Who We Are

The Western Sydney Academy of Sport was incorporated in June 2004 as an independent, not-for-profit, community based organisation. It is one of 11 Regional Academies of Sport located throughout New South Wales.

The Academy is charged with identifying, developing and implementing quality opportunities for the development of talented young female and male athletes across a wide range of sports, within the Western Sydney region. Through the establishment of an 11 member Board of Directors, representing a broad cross section of the region’s key stakeholders – including State and Local Government, and the sporting, business and general community – the Academy has developed a comprehensive support structure for corporate governance and the operation of sport specific, high performance training programs.

The Academy catchment area includes the 10 Western Sydney Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Auburn, Bankstown, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Holroyd, Parramatta, Penrith and The Hills – comprising a population of over 1.6 million and a geographic area of some 1,800 square kilometers.

The establishment of the Academy was facilitated by the NSW Government providing foundation funding and an ongoing annual grant, which combines with grant funds received from the 10 Local Government Councils and other revenue sources to sustain the Academy’s operations.

The Academy’s high performance training programs have established benchmark standards and value in the officially recognised development pathway for athletes in sports. The Academy works closely with the respective recognised State Sporting Agencies, the NSW Institute of Sport and the District Associations to ensure its programs are fully endorsed and provide significant “added value” to an athlete’s personal; development through application of high level coaching resources, educational and technical development components and a variety of events and competition opportunities.

Our Brand

The Academy’s brand has become synonymous with quality – both in the standard of talented young athletes we deal with, and the quality of our program content – including highly accredited coaching staff and respected professional providers.

Our brand positioning statement is :

“Developing Our Next Generation Olympians”

Our brand values can be identified as :

• Integrity and Quality
• Knowledge and Respect
• Excellence in Performance

The Academy’s High Performance Training Programs have established benchmarks in standards and value in the officially recognised pathway for talented athletes. The Academy works closely with recognised State sporting agencies, the NSW Institute of Sport and District Associations to ensure its programs are fully endorsed and provide an integrated link in the pathway for talented athlete development.

The Academy’s quality endorsed programs include technical and educational components, and are delivered by accredited coaching resources and professional providers.

The characteristics that the Academy believes best describe its brand personality – or DNA – are :

• Commitment and Discipline
• Learning and Enjoyment
• Personal Growth

Our day to day activities, and our relationships with our stakeholders including athletes, staff and corporate partners, are a clear demonstration of this DNA.