The University of New England (UNE) has teamed up with Armidale Regional Council (ARC) to nurture the region’s top young athletes as part of the inaugural Talent ID High Performance Academy, which kicked off this week.
Held at UNE’s Exercise and Sports Science Laboratory, the academy is a four-week program designed to accelerate athletic capability through elite testing, evidence-based training, and applied performance education.
Students across a range of sporting codes and ages will be guided by a team of experienced exercise and sports scientists from UNE, who will provide evidence-based coaching, feedback, and performance support.
“Just because we live in a regional area doesn’t mean our local sporting stars should miss out on opportunities to progress,” said Dr Dan Ferris, a UNE lecturer in Exercise Physiology and Sports Science who will be running the sessions.
“This academy bridges the gap between city and country and gives our local athletes access to knowledge and expertise that is usually only gained from training in metropolitan areas.”
Over the four sessions, athletes will undertake a series of sports science assessments to establish individual performance profiles, followed by targeted training sessions combined with athlete education focusing on strength and power development, speed and movement efficiency, recovery and load management, and performance habits and planning.
The academy forms the foundation of a long-term vision, with planning for Year 2 already in the works.
“Our aim with the program is to not only improve physical performance, but to educate and upskill athletes to they have the tools to train smarter and compete confidently throughout the season,” said Dr Ferris.
“The idea is to grow with the athletes and support them through their entire sporting journey.”
Local hockey player Luke Whitty regularly plays at state and national levels and said the opportunity to participate in the academy helps to even the playing field.
“I know a lot of Sydney athletes who get this kind of training regularly, so it’s great that us country kids are getting this opportunity too,” said the Year 11 student.
“It creates the knowledge in athletes in what we need to do to get the most out of our sports.”
Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland says it’s a fantastic opportunity to continue to put the region on the sporting map.
“From Kookaburras hockey star, Nathan Czinner, to former professional NRL player, Dean Widders, the Armidale region is renowned for producing some of the country’s top athletes,” he said.
“Through the academy, we are excited to be contributing to the success of the next generation of sporting greats.”
The academy will wrap up on 24 March.
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