Netball
Nominations for the 2026/27 program open in October
The SSA Netball program is part of a partnership between Netball NSW and Regional Academies of Sport (RAS).
The program focuses on long-term individual development, unlocking potential both on and off the court for athletes aged 15-16, who receive technical and tactical skill development, along with fitness, strength, and speed support.
SSA Netball athletes train regularly as a squad, and also come together for Academy Camps, Academy Games, and the Academy Challenge – unique experiences that foster growth, competition, and connection.
Program Partners
Program Benefits
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 SSA 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 Inter-Academy netball activities
- Identification and nomination for Netball NSW Emerging Talent Programs
Additional SSA benefits:
- Access to Lumin (Academy athlete performance and management platform)
- Support for award and scholarship nominations
- Community engagement and corporate partner exposure
- Promotion through SSA media channels
Pathway
The SSA 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 NCAS Netball Program is part of the T2 phase of the pathway, progressing athletes from Emerging Talent (ET) to Talent.
Athlete Eligibility
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 Southern region.
- Reside in the Southern LGA catchment area.
Athlete Levy
Key Dates
Program Delivery Period
November 2025 – September 2026
Key Events (Indicative)
- Your Local Club Academy Games: 9th-11th April, 2026 (Tamworth)
- Netball NSW Academy Challenge: TBC
- Netball NSW Talent ID & State Events: TBC
2025/26 Squad
Head Coach
Sheryl Wheeler
Assistant Coach
Jacqui Sharp
Manager
Amanda Burgess
Performance Squad
Abbey Hunt
Addison Bunn
Alayna Neyland
Alice Foley
Annabelle Heanes
Ella Richens
Ella Rowney
Eloise Quintal
Elsie Pendergast
Eva Heffernan
Georgia Hall
Halle Baggio
Isabella Baulch
Isla Higgins
Jaya Heffernan
Macy Burgess
Monica Stephen
Olivia Bailey
Phoebe Dyce
Ruby Higginson
Sierra Roddy
Sophie Webb
Training Partners
Annabelle Heanes
Jaya Heffernan
