Basketball NSW is strengthening its partnership with the Regional Academies to create a more connected and consistent development pathway for emerging athletes across New South Wales.
As part of the renewed approach, BNSW will work alongside all eight Country-based Regional Academies to deliver the Basketball NSW Developing Athlete Program (DAP) for Under 14 and Under 15 athletes.
The change will bring the regional academy offering more closely in line with Basketball NSW’s Metro pathway, where DAP plays an important role in the early identification and development of emerging athletes. Currently delivered across Metro NSW, DAP provides young athletes with access to development opportunities as they begin their journey through the Basketball NSW Performance Pathway.
Basketball NSW, General Manager Performance Pathways, Brett Coxsedge said the expanded partnership represents an important step in creating a more connected development pathway for young athletes across NSW.
“Our aim is to provide young athletes with a clear and consistent pathway, regardless of where they live in NSW,” said Coxsedge.
“By working more closely with the Regional Academies and aligning the Developing Athlete Program across Metro and Country areas, we can create greater consistency in how athletes are identified, supported and developed during these important early stages of the pathway.”
Expanding the program through the Regional Academies will help provide greater consistency and alignment for athletes across the state, while ensuring regional players can access quality development opportunities closer to home.
Regional Academies of Sport, Group Chief Executive Officer, Brett O’Farrell added the strengthened partnership reflects a shared commitment to providing regional athletes with clear and accessible development opportunities.
“Strengthening our partnership with Basketball NSW is a great outcome for young athletes across regional NSW,” said O’Farrell.
“Bringing the DAP into our Academies creates a more connected pathway for athletes, while giving them access to quality development opportunities closer to home. This approach also recognises the important role Regional Academies play in identifying and developing emerging talent.”
“By working more closely with Basketball NSW, we can provide greater consistency for athletes as they progress through the performance pathway and ensure regional athletes have the same opportunities to develop their potential as those in metropolitan areas.”
Importantly, the changes will further integrate the Regional Academies into the broader Basketball NSW performance pathway, recognising the important role they play in identifying and developing young athletes. This stronger connection will provide regional athletes with a clearer pathway and greater access to the development opportunities already available to athletes across metropolitan Sydney.
Illawarra Academy of Sport, Chief Executive Officer, Salv Carmusciano welcomed the closer alignment and the opportunities it will provide for athletes across the Illawarra and South East NSW.
“The pathway alignment of the Regional Academy Basketball Program is an exciting step forward for basketball in regional areas,” added Carmusciano.
“Through our partnership with Basketball NSW, we look forward to offering opportunities for talented athletes to access high-quality coaching, strength and conditioning and athlete education in the Illawarra and South East NSW.”
More about the Regional Academies of Sport:
Basketball NSW works in partnership with eight Regional Academies of Sport across NSW to provide development opportunities for identified athletes and coaches. Through their local Academy, athletes can access high-level coaching, sport education and personal development opportunities designed to support their progression through the Basketball NSW pathway.
To learn more about the Regional Academies of Sport and find your local Academy, visit the Basketball NSW Regional Academies of Sport page HERE.