The Central Coast Academy of Sport held the first ever Indigenous Talent ID Day for the region and it turned out to be one of the best initiatives the CCAS has delivered for the Central Coast since the organisations inception back in 2004.
The concept developed in partnership between the Central Coast Academy of Sport and Underwriting Agencies Australia (UAA) was designed to ‘unearth’ local indigenous talent from the Central Coast region and to then be able to provide full scholarships to CCAS Programs.
Just on fifty (50) athletes got the opportunity to come under the watchful eyes of some of the regions most experienced sports coaches. Six sporting disciplines were in action including; AFL, Basketball, Netball, Golf, Rugby 7’s and Test & Measurements (Athletics). The end goal is the Academy now has the capacity to provide full sporting scholarships to 16 athletes who participated on the day across the Academies ten scholarship programs
UAA as the funding partner that made the event possible and was clearly delighted to be able to ‘put back’ into Regional NSW. Michael Murphy the CEO of UAA said of the TID Day: “UAA does much of our work in regional centers throughout NSW and we were delighted with both the concept and the execution of the day by the Central Coast Academy of Sport. Often in sport it is important to try and remove the hurdles to participation and I know this program will do that. What was noticeable is the talent depth in the Indigenous ranks and I’m sure we can help some athletes reach their sporting goals, that said it was an important day for the Coast and for sport in this region”.
Emily Burgess-Moore the CCAS Athlete Services Manager said of the new concept: “the day was quite remarkable, the level of coaches we had on hand to coordinate the day made this event possible. I can’t thank our coaches enough, they readily volunteer their support and when our office reached out to them for assistance we were overwhelmed by their willingness to get involved and to make the day the success it was. Matt Sonter was also a key supporter of the event, Matt is like a ‘father figure’ to many of the Indigenous youth throughout the region and I’ve no doubt we would not have the numbers attending if Matt didn’t take an active role in getting the day planned and executed the way it was. I think what was achieved will be a template for others to follow, it was that good and I must say the way the students behaved and embraced the day makes this type of so very worthwhile”.
