Western Sydney Academy of Sport Strength and Conditioning Program Delivered in partnership with Sydney West Sports Medicine
Introduction An essential element of an athlete's development is their progression in knowledge and skills aligned with strength and conditioning protocols and practices. The role of the Academy in delivering a holistic program for talented young athletes is to provide a foundation of knowledge, awareness and technical skills that will assist the athletes as they progress to the higher levels of their sport. The Academy does not seek to provide athletes with extensive programming in this field, but rather it provides an opportunity for athletes to progress their knowledge and skills through their own commitment and disciplines - and through the Academy connecting athletes with high quality professional providers who can deliver personalised advice, programming and monitoring.
Step 1: Assesment Protocols Strength and conditioning testing will be implemented for each athlete through recognised testing protocols relevant to the specific sport. Each of the Academy's sports programs will have specifically designed testing protocols that will be implemented by Sydney West Sports Medicine's professionally accredited staff. Venue The locations for the conduct of athlete S&C testing will be advised to each program group in the near future - the venue will either be at Sydney West Sports Medicine Rooty Hill or at the program training venue. Schedule Testing dates for each sport will be confirmed as soon as practical. Outcomes Each athlete tested will be provided with written feedback from the Sydney West Sports Medicine practitioners - providing advice concerning functional movement capabilities and any suggested S&C focal areas. Athletes will be provided with opportunities to further progress their S&C knowledge and skills through participation in SWSM operated athletic development programs.
Step 2: Athlete Development Option 1 - Long-term Athletic Development (LTAD) Program Sydney West Sports Medicine offers an LTAD program which are run as classes in small groups of approx. 8-10 athletes. Training blocks align with the school terms (10 week blocks). The commitment to the term is paid for in advance at a rate of $350. To support our athletes in their commitment to this program the Academy will provide a subsidy of $200 to reduce the cost of the program to $150 for athletes participating. These sessions are customarily done in a gym-based setting at One55 in Rooty Hill. However there may also be an occasional field-based session, depending on the training session requirements. The LTAD Program includes: One (1) x 1:1 assessments and sports performance testing with an Exercise Physiologist/S&C Coach; One (1) group session per week (60min); Personalised programming by the Exercise Physiologist including access to their programs through the online app Teambuildr; All gym entry fees; Individual performance reports at the end of each block. As a further commitment of support to the Academy's athletes, SWSM will provide one scholarship for each Academy program that covers all costs for the 10-week program for Term 1 of 2023. Expressions of interest can be submitted by the athlete/parent to the Academy's Athlete Program Manager to be considered for the Athletics Scholarship. The Academy will then award these scholarships based on consultation with coaches and support staff and athlete merit.
Step 2: Athlete Development Option 2 - Private Strength and Conditioning Program Sydney West Sports Medicine can offer Academy athletes 1:1 Strength & Conditioning consultations with one of the SWSM's Exercise Physiologists (EP)/S&C Coaches at 60min a session ($102 per session VIP discount). Athlete programs are tailored to the specific sport and individual athlete needs, and individual testing results are managed by the EP/S&C Coaches overseeing the program. Frequency of sessions will be guided by the needs of the athlete and family. The athlete would receive ongoing testing, programming, education and supervision of programs.
For further information please contact: Heather Smith Athlete Program Manager Western Sydney Academy of Sport Tel: 02 4732 4977 Mob: 0408 604 018 heather@wsas.com.au