Illawarra Academy of Sport playing a crucial role in athlete development

But one aspect of their program tailored to their athletes that perhaps goes unnoticed more than others is their education module - more specifically - their media training module.

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As athletes become more renown, the IAS looks to prepare their athletes for future media responsibilities. The current Keira Buckpitt or Jacob Roulstone may become the next Sally Fitzgibbons for example. The Gerringong surfer perhaps the best example of how well the program can work.

"I know when we talk to the athletes that's one of the things that a lot of the time they say stands out and the media training is one of the big things they take away," IAS communications and events officer Emily Robinson told the Mercury.

"I know we get such good feedback especially at presentation nights when the kids present themselves so well. As one of our education models we do media training for that. So we have a few different facets to it. One of it is media training which teaches different techniques and how to handle different questions.

Read more: The new Illawarra Sports Awards - get your nominations in

"The other one is a focus on social media. That teaches them that if they're wanting to build a brand in sport they learn how effective that can be from a young age. Our Tobin Award winner this year (Buckpitt) has already gained a lot of sponsors from building her social media."

The education program provided by the IAS is a crucial part to developing the region's future stars. The media program is about one out of 12 different modules provided by the organisation, according to Robinson.

"We try and stagger our educations sessions throughout the year as part of their scholarship program. We're actually taking a new approach with this year's scholarship program where we're going to hold education days where the athletes learn a few different modules throughout the day, but it's a hard balance to not hit them with too much," she said.

IAS athletes will be present for the Illawarra Sports Awards coming up next month. Award categories include the Mercury People's Choice Award, Coach of the Year, Team of the Year, Illawarra Sportsperson of the Year (Male and Female), Local Hero of the Year, Sporting Moment of the Year and IAS Junior Athlete of the Year.

The Illawarra Sports Awards, presented by the Mercury, Illawarra Academy of Sport and Illawarra Credit Union, will be held on November 10.

Read more: Illawarra Sports Awards will inspire the next generation

The Mercury, in partnership with the Illawarra Academy Of Sport and presenting sponsor Illawarra Credit Union, is hosting the Illawarra Sports Awards, to be held on Thursday, November 10 at the Fraternity Club.

TICKETS: Purchase individual tickets or tables at https://events.humanitix.com/illawarra-sports-awards

NOMINATE: Get your nominations in for the Team Of The Year, Coach Of The Year and Local Hero Volunteer Of The Year

VOTE: Who will win the Mercury People's Choice Award? Read about their achievements HERE and vote.