Swimming NSW, Newcastle University Sport and Regional Academies of Sport join forces to develop local athletic talent

March 28, 2024

Swimming New South Wales, Newcastle University Sport (NUsport) and Regional Academies of Sport Ltd have today come together to launch a partnership aimed at supporting local sporting talent.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the three bodies solidifies a collaboration to provide performance support services to athletes within the NUsport Swimming NSW Performance Centre, as well as aspiring swimmers within the Hunter and Central Coast regions that participate in the Regional Academies swimming program.

Under the terms of the agreement, Regional Academies of Sport Ltd (RAS Ltd) will provide performance support services, including strength and conditioning, nutrition education, and sport psychology sessions, to identified athletes within the NUsport Swimming NSW Performance Centre. Additionally, Sander Ganzevles, the Head Coach of the Performance Centre will extend guidance and coaching support to the swimming squads of the Hunter and Central Coast Academies of Sport for up to three training sessions annually.

Commenting on the potential of the link, RAS Ltd Group Chief Executive, Brett O'Farrell advised “this partnership marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to nurture swimming talent in the Newcastle area.

"By combining resources and expertise, we aim to identify and develop high performance athletes while providing them with the necessary support to excel in their athletic endeavours."

"This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to fostering excellence in swimming.”

Swimming NSW Chief Executive, Kirsten Thomson stated "together, we will work diligently to empower athletes, enhance their training experiences, and maximise their potential for success."

NUsport's provision of access to gymnasium facilities for strength and conditioning sessions is also key to the partnership’s success.

NUsport Chief Executive, Deborah Wright noted “we are thrilled to embark on the next phase of our collaboration in support of nurturing talent within the region.

"By leveraging our combined resources, expertise and networks we can create critical performance pathways by delivering additional opportunities and services to talented identified athletes."

The partnership between SNSW, NUsport and RAS Ltd represents a milestone in the ongoing development of swimming talent in NSW with the three entities aiming to make a significant impact on the sport and its athletes.

Images: Top, from left: Brett O'Farrell, Deborah Wright and Kirsten Thomson at today's agreement of the MOU between Swimming NSW, NUsport and Regional Academies of Sport Ltd and elite NUSport swimmers, below, from left: Callum Thomas, Coach Sander Gonzalex and Kelsey Van Eldik

21st March 2024 - Refurbished Newcastle Ocean Baths attracts surge in visitation

13th March 2024 - New Hunter Sports Centre facility looks to get the most out of athletes

11th March 2024 - City of Newcastle opens tender for sports park improvements

27th February 2024 - Swimming NSW names high performance coach to lead Southern Performance Centre

26th February 2024 - Sport NSW strategy calls for legacy investment

9th February 2024 - City of Newcastle shares updates on delivery of its Strategic Sports Plan

15th January 2024 - Swimming NSW 2024 Country Regional Championships event to be held at Charlestown Swim Centre

10th January 2024 - Wagga Wagga to host regional Swimming NSW regional championships

15th November 2023 - Swimming NSW looks for Southern Performance Centre to drive new generation of athletes

28th November 2022 - Sport NSW calls on political parties to increase core funding

24th February 2022 - PlayHQ marks European expansion with RefAssist partnership

4th March 2019 - Newcastle’s The Forum launches first Technogym SKILLATHLETIC training facility in Australia

11th July 2017 - NSW Government reveals plans to revitalise Newcastle sport and entertainment precinct

30th January 2017 - AIS joins University of Newcastle study into athlete recovery

20th July 2014 - Airport welcome for Sydney FC and Newcastle United

19th July 2013 - Newcastle’s The Forum gets major gym upgrade

14th June 2011 - The Forum’s vision for an active community

16th June 2021 - Hunter Region’s premier aquatic facility gets official reopening

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.