ACADEMY CORNER

MORE than 150 aspiring young sports stars have in recent weeks trialled for an athlete sports scholarship with one of the Illawarra Academy of Sport's 10 elite sporting programs.

Athletes from netball, hockey and cycling were put through an extensive trial of testing and competition-based scrimmage.

In front of national and state high-performance coaching staff, athletes displayed impressive skill and determination in the hope of obtaining one of the limited 12-month sporting scholarships.

Netball NSW selector Lyn Hahn was impressed with the standard of athletes who trialled for the IAS netball squad. It was a similar view from Hockey NSW regional development manager Ben Senior, who was equally impressed.

"The athletes who trialled really put in a strong effort; there was plenty of talent out there today which was good to see in the region," he said.

Among a host of outstanding athletes from the region, Wollongong hockey star Kieran Govers has been part of the Hockeyroos' success at Olympic Games and world championships in recent years.

The IAS received in excess of 180 athlete nominations for one of the various 2015 IAS Sports Scholarships.

The final stage of the selection process is to attend an athlete interview with representatives from the IAS staff, board of directors and the coaching staff. These interviews will be held over three days from September 29-October 1 at the University of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Bomaderry Bowling Club and the Wingecarribee Council offices, Moss Vale.

The 2015 IAS athletes will be inducted on the weekend of October 25-26 at the University of Wollongong.

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THE Illawarra Academy of Sport will hold its annual golf day fund-raiser at the Links Shellharbour on November 14. All proceeds go directly to supporting local athletes in their pursuit of excellence.

The IAS is seeking community support through sponsorship and playing participants. Call the IAS office on 4225 3899 or email admin@ias.org.au to register.