Softball Umpires

Nominations for the 2026/27 program are now OPEN

The WSAS Softball Umpires program is delivered in partnership with Softball NSW and the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network.

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

Athletes receive targeted skill development, seasonal training support, and preparation for high‑performance tournaments. The program includes practical education in areas such as S&C, nutrition, sports psychology and injury management, along with opportunities to represent WSAS at events, inter‑academy sessions and camps.

Program Partners

Selected athletes receive:

  • High‑quality coaching in a squad environment
  • Access to quality training facilities
  • Opportunities to represent WSAS at events
  • Education in technical, tactical, and personal Softball Umpire development
  • Academy uniform kit (additional cost)
  • Participation in Your Local Club Academy Games and other Inter-Academy events
  • 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

Program Eligibility Criteria

Athletes must:

  • Be aged 11-15 years
  • Be committed to progressing to higher representation within Softball
  • Be a registered member of a Softball NSW affiliated club within the Western Sydney region.
  • Reside in one of the following LGAs: Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Cumberland, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, Penrith, or The Hills.

Softball NSW Metro Academy
SNSW inform all WSAS athletes who reside within a RAS catchment area, that their local RAS is their first point of athlete selection, over and above SNSW Metro Academies. Athletes cannot represent a RAS and Metro Academy at the same time.

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 Softball‑specific and WSAS items purchased through the official supplier. Additional event costs may apply for Academy Games and other pathway events.

Selection Timeline

  • Nominations Open: September 1st, 2026
  • Nominations Close: September 25th, 2026
  • Trials and/or Selection Period: October – November, 2026
  • Final Squad Announced: November 2026

Program Delivery Period

October 2026 – July 2027

Key Events (Indicative)

Nicholas Agostino
Cohen Beasley
Brooklyn Biggar
Georgia De Souza
Shaylee Dissanayake
Chloe Dunham
Addison Finnimore

Isabella Gostlow
Bridie Harper
Carlijn Harvey
Abbey Hollier
Mackenzie Hutchinson
Lucy Maxwell
Alex Paul-Blake

Emily Puckey
Haarsini Rajeevan
Jaxx Randall
Blake Toovey
Renee Torres
Francesca Vella
Rakaipaaka Walker