The search for the next Emma McKeon, Adam Zampa or Brett Stibners is underway, with the Illawarra Academy of Sport opening scholarship applications.
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While minor tweaks have been made to meet COVID-19 regulations, the programs will continue to focus on athlete development.
Academy head coach Dane Robinson said they are seeking youngsters with a positive attitude.
"We're looking for athletes that are keen and motivated to progress along their pathway," Robinson said.
"We offer a whole range of services we believe improves their chances of progressing along that pathway.
"Traditionally those that take the opportunity with both hands are the ones that progress onwards and upwards."
The Academy has largely weathered the coronavirus storm throughout a challenging period, with on-field sessions resuming in June.
A recent shift to online education modules allowed athletes to continue their off-field development during the shutdown.
Robinson said the organisation will continue to build on the programs already in place, with an added focus on strength and conditioning in the next 12 months.
"We've identified that strength and conditioning is crucial to every athlete's development. We've been getting a lot of feedback from NSWIS that athletes aren't learning the base knowledge and movement patterns.
"That will be a major focus, spending time developing the kids and we'll be expanding our strength and conditioning to offer individualised programs."
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Cameron Mee
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
