Indigenous Talent ID

The Western Sydney Academy of Sport, in partnership with Underwriting Agencies Australia (UAA) has developed the Indigenous Talent Identification Program for athletes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent designed to encourage an active lifestyle and provide assistance in advancing opportunities in sport.

In paying our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and with a spirit of recognition of the Traditional owners of Country, the Academy host the UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day annually.

The UAA and WSAS Indigenous Talent ID day is a sporting platform for athletes aged 13-17 to be identified and where suitable and where possible to gain selection in one of the WSAS sports programs and/or additional sports of their interest. Those identified will be offered the opportunity to advance to fully funded scholarship positions with the Western Sydney Academy of Sport Scholarship Programs or provided support as they seek entry into a new sporting pathway.

What is talent ID?

Talent ID is designed to identify people with specific skills, personal qualities and physical attributes that may lead that person to become a high-performing athlete. It is much more than just assessing a person’s physical capabilities, it includes the emotional side of performance, aspects like; desire, determination, resilience and so forth. These qualities are found in elite performance athletes.

How the Day Works

Participants will enjoy an introduction to multiple sports, where each student will play either games or participate in sport specific skills in a fun atmosphere to showcase their skills within each sport. Every student will participate in each of the sports on rotation throughout the session. All coaches are of the highest quality and well versed in talent identification.

Talent Identified Students

Athletes considered to possess strong athletic ability and potential to participate in the Academy’s development programs, will be included in an assessment program that will involve Strength & Conditioning and fitness testing and further opportunities to display a commitment to progressing along the talent development pathway.

ELIGIBILITY & SELECTION

To be eligible to apply to the Indigenous Talent ID day a person must firstly be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. In addition, the applicant must be ‘endorsed’ by the school or sporting association in which they attend, the endorsement will cover the emotional / personal qualities of the applicant:

- The program is open to both male and females that turn born between the years of 2007 – 2011.
- Currently residing in the Local Government Area (LGA) of Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, City of Parramatta, Penrith or The Hills.
- Applicants must be endorsed by the school and/or sporting association with whom you are attending or representing.
- You may be asked to show proof of your Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.