The Adelaide Thunderbirds Talent Academy will adopt an evolved structure in 2023 following extensive consultation with participants and key stakeholders across the state.
After a successful pilot program in 2022, which saw 12 athletes make up 48% of Netball SA’s 2023 17U State Squad, feedback highlighted the desire to strengthen the pathway while maintaining a strong presence in regional South Australia.
As a result, Netball SA will introduce an evolved structure in 2023 to elevate the pathway from grassroots competitions to Netball SA’s State Teams and beyond and create greater development opportunities for regional coaches.
The structure will consist of one Emerging Academy and five Development Academies based in locations across SA and allow for 40 additional spaces compared to 2022.
It will continue to focus on preparing athletes for State Team trials, after a survey revealed 88% of parents felt the program assisted in preparing their child for trials and future pathway opportunities.
In addition, 79% of athletes ‘strongly agreed’ they developed as an athlete over the course of the program and the remaining 21% ‘agreed’.
The Development Academy locations will be Berri, Clare, Keith, Metro and Whyalla.
Trials will be held in each of the above locations and athletes will have the chance to be selected in either the Emerging Academy or a Development Academy.
