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Far West Academy of Sport logoFar West Academy of Sport

The Far West Academy of Sport (FWAS) is one of 11 regional academies of sport throughout the state of NSW. The Far West Academy of Sport facilitates the identification and preparation of talented young athletes so they may achieve their highest potential with the support of sporting organisations, government and the community.

The Far West Academy of Sport exists to:

  • identify, develop and enhance sport pathways for talented athletes from within the Far West region of NSW
  • provide athletes with opportunities to access a higher level of sport development programs to develop their talent
  • encourage athletes and young people to reach their full potential
  • guide athletes towards regional, state and national sports participation and performances
  • provide holistic programs that assist young people to develop their sporting and leadership skills.

 

Catchment area

The FWAS is one of eleven Regional Academies of Sport in NSW.

The FWAS services the largest region of all NSW Academies, encompassing approximately 42% of the state. This area stretches from Broken Hill to Lightning Ridge, Ivanhoe to Enngonia.

This region covers the following local government areas Bogan Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Central Darling, Cobar, Coonamble, Walgett, Warren as well as the Unincorporated Area of NSW. Members of neighbouring communities who identify with the Far West region are also included in some programs.
NSW map showing FWAS regions

Academy Games

The Academy Games will be held in Armidale NSW from 7-9 April 2010. The Far West Academy will compete in Lawn Bowls, Golf and Netball. For more information on the Academy Games www.academygames.com.au

FWAS sport development programs

Netball

Age: 14 - 18
Program Year: December – November
Squad Size: Academy Squad (15-18yrs) – 15-20 athletes, Futures Squad (14-15yrs) – 12-16 athletes

Tennis

Age: 12 – 18
Program Year: March – December
Squad Size: 12 – 15 athletes

Lawn Bowls

Age: 12 – 17
Program Year: June – May
Squad Size: 6 – 10 athletes

Golf

Age: 13 – 18
Program Year: October – September
Squad Size: 6 – 10 athletes

Rugby League (in partnership with Country Rugby League)

Age: 14 – 18
Program Year: October – April
Squad Size: Academy Squad (16-18yrs) – 18-22 athletes, Development Squad (14-16yrs) – 18-22 athletes

Lone Star Program (Individual scholarship program)

Age: 12 – 18
Program: October – September
Squad Size: 12 – 15 athletes

FWAS Academy Joint Regional Development Programs
  • Football - July: Development Camp, Warren (11 to 16 years) supported by Football NSW and University of NSW
  • Squash - October: Development Camp, Warren (12 to 18 years) supported by Squash NSW
  • Polo Cross - April: Regional Development Camp, Quambone
Coach Development Program

The FWAS invites local coaches to attend FWAS programs and work with the head coach to enhance their coaching skills.

Officiating Development

Calendar of events

Dates Sport Activity Venue
18 December - 18 January 2010   FWAS office closed  

7 – 9 January

Clay Target

HAS Clay Target Development Camp

Newcastle, Lake Macquarie Clay Target Club

13 – 17 January

Football

UNSW Sydney Tour

Sydney

10 – 15 January

Golf

Bush to City Tour

Sydney

18 – 21 January

CRL Academy

NSWRL Blues Camp

Narrabeen

TBC

CRL Development

15’s Game vs Newcastle

Cessnock

Mid January

League Development

High Performance Clinics NRL Clubs – 8 athletes

Sydney

14 February

CRL Academy

Full Squad Training day

Warren

13 - 14 February

Netball

Squad Development Day

Warren

24 February

RAS

Regional Academy NSW Parliament Presentation

Sydney

27 February

CRL Academy

Bulldogs vs Raiders        Pre Season Trial

Dubbo

FWAS Scholarships

Duration

Academy scholarships are generally for a period of one year.

Athlete Eligibility Criteria
  1. Reside in the Far West region of NSW
  2. Demonstrate commitment and dedication to their chosen sport
  3. Willingness to learn and to apply coaching ideas
  4. Tactical ability or knowledge as demonstrated in drills or games
  5. Physical attributes including height, power, agility, speed and endurance
  6. Be aged between 12 – 18 years.
Scholarship Benefits
  1. Intensive training by accredited and experienced coaches
  2. Sports Science testing and evaluation
  3. Opportunities to compete in high level events
  4. Education/Personal Development sessions
  5. Regular updates from the FWAS including sporting tips on how to improve performance.

 

FWAS highlights

  • 2009 Annual Awards Presentation conducted at Warren Sports Stadium on Sunday 22nd November.
    • 2009 FWAS Athlete of the Year: Brent Todd – AWD Athletics, Tottenham
    • Netball Program athlete of the Year awarded by Coaches: Taylor Martin, Nyngan
    • CRL Academy athlete of the Year awarded by Coaches: Jarrod Linton-Harland, Coonamble
    • Bowls Program athlete of the Year awarded by Coaches: Claire Bennell, Coonabarabran
    • Golf Program athlete of the Year awarded by Coaches: Brad Connelly, Warren
    • Tennis Program athlete of the Year awarded by Coaches Damien Lewis, Nyngan
  • The Yvonne Cawley Tennis Foundation invite three FWAS Tennis squad members to the 2010 January Indigenous Tennis Camp in Melbourne from the 17th – 23rd January in conjunction with the Australian Open. Congratulations to Ethan Johnson, Nathan Johnson - Brewarrina and former athlete now living in Melbourne on scholarship Matthew Fuller – Warren.
  • FWAS Football program kicks off in partnership with Football NSW and the University of NSW. From 13 - 18 January a squad of 16 and coaching staff will travel to Sydney to UNSW to participate in a five day development camp, including attending a Sydney FC home game against the Gold Coast.
  • Netball: Congratulations to Sam Gordon – Brewarrina, Corrine Towney – Coonabarabran, Chloe Whighton – Gilgandra and Bronwyn Sharpley – Walgett on their selection into the 2010 NSW Indigenous Schoolgirls Netball Squad which will compete in the Australian Tournament in Brisbane on 14-17 January.
  • Clay Target: in partnership with the Hunter Academy of Sport, three shooters from the Western Zone Clay Target Association have been selected to attend a development camp in Newcastle from 7 – 9 January. Jason Owen – Warren, Nick Brown – Moree and Jarrod Turner – Cobar will get the opportunity to work with Hunter Academy program coach Graeme Gosling and Australian Junior Coach Graeme Boyde.
  • FWAS Golf program gears up for its annual Bush to City Development tour from 10 to 15 January. Nine junior golfers from Far West NSW will play golf and attend training sessions with Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation coaches on some of Sydney’s best courses, including the NSW Golf Club which hosted the 2009 Australian Open.

Contact information

Far West Academy of Sport
Address: Victoria Park, Udora Road, Warren NSW 2824
Postal address: PO Box 409, Warren NSW 2824

Executive Officer - Kathy Barber
Development Officer - Matthew Thompson

Phone: (02) 6847 3638
Fax: (02) 6847 3651
Email: fwas@communities.nsw.gov.au

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