Filling a need: Sports academy members with co-ordinator Nathan Reid (middle, left).
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In a region renowned for its deep-rooted love of sport, Notre Dame College has taken a significant step to cultivate young talent through its sports academy.
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"Notre Dame College Sports Academy has arrived to fulfil a long-awaited need in our region," sports academy co-ordinator Nathan Reid said.
With rich sporting heritages in cities such as Bendigo, Ballarat and Melbourne, the establishment of sports academies has become a widespread trend.
However, until now, the opportunity had eluded the passionate sporting community of Greater Shepparton.
“Sport plays a huge role in the college. It’s something that we lacked in our region, not just in the GV region in general. It’s a very sporting community,” Reid said.
Recognising the importance of athletic ability and academic dedication, the sports academy opens its doors to students in years 9 and 10.
Their selection is based not only on sporting prowess, but also their work ethic in the classroom.
“We do expect students that apply to do the best of their own ability, whatever that ability is,” Reid said.
The application process scrutinises students’ commitment to personal growth and excellence rather than focusing solely on academic achievements.
Once selected, students become an integral part of the program, which is embedded into the regular curriculum.
They engage in specialised theory topics designed to enhance athlete performance and development.
Central to the sports academy experience are the gym and strength conditioning sessions, which teach students the importance of proper movement.
“We’re hoping to educate them on how to move properly for them so they can then move out to the community and educate others,” Reid said.
By instilling fundamental movement principles, the academy empowers students to embark on their fitness journey with knowledge and confidence, not solely relying on social media trends or bodybuilding exercises.
Additionally, before-school specialised skill sessions provide further opportunities for students to refine their abilities.
External coaches specialising in various sports, such as AFL, netball, basketball and cricket, conduct these sessions.
The collaborative environment fosters interaction among students with similar skill levels, and exposure to different coaching styles broadens their horizons.
Performance: Students exercise at the academy’s gym.
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“We’re hoping that next year we’re increasing the frame into Year 8 and 11 as well. So that will increase the numbers, and over the next year or two, we’ll have more than just those four sports available for students to specialise in,” Reid said.
Currently operating as an elective during school hours, the sports academy offers students an alternative to traditional physical education electives.
This unique opportunity allows them to develop physically and explore potential pathways in the sports industry.
“We’re getting them to look at different pathways that they can potentially take in the sport industry,” Reid said.
By exposing students to various aspects of sports, such as nutrition or sport and recreation, the academy seeks to ignite hidden interests and uncover new career possibilities.
Pass masters: Sports academy training in the college’s stadium.
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It aims to provide previously unavailable opportunities to students in regional areas.
Reid said the response from students and parents had been overwhelmingly positive.
“The students are loving it,” he said.
Parents have welcomed the additional training sessions and the inclusion of a dietitian in the program.
The academy not only helps students improve their sports performance, but also equips them with knowledge and resources to make healthier lifestyle choices.
The academy is shaping a new generation of well-rounded student-athletes by combining sports development, academic enrichment and career exploration.
