RAS Netball Program is part of the T2 phase of the pathway, progressing athletes from Emerging Talent (ET) to Talent.

Sparkle
Love the Game
Strive
Enjoy the Challenge
Shine
Touch the Stars

Program Eligibility Criteria

Athletes must:

  • Turning 15 or 16 in 2027 (born 2011 or 2012)
  • Be committed to progressing to higher representation within Netball.
  • Be a registered member of a Netball club within the Western Sydney region.
  • Reside in one of the following LGAs: Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Cumberland, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, Penrith, or The Hills.
  • Attend selection trials.
 
Training partners may be selected in accordance with the program structure and Netball NSW requirements.
  • Up to 24 squad members and up to six training partners may be selected per Academy
The athlete levy contributes towards the overall cost of delivering the Academy programs. Within our high performance programs are items including: 
 
  • Coaching*
  • Access to training facilities*
  • Strength & Conditioning assessments and programming*
  • Sports science testing*
  • Access to Academy Games* (relevant sports/age groups only)
  • Insurance
* Please note, Items marked with an Asterix are components supported through NSW Government grant funding. The grant contribution from the NSW government is limited to costs and activities identified in the approved Project Plan. The remaining portion of the athlete levy contributes towards costs associated with delivering and administering the Academy that are not covered by the NSW Government grant funding.
 
An athlete levy will apply, covering the above listed program benefits and more. Uniform costs are additional, with Netball‑specific and WSAS items purchased through the official RAS supplier.  Additional event costs may apply for Academy Games and Netball NSW pathway events.
  • Coach & Manager Expression of Interest (EOI) Phase
  • EOIs Open: 1st September
  • EOIs Close: 25th September
 

Athlete Nomination & Selection Timeline

  • Nominations Open: 1st September
  • Nominations Close: 5th October

 

Trials & Selection Period: October – November 2026

  • Phase 1 selections October 16 – 6-9pm 
  • Phase 2 selections October 23 – 6-9pm
  • Phase 3 selections October 30 – 6-9pm

Program Delivery Period

January 2027 – September 2027

PROGRAM BLOCKS

  • Block 1: January – Academy Games (April)
  • Block 2: July – Academy Challenge (September)

Key Events (Indicative)

Zali Adams
Tahlia Allen
Indee Bowman
Jiann Church-Paualaisa
Tahlia Dewberry
Lilly-Anna Fernandez
Katherine Furno
Monique Goldie
Georgia Hames
Lily Haynes
Charlotte Hodgkins
Amariah Kakala

Alivya-Ki Lepaio-Manu
Akur Malueth
Charlotte Murphy
Aleighya Panuve
Leiah Patching
Scarlett Patmore
Pounamu Pickering-Ratu
Sarah Powderly
Marlie Robertson
Florence Rooney
Adelaide Rowney
Jacqueline Ryland

Lanaiya Schaaf
Maddison Smith
Charlotte Smythe
Mia Stockley
Amalia Thornley
Francine Valentine
Makaela Valentine
Hannah Veerhuis