Netball
Nominations for the 2026/27 program are open
The SWSAS Netball program is delivered in partnership between Netball 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
Program Benefits
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 Program benefits:
- Opportunity to train at various indoor courts throughout South West Sydney
- Participation in Your Local Club Regional Academy Games, Regional Academies Challenge, Regional Academies Netball Camp, and Inter-Academy netball activities.
- Identification and nomination for Netball NSW Emerging Talent Programs
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:
- Reside in one of the following LGAs: Camden, Campbelltown, Liverpool and Wollondilly.
- Be Turning 15 or 16 years of age in the year of the program. (ie for 2027 Born in 2011 or 2012)
- Be a registered member of a Netball NSW Affiliated club/association within the South West Sydney region.
- Be committed to progressing to higher representation within Netball.
- Be committed and available to completing the entire program.
Athlete Levy
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.
Key Dates
Program Delivery Period
October 2026 – September 2027
Athletes are advised there is a program “Break” during May – June where athletes return to their Home Association to participate in State-Aged Titles.
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
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
