The 2024 Academy Netball Challenge, held from the 28th – 30th September in Port Macquarie, was a resounding success, bringing together more than 400 athletes from the Regional Academies of Sport across New South Wales. This event provided a platform for young netballers to showcase their skills, with all 11 Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) represented, along with the Sydney Netball Academy.
This year’s Challenge marked the third and final time Port Macquarie will host the event. The tournament offers talented young athletes a high-level competitive environment, with many demonstrating impressive skills and determination throughout the weekend.
The Academy Challenge is structured in two parts. Saturday features the official Challenge Day, where athletes are split into mixed teams and tested in a series of matches organized by Netball NSW. Sunday and Monday hosted the official tournament, with academy teams divided into two divisions. Each game was umpired by RAS Netball Umpire Athletes, adding to the development opportunities for all involved.
Athletes competed in fast-paced matches, giving their best across various positions and game strategies. RAS would like to congratulate the division Winners and Runner-Ups
Division Winners and Runners-Up:
- Division 1
Winner: Sydney Netball Academy Teal
Runner-Up: Hunter Academy of Sport 1 - Division 2
Winner: Illawarra Academy of Sport 2
Runner-Up: South West Sydney Academy of Sport 2
Throughout the weekend, standout performances were seen across the board. Special recognition goes to the individual award recipients:
Individual Award Recipients:
- Player of the Tournament: Isla Waterhouse, Illawarra Academy of Sport
- Division 1 MVPs: Evalina Carneiro, Sydney Netball Academy; Sienna Liva, Hunter Academy of Sport
- Division 2 MVPs: Emma Thompson, Far West Academy of Sport; Annie Jones, Southern Sports Academy
- Umpire MVP: Emma Crotty, North Coast Academy of Sport
Mardi Aplin, Manager of Pathways and Performance for Netball NSW, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “The Academy Netball Challenge is one of the highlights of our annual calendar. It offers these young athletes the chance to test their skills against the best from other regions, and this year’s competition has once again demonstrated the incredible depth of talent we have across New South Wales.”
North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS), the host Academy, CEO D’Arcy Van den Bossche echoed these sentiments, thanking the local community and event supporters: “The support we’ve received from the Port Macquarie community and our sponsor, Regional Australia Bank, has been outstanding. Without them, these opportunities for young athletes simply wouldn’t be possible.”
The 2024 Academy Netball Challenge not only celebrated the athletes’ achievements but also highlighted the strength of the regional academy system. The event continues to play a crucial role in athletes’ development, offering them the chance to be scouted and identified for further opportunities.
After three successful years of hosting the event, NCAS has passed the torch to the Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS). Preparations are already underway for the 2025 event, which promises to be another exciting showcase of emerging netball talent from across the region.
