News & Events - Southern Sports Academy

State Honours for Lee and Hooppell

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -1100

Two members of the Southern Sports Academy Hockey Squad have both made their presence felt at recent Victorian State trials, with Cassie Lee being confirmed as a member of the Women’s Under 18 State Team and Ben Hooppell gaining selection in the Under 18 Men’s Squad. Both Cassie and Ben have taken part in a series of trials in recent weeks and their respective selections were only confirmed today.

Ben and Cassie have been scholarship holders in the Southern Sports Academy Hockey Program for the past three years and are carrying on the rich tradition of Albury Hockey talent making waves in the sport nationally, following on from current Australian Women’s Squad member and fellow Academy scholarship holder, Jocelyn Bartram.

Cassie is a dynamic midfielder who has pace to burn and as a consequence, is never out of the contest. She is a brilliant reader of the play and a highly valued leader within the Southern Sports Academy squad. Cassie will now travel to Newcastle for the Australian championships, which are being held from 10th April, 2012.

Ben, meanwhile, is a strapping young man who, reminiscent of his former fellow squad member Bartram, performs the unenviable task of Goal Keeping. His work ethic and commitment to the sport are second to none and thoroughly deserves his pace in the Victorian Squad. Ben will gauge if he is in the starting team in approximately three weeks time and if successful, will travel to Brisbane for the Men’s Australian Championships which are also being staged from the 10th April.

Much credit must go the Head Coaches of the Southern Sports Academy program, Paul Oakman (Field) and Nick Tinning (Goal Keeping), who have spent countless hours finetuning the respective skills of the two state representatives, over the past three pre-seasons. Many of the training sessions have been held in stifling heat and bears testament to the commitment levels of both Cassie and Ben.

The Southern Sports Academy has a training session taking place in Albury this Sunday, from 9:30am at the Albury Hockey Centre.

Southern Sports Academy Bowls Squad

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -1100

The Southern Sports Academy Lawn Bowls squad has been confirmed, following an induction and training day held at the Wagga Rules Club, who are also the sponsors of the program. The squad is as follows:

Brandon Burns (Hay)
Cody O’Keeffe (Narrandera)
Isaac Rayner (Coolamon)
Jessica Cousley (Wagga)
Luke Helson (Leeton)
Mathew Hensel (Culcairn)
Rachel Hensel (Culcairn)
Sean Smith (Junee)

Head Coach Brett White (Wagga)
Manager Linda Helson (Leeton)

The squad has had a change in coach in 2012, with Brett White taking over the reins. Brett has a superb record in representative bowls in the region and brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. The squad has achieved an enviable record in the three years it has operated, producing two Australian Under 19 representatives in Bradley Thomas and Thomas Webb.

The prospects for the 2012 intake appear very bright with two current NSW State Squad members selected into the squad in Mathew and Rachel Hensel. They are supported in the squad by several outstanding prospects who are also destined for higher honours.

The first major goal for the squad will be a good performance at the Clubs NSW Academy Games, being held in Wollongong from April 13-15.

NSW Institute of Sport Coach at Hockey Camp

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -1100

The normal high level of intensity experienced at a training run of the Southern Sports Academy Hockey Squad will rise to new levels this Sunday, when NSW Institute of Sport and Hockey NSW Coach – Judy Laing will put the squad through their paces from 9:30am at the Jubilee Park Hockey Fields in Wagga Wagga.

The squad, which was selected late in 2011, has already completed four training sessions under the guidance of Head Coaches, Paul Oakman and Nick Tinning and is gearing towards the Clubs NSW Academy Games, to be held in Wollongong in the April school holidays. A real bonus for the squad in 2012 has been the involvement of former Australian Schoolboy Representative and NSW State Squad member, Casey Younie, who is involved in an Assistant Coaching capacity with the squad. Experienced Hockey Coach and gun local player, Stefanie Brown is also an assistant coach of the squad.

“We are really thrilled to welcome Judy to Wagga for this training session – she is a great supporter of Hockey in regional NSW and has attended at least one of our training sessions for the last three years. Judy manages the Emerging Talent Program for NSWIS/Hockey NSW and we are sure that she will be impressed with the skill levels of our squad members,” said the Manager of the Hockey Squad, Bruce Sterling.

The Southern Sports Academy Hockey Squad has also been privileged to have had some coaching from former Australian Representative and current Australian Women’s Coach – Adam Commens, late in 2011. The Academy program endeavours to provide the best coaching possible for all of its scholarship holders and there can be no doubt that the Wagga RSL Hockey Squad has enjoyed just that in recent times.

7 Netballers in NSW TAP Squad

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -1100

The Southern Sports Academy 15 years Netball Development Squad has performed creditably at the annual Netball NSW 15’s Championships on the weekend with an unprecedented 7 members of the squad gaining selection in the Netball NSW Talented Athlete Program following the Championships.

The seven members of the squad are:

Bridgette Brown - Warburn Sally Brown - Barellan Bella Hartnett - Batlow Maddie Mannes - Colleambally Meg Neyland - Adelong Georgia Smith – Wagga Wagga Tara Horne - Wagga Wagga

All seven members of the Southern Sports Academy 15’s Squad will now attend a high performance training camp in Narrabeen, Sydney from October 28-30 where members of the NSW Swifts team will be in attendance to put the girls through an extensive weekend of skills training, physical testing and workshops relating to Netball specific issues. All athletes attending the camp will also be put through specialist skills sessions in relation to the position they play on court.

In addition to the seven members of the squad being selected in the Talented Athlete Program, Meg Neyland from Adelong has also gained selection in the Netball NSW ‘Tallies Squad’, which is obviously a program that targets the taller athletes in the state. Meg will be required to attend a separate Tallies Camp at a date to be notified.

The success of the Southern Sports Academy 15’s Development Squad is a very good indicator of the quality of young netballer that is currently in our region and a very positive sign for the potential composition of the 2012 Academy Open Netball Team, which has dominated the regional NSW Netball landscape in the last 12 months. Trials for this squad will take place on October 22 and 23 at the Junee Recreation Centre with nominations closing for the trial in mid October.

Scott Returns with National Title

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -1100

The outstanding 2011 performances of Southern Sports Academy Cycling squad member, Cameron Scott, have been capped off with the gun young cyclist winning the Australian Time Trial Championship at the National Road titles that were held in Shepparton on the weekend. Scott also collected a Silver Medal in the Criterium and rode a gutsy race to finish 5th in the Road Race.

It was the Time Trial on the first day of the National Junior Road Championships, however, where Cameron was able to stamp his class on the field. In a race against the clock, Scott peeled off an outstanding ride, stopping the clock at 15 minutes and 22 seconds, a full 4 seconds from his nearest rival, Matthew Jackson from WA. The Time Trial was held over a demanding 10km course just outside of Shepparton.

The road ride on the Saturday comprised a challenging 35km course that was largely run into the teeth of a strong headwind. A breakaway group of two riders managed to gap the main peloton, at one stage setting up a 50 second lead. Cameron took it upon himself to cut back the margin, being the lead out rider for the chasing group that was principally comprised of riders from WA. The WA team managed to latch on to the wheel of Cameron in the chase and did not leave his wheel until the final few hundred metres of the race. Cameron managed to hang on to 5th place in what was a very gutsy effort, with the final time margin being only 12 seconds to the winners.

The Criterium was held on the Sunday and comprised a 1.8 km course. All riders were to ride the course for 20 minutes, where an additional 3 laps were then required from all riders. The NSW riders supported Cameron throughout the race, until such time as the pace was really on in the final few laps. Here, Cameron rode a very smart race and turned the tables on the WA contingent by following their lead from the day before. He managed to latch on to the lead bunch of WA riders where he hung on until the final throes of the Criterium. In the final sprint, Scott managed to snare second place and the Silver Medal. Matthew Jackson from WA, who placed second behind Cameron in the time Trial, managed to hang on to win the Gold Medal in the Criterium.

According to the Head Coach of the Southern Sports Academy Cycling Program, Iain Hume, Scott can now take a well deserved rest. His outstanding season on the bike has seen him collect an Australian title in the 15 Years Time Trial, a Silver Medal in the 15 Years National Junior Criterium, 6 State titles in the 15 years age group and the prestigious Heinrich Haussler Two Day Classic.

This, in itself, is an unbelievable year – given he has another year in the 15 Years age group only serves to reinforce that Cameron Scott is one of the most talented young athletes to ever to wear the Southern Sports Academy colours.

Scott Wins Three State Titles

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -1100

The feats of Southern Sports Academy Cycling Squad member, Cameron Scott, continue to amaze with the 13 year old demoralising his opposition to win all three NSW road titles that were on offer at the State Road Championships, held in Armidale over the weekend.

In an unprecedented display of junior road racing, Scott won gold medals in the NSW U/15 Road Race, NSW U/15 Criterium and the NSW U/15 Time Trial. Cameron’s younger brother, Lachlan, who is also shaping as a huge talent on the bike, also managed to win a gold medal in the U/13 Road Race and a bronze medal in the U/13 Criterium.

Cameron’s performances at the State Road championships almost guarantee him a spot in the NSW Road Team to contest the Australian Junior Road Championships, to be held in Shepparton in early September.

A glance at Scott’s performances in Armidale provide a great shapshot of the level of talent he has on the bike. In a demanding road race that comprised seven laps of a demanding 4.5 kilometre circuit, including a tough 1.5 km hill climb, Scott made his move on the final lap in a solo breakaway that broke the hearts of his competitors. He went on to win the road race with over 300 metres to the second placed rider.

His performance in the Time Trial had as much, if not more merit. Over the 8 kilometre course Cameron spaced his nearest competitor by a massive 39 seconds.

Head Coach of the southern Sports Academy Cycling Squad, Iain Hume, was understandably thrilled with the latest performances of Scott.

“He sure is a very talented rider. He has probably benefited from having a very talented older brother (Jeremy Scott) who drags Cameron along with him on his own road rides. That combined with his undeniable talent and discipline make him a great kid to coach and a formidable rider for other kids in the state to catch. Let’s not forget, he still has another year to go in the Under 15’s, so he is beating kids who are a full year older than him. He is not only beating them, but putting a space on them in the process.”

“The Australian Junior Road Championships will provide a very stern test for him – the best kids from all over Australia will be there. However, we know he will acquit himself well and do his absolute best – and that is all I ask of all of our Academy squad members.”

Cameron’s little brother, Lachlan, will be eligible to make the Southern Sports Academy Cycling Squad in 2012 and based on his recent performances, the Scott family will figure in many more state titles in the future.

Scott Snares Another Title

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -1100

The outstanding performances of Flynn Sprake Financial Planning Cycling Squad member, Cameron Scott, in 2011 have been well documented and have already seen him awarded with the NSW Under 15 Cyclist of the Year Award. His achievements have clearly been exemplary and have been highlighted by his two gold medals at the State track championships, his devastating win in the State Hill Climb title in Bathurst and his selection in the NSW Institute of Sport and Cycling NSW Emerging Athlete Program where his status as one of the most promising young riders in the state was confirmed.

The thought, however, of easing off on the bike and reflecting on his wide range of achievements is clearly not on the radar of this highly motivated and disciplined young man.

On the last weekend in July, Cameron took his place among the elite young riders in the state to contest the prestigious Heinrich Haussler 2-Day event in Inverell. Heinrich Haussler is the Australian cyclist who took out a stage in the gruelling 2010 Tour de France and who continues to provide development opportunities to aspiring young cyclists in NSW.

The 2-day Tour provided a true test of the all-round capabilities of all riders and comprised a time trial, 2 road races and a criterium.

In the Under 15 category, Cameron stamped his class on the field through his first place finish in the first road race, second place finish in both the 2nd road race and criterium and fourth place finish in the time trial. His consistent efforts over the 2 days saw him awarded the winning jersey in the General Classification (overall winner) as well as the winning jersey for the much sought after King of the Mountains title.

The win not only confirms Cameron’s standing in junior cycling in the state, but also places his name front and square with one of Australia’s most successful cycling exports, Haussler, who is committed to providing opportunities and experience for the best young riders from NSW, both in Australia via his hosting of the 2 Day Tour as well as at his overseas base.

The performance of Cameron at the 2 Day Tour also confirms that his preparations are on track for the NSW Road titles, being held in Armidale this weekend as well as the Australian road titles, being held in Shepparton in early September.

NSWIS Honours for Cameron Scott

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -1100

Rising Southern Sports Academy cycling squad member, Cameron Scott, has added to his already impressive list of achievements for the 2011 season, with his selection in the NSW Institute of Sport/Cycling NSW Emerging Athlete Program. A total of 27 athletes from throughout NSW were selected into the program.

Cameron has had a stellar year on the bike highlighted by his selection in the NSW Junior Track team earlier in the year where he won three gold medals, his win in the State Hill Climb title held at Mount Panorama in April and his awarding of the U/15 NSW Cyclist of the Year.

Selection in the NSWIS/ Cycling NSW squad will see Cameron attend a range of training camps with the elite junior cyclists from the state. The first camp is being held from 1-4 September in Sydney, a week prior to the Australian Road Titles taking place in Shepparton. Cameron will also attend a camp in Bathurst in April 2012 as well as have access to some of the states leading coaches including Cycling NSW Coach – Kurt Polock, NSWIS Head Coach – Mick Cator and former Olympian turned track coach – Sean Eadie.

Cycling NSW Coach, Kurt Polock, was pleased that Cameron had been rewarded with his selection in the squad.

“ Cameron is potentially one of the most exciting cyclists we have in the state at the moment and his results in 2011 bear testament to this. He is developing nicely and his Academy Coach, Iain Hume deserves a lot of credit for the work he has done with Cameron. He has a very bright future.”

Academy Netballers Excel at NIB

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -1100

The Southern Sports Academy Netball Squad has returned from the annual NIB Games, with several strong performances by both teams that were entered into the competition. The NIB Games were played at Maitland, NSW, from the 13-15 July.

Two teams were entered into the competition, with our top age squad members forming our Division 1 team and bottom age players comprising most of the Division 2 team.

The Division 1 team, ably led by Bridgette Keely, Madison Casley and Shea Byrne, turned in some outstanding performances including a gritty win against the strong Central Coast outfit. In a highly physical clash, the Southern Sports Academy team finished on top with a 7 point win. The division 1 team also went on to defeat Western Region Academy of Sport, North Coast Academy of Sport and the Illawarra Academy of Sport over the two days of competition.

The Division 2 team battled gamely throughout the NIB Games, with coaching staff pleased at the level of improvement shown by the emerging young squad members over the course of the competition. Jacqueline Lienesch, Grace and Caitlin Hanrahan and Alex Wooden all performed creditably throughout the tournament.

The squad now has a rest for a month or so, whilst the focus at the Southern Sports Academy turns towards the selection of the 15’s Development squad, with trials to be held in Junee this weekend.

Bowlers Take the Cash!

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -1100

Two current members of the Rules Club Lawn Bowls Program, the Head Coach of the program and a former member of the Lawn Bowls Squad, have taken out one of the most lucrative tournaments held in the region each year, over the weekend.

Dan and Brad Thomas, Head Coach David Thomas and former squad member Thomas Papworth have taken out the Subway Bidgee Classic Invitational 4’s tournament, which attracted 136 bowlers from around the country, including teams from Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. The three day event was evenly contested, with up to 13 teams in contention right up until the final day.

However, the Academy combination of youth tinged with experience that had their noses in front when it counted, with the team winning the event by 0.5 of a point at the end of play on Sunday. The same combination was also in contention in 2010, where they were pipped at the post and settled for the runners-up title.

Going one better in 2011 certainly came with its own rewards, with the Thomas, Thomas, Thomas and Papworth team walking away with the first prize purse of $4,000!