Young athletes from across the State will undergo an intensive education program covering everything from the dangers of drugs in sport to financial literacy, thanks to a new scheme funded by the NSW registered club industry to be distributed by the Regional Academies of Sport (RASi).
The education program was rolled out at the Hunter Academy of Sport’s Orientation at the end of 2017, where 100 athletes and their parents from the Hockey and Athletics programs were present. Subsequently the education units are now being delivered through all Regional Academies.
As a major partner, the club industry has committed significant funding towards the program, which will provide a best practice health and wellbeing program to young people across the state.
“The Regional Academy network includes over 3,500 athletes annually. To have a unified professional and elite education program servicing the talented youth of regional NSW will only develop stronger generations to come” said CEO of The Hunter Academy of Sport and former Chairman of the Regional Academies of Sport Brett O’Farrell.
The new Athlete Education Program curriculum will cover 11 modules including in Year 1, Nutrition, Drugs in Sport/Community, Sports Psychology and Youth Leadership.
“The relationship with Regional Academies is a natural fit for the club industry, given our long-standing commitment to local sport and development of junior athletes,” said ClubsNSW Chairman Peter Newell.
“Now, through our partnership program with the Regional Academies of Sport, we will be able to provide guidance on off-field issues…which, all too often, de-rail promising sporting careers.”
All athletes that come through the Regional Academy network will be delivered face to face (in regional clubs) education sessions with industry professionals delivering the content of this curriculum and (once developed) will backed up by the reinforcement and engagement of an online hub.