Netball
Nominations for the 2026/27 program open in October
The SWSAS 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.
SWSAS Netball athletes train regularly within the local SWSAS region 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 SWSAS 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 SWSAS benefits:
- Access to Lumin (Academy athlete performance and management platform)
- Support for award and scholarship nominations
- Community engagement and corporate partner exposure
- Promotion through SWSAS media channels
Pathway
The SWSAS 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 SWSAS 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 Western Sydney region.
- Reside in one of the following LGAs: Camden, Campbelltown, Liverpool and Wollondilly.
Athlete Levy
Key Dates
Program Delivery Period
October 2026 – September 2026
Key Events (Indicative)
- Your Local Club Academy Games: 17th-18th April, 2026 (Tamworth)
- Netball NSW Academy Challenge: TBC
- Netball NSW Talent ID & State Events: TBC
2025/26 Squad
Aku King – Head Coach
Tracey Connolly – Assistant Coach
Lauren Knussen – Assistant Coach
Katie Sills – Apprentice Coach
Yvonne Williams – Apprentice Coach
Teressa Savae – Manager
Jan Cleary – Manager
Zshatara Blackwell
Lola Brown
Lily Clarke
Ezaliyah Danielson
Shaylen Fretton
Ella Gunther
Aya Hammoud
Isla Jones
Pippa Kelly
Hayley LawsKrisnorie Mamea Pepa
Rayleena Mathew
Nina Mattar
Aaliyah Ngatai Tepani
Sharlay Pantazakos
Lodelle Schuster Tofilau
Zoe Sharpe
Annalise Smith
Charli Smith
Indie Smith
Arijana Strickland
Leilani Teuhema
Ella Webster
Alira‑Grace Wolstencroft
Training Partners
Annabelle Long
Sophie Redman
Aaliyah Siaki
Jasmine Smith
Alexis Tredoux
