The trials have come and gone and the final squad selected looks set to be one of the best for the Central Coast Academy of Sport. Add to that the recent finalization of the MOU between Basketball NSW and the Regional Academies of Sport network and the basketball program really does look set to hit new heights in 2016-17.
The Central Coast Academy of Sport ClubsNSW Basketball Program has for years been one of the leading Academies in providing a true stepping stone for participants wanting to reach higher order honors, the names of Melville, Parsons, Penn, and Rowe in the women’s program and Kenyan, Bateup, Hodgson and Robilliard in the men’s has shown how realistic NSW and Australian representation is for athletes seeking to advance their skills in the sport.
It appears this trend will continue with the recent announcement the CCAS ClubsNSW Basketball Program is part of an ‘endorsed pathway’ with the State Governing body, Basketball NSW.
The revamped athlete pathway offers local athletes with a pre elite training program with expert coaching that provides individual skill development and further competition opportunities that will assist them in their chances of state team selection and higher honors. The value of the Regional Academy of Sport Network doing the first step (Developing Athlete Program or DAP) is really important, approx. 250 athletes will be ‘identified’ in the first year through the Regional Academy Network.
Ian Robilliard the CCAS Managing Director and person well versed in the sport due to his 30+ years of involvement said of the endorsement; “It’s great that Basketball NSW has seen how valuable the Regional Academies are in providing localized and specialised training in this sport; the pathway is certainly a lot less complicated and up to eight (8) regional academies have already embraced the new pathway and are working closely with BNSW to build opportunities for athletes in the sport. The CCAS can’t be all things to all people but this allows thirty athletes a step in the ladder and the signs this year look very encouraging.”
Drew Fenton the CCAS Basketball Head Coach said of the squad selected: “With almost 50% of last year’s scholarship holders returning for the 2016-17 Program, spots were very tightly contested during the trials. With record numbers trialing, selections were the hardest in my time being involved with the Academy. Both squads have a blend of height and speed, which will put us in a good position on the Skill Development side of things, this program is shaping as one of the best I’ve been involved with and that’s a sign that BNSW support remains important.”
