Nominations are now open for the Central Coast Heart Netball 2026 Talented Athlete Immersion Program (TAiP), an elite initiative designed to develop emerging high-performance athletes across the Central Coast and Hunter regions.
The program is open to athletes turning 15–18 in 2026, who will train alongside Heart’s Premier League athletes under specialist coaching from Suncorp Super Netball, State and Premier League program coaches.
High-Performance Manager Di Brown said the program was about building pathways and connecting with the next generation of elite athletes.
Brown brings 47 years of experience in netball, including operations and coaching roles with Netball NSW.
She said the inaugural program identified athletes from academies and state competitions across NSW.
“This year, applications have tripled, so on-court selection phases have been added,” she said.
“It’s not always who is best on the court, but who we can develop and work with over the next seasons.”
Talent identification considers height, athleticism, agility and abilities, while selection ensures a balanced cross-section and positional factors.
This recent innovation of an immersion program is different to the norm.
“They are up close to the high-performance process, immersing in the culture and seeing the expectations on these athletes,” Brown said.
“It narrows the gap coming out of junior state titles into what an elite environment really looks like.”
The program also delivers education in off-court factors such as player loading, hydration, recovery, and emotional/mental wellbeing.
“We want to make sure athletes are ready if they do get that opportunity to step up,” Brown said.
Central Coast Heart has a track record of producing elite players, with past athletes now competing in Suncorp Super Netball and others winning gold in the First Nations tournament.
Opportunities also exist for female and male training partners, including one who went on to captain the Australian under-17 male side.
TAiP 2026 trials will be held on Sunday, October 19 (9.30am-12.30pm) and Sunday, October 26 (5pm-7pm) at Central Coast Adventist School, Erina (Karalta Lane entry gate).
Registrations close on Sunday, October 12, and full program details are available at www.centralcoastheart.com.au/taip.
Central Coast Heart will also be part of the Central Coast Grammar School Spring Fair on Saturday, September 13.
The event provides an opportunity to meet the team, visit the exciting sports zone and learn more about netball in our community.
Ivona Rose
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