First Indigenous Talent ID program being launched

The Central Coast Academy of Sport will launch its Indigenous Talent ID program, the fi rst in the region, on October 25 at the Scholastic Sports Stadium, Terrigal.

The concept, developed in partnership between the Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS) and Underwriting Agencies Australia (UAA), is designed to unearth local indigenous talent from the Central Coast. Sixty athletes will get an opportunity to come under the watchful eyes of key sport’s coaches from the Academy with the intent of identifying talent in a fun day of minor games, fundamental skill assessments, tests and measurements. The ultimate goal will be the provision of sporting scholarships to 16 athletes who participate on the day. UAA is providing the funding to ensure the program is developed with the highest standards in terms of identifi cation principles.

UAA will then fully fund identifi ed athletes into full scholarship positions with the Central Coast Academy of Sport Programs. The Talent ID Day will focus on six sports including: Athletics, AFL, Basketball, Netball, Golf, and Rugby Sevens. The Talent ID Day promises to be an exciting time for those lucky enough to attend,. 30 minute performance time slots across each sport will guarantee a full day of participation and games. “The response to the program has been outstanding, we supplied applications to high schools with the full support of the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) and already one third of places are full,” Mr Ian Robilliard, the Managing Director of the Central Coast Academy of Sport, said. “This tells you the intent of the day has really hit the mark, and the extension to the Academy’s Sporting Programs will be another important factor to provide sustainability to the program,” he continued.

Mr Robilliard also announced former Academy student and netballer, Ms Sharnie Aston, has started as the Academy’s Indigenous Talent ID Coordinator. “Sharnie will provide the administrative support to make this day one to cherish. “Exciting times ahead in this space for the Central Coast,” Mr Robilliard said. The CEO of Underwriting Agencies Australia, Mr Michael Murphy, said of the program: “As the largest specialist insurer of mobile plant and equipment in Australia, and with more than 70 per cent of our clients in regional Australia, we have always been looking to partner with a quality organisation to work up a specifi c program to support and unearth great indigenous talent.

“We believe that the CCAS is the perfect partnership and that our goals are aligned. “We are delighted to support this program, the fi rst of its type for academies of sport, and know this will be highly successful, and is a small way to say thank you to the communities that support us.” Mr Matt Sonter, a Central Coast Council Indigenous Community Development Worker and well know sportsman, said the talent ID will be aimed at unleashing the next wave of Indigenous athletes on the Central Coast. “I work with so many Aboriginal youth, and see crazy amounts of ability. “Programs like this will allow our children a chance to experience top level coaching in a number of sports,” Mr Sonter said.

Media release, Sep 30, 2016 Emily Burgess-Moore, Central Coast Academy of Sport