Netball
Nominations for the 2026/27 program open in October
The WSAS Netball program is part of a partnership between Netball NSW, Regional Academies of Sport (RAS), and NSW Government Office of Sport.
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.
WSAS Netball athletes train regularly within the local WSAS 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 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 Inter-Academy netball activities
- Identification and nomination for Netball NSW Emerging Talent Programs
- Access to Sydney West Sports Medicine’s Long‑Term Athlete Development opportunities
Additional WSAS benefits:
- 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
Pathway
The WSAS 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 WSAS 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: Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, Penrith, or The Hills.
Athlete Levy
Key Dates
Selection Timeline
- Nominations Open: September 2025
- Nominations Close: October 2025
- Trials and/or Selection Period: October–November 2025/26
Program Delivery Period
February 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
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
