The Greater Bank-sponsored Western Region Academy of Sport Netball squad was among more than 300 of the state’s best young athletes that descended on Wagga Wagga on 8 April for the 2022 Your Local Club Academy Games.
Now in its fourth year, the Academy Games is a great opportunity for young athletes to develop their skills and experience under the guidance and mentorship of more experienced athletes and coaches.
Head Coach of the Western Region Academy of Sport Netball squad, Linda Macleod, was thoroughly impressed by their performance across the weekend, as well as the level of competition amongst the participating academies.
“Individually and as a team, the growth and improvement over the weekend was amazing as the girls put into practice much of the attacking and defensive principles we have been working on over the last couple of months,” Linda said.
“As coaches it was great to see the significant improvement in the players’ skill level as well as their ability to play with intensity.”
Linda Macleod, Head Coach of the Western Region Academy of Sport Netball squad
Hallie Wolfenden and Maddison O’Reilly were standouts for the squad being named the squad’s MVPs for the tournament, while Hannah Williams, Sam Hanrahan, Emmaline McCullough and Elsie Callaway also performed across the weekend.
Greater Bank also supported the squad through a number of initiatives to help get them to the Games and beat the boredom of the long bus trip to the Riverina capital of Wagga Wagga.
A budget challenge aimed to improve the athletes’ finance skills and increase understanding of what it takes off the court to be a professional athlete. Each member was asked to prepare a full budget of all the expenses associated with the Games, plus any income they could contribute to offset the expenses. Three winners from each squad received a $100 Rebel voucher.
As well as having their bus emblazoned with team branding, there was activities to help them get to know their new teammates, coaches and supporting staff better, including a netball trivia quiz and a game of ‘Ask Me Anything’.
The squads also received a pep talk from Sam Poolman in the lead up to the weekend on what it takes to perform at the highest level. From all reports the sessions were extremely valuable and very well received by the athletes.