Softball

Nominations for the 2026/27 program are open

The SWSAS Softball program is delivered in partnership between Softball NSW and the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network.

This program provides a high‑performance development pathway for talented young athletes, focusing on technical skills, strength and conditioning, athlete education, and personal growth. 

Athletes receive targeted skill development and sport specific training support, preparation for high‑performance and SSO Pathways; with the intent for the athletes to return with increased knowledge and skills for their representative and club association seasons.

The SWSAS program includes practical education in areas such as Strength and Conditioning, Athlete Profiling, Nutrition, Sports Psychology and Injury Prevention, Recover and Load Management; along with opportunities to represent SWSAS at events, inter‑academy sessions and camps (where available).

Program Partners

Academy Athletes Selected receive:

  • High‑quality coaching within a high-performance squad environment and curriculum
  • Access to high-quality training facilities
  • Strength & Conditioning assessment and programming
  • Sports science testing and high‑performance training support
  • Access to education and athlete wellbeing support
  • Academy uniform (additional cost)
  • Access to Lumin (Academy athlete performance and management platform)
  • Community engagement and corporate partner exposure
  • Promotion through SWSAS media channels and Civic Receptions


Additional SWSAS benefits:

  • Access to indoor battery sessions
  • Opportunity to train at various Softball diamonds throughout South West Sydney
  • Opportunities to represent SWSAS at events (where available), including Your Local Clubs Regional Academy Games.

Program Eligibility Criteria

Athletes must:

  • Reside in one of the following LGAs: Camden, Campbelltown, Liverpool and Wollondilly.
  • Be Turning 14 – 16 years of age in the year of the program. (ie for 2027 Born in 2011-2013) athletes outside the primary target age group may be considered for inclusion based on demonstrated performance potential, program capacity and athlete development needs.
  • Be a registered member of a Softball NSW Affiliated club/association within the South West Sydney region.
  • Be committed to progressing to higher representation within Softball.
  • Be committed and available to completing the entire program.
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 scholarship levy will apply, covering the above listed program benefits and more. Uniform costs are additional, with sport‑specific and SWSAS items purchased through the official supplier. Additional event and camp costs may apply.

Program Delivery Period

October 2026 – July 2027

Key Events (Indicative)

Tia Brooker
Emily Byrnes
Chloe Cartwright
Ameliya Fairbairn
Isabella Hanrahan
Storm Jeffs
Lacie Jones
Mikaela Lette

Ellie McIntosh
Rose Santana
Edwin Scanlan
Lia Solylo
Lillian Tanner
Logan Armstrong
Ashton Darby
Lucian David

Jack Dougherty
Harry Dougherty
Lachlan Hunter
Divad Nicholson
Ashton Querci
Tyrese Saunders
Sebastian Tsertsidis
Lyell Walker