The deal will see Surfing NSW work with NSW’s sports high schools to help develop the next generation of elite surfers. 

Darcy De Clouett is one of many talented surfers to have benefited from the Illawarra Sports High’s surfing program and his father Christian is looking forward to seeing his son receive further opportunities as a result of the new partnership. 

“I would like to formally commend the talented surfing program our son has been able to participate in during the last four years of his schooling,” Christian said.

“I believe he was able to discover his full potential as a surfer and his progression in his strength, fitness and competition ability saw a steep incline of improvement. This was paralleled with renewed interest, confidence and ability in his academic performance.

“He has been supported incredibly by the structures and individuals within the program and we as a family remain very proud and committed to recommending this program to our local surfing community."

The partnership is the latest in a host of agreements Illawarra Sports High, and the state’s sporting schools network, has signed with major sporting organisations in recent times. The school’s football and rugby players are currently benefiting from partnerships with Sydney FC and the NSW Rugby Union, respectively. 

Students will have the opportunity to work with Surfing NSW’s experienced coaching staff to improve their technique and performance in competition. Surfers will also receive assistance in developing skills away from the water, including strength training and the mental skills required to compete in elite sport. 

“We see this partnership as a vital component in the identification and development of talent and a key to building a high-performance pathway for our sport in the state,” Surfing NSW CEO Luke Madden said.