With summer training programs commencing throughout the past fortnight, the Illawarra Academy of Sport has finalised each sport’s squad for the upcoming year.
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An additional 31 athletes will engage with the Academy in 2019, with 218 youngsters to benefit from the IAS’s expert coaches.
The biggest shakeup this year is the re-introduction of a full XVs male and female rugby program, while the surfing program will now come under the LoneStar athletes umbrella.
A particular focus will be placed on off-field development throughout the year, with improved access to nutrition and sports psychology services to be provided.
Academy Athlete Coach and Program Manager Dane Robinson is looking forward to seeing the athletes engage in quality training sessions in the lead up to Christmas.
“The majority of the IAS squads have now completed their first training sessions and there is a feeling of excitement from athletes, coaches and staff regarding the year ahead for the Academy,” Robinson said.
“There is plenty of training to be crammed in before the Christmas holidays.”
The coming weeks will see many athletes experience their first taste of formal strength training.
As a result, an emphasis will be placed on learning the foundations of good technique, with new strength coach Mitch Nielsen working with physios to ensure sessions are personalised to meet specific injury needs.
Many athletes will also experience their first taste of sports psychology, and Robinson is confident the Academy’s programs will help develop better athletes.
“The sport psychology program which is being conducted by Condor Performance has commenced. The program is aiming to equip both athletes and coaches to better handle themselves within sporting situations.
“As we all know sport psych is crucial to any athlete, so getting on top of this component early in the year so they can apply their learning in the sporting environment is vital to the athletes’ development.”