Council supports young athletes

Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone presented this year’s funding to WSAS Chief Executive Officer Martin Bullock.

The Western Sydney Academy of Sport is an independent, not-for-profit, community-based organisation that helps Western Sydney’s talented young athletes achieve their sporting goals through quality athlete development programs.

Since the Academy was established in 2004, more than 2,500 athletes from seven local government areas have participated in the Academy’s programs, which include AFL Juniors, AFL Girls, cycling, golf, netball, softball, canoe slalom, basketball, rowing, triathlon and ‘Lone Star’ (which caters for individual sport athletes). 

The Academy works closely with recognised State sporting organisations, the NSW Institute of Sport and the Australian Institute of Sport, to ensure its programs are fully endorsed and it provides an integrated link in the athlete development pathway.

WSAS CEO Martin Bullock said: “Our Academy focuses on preparing athletes for the elite levels of sport, and we greatly appreciate the support that Fairfield City Council provides, as it is critical in enabling us to offer these vital services to young local sports people.”

Mayor Frank Carbone said: “Council supports both grass roots and pre-elite sport participants because sport is a wonderful way to bring people and families together, keep active and healthy and learn the importance of teamwork.

“It is important to promote health and fitness for all, so Council provides infrastructure across the City to support families in keeping active too, with more than 200 parks and open spaces, 90 sports grounds as well as 13 outdoor gyms.

“Council also supports sport individuals through our Mayoral Scholarship Donation program.”

Mayor Carbone said Council is proud of its ongoing support of WSAS since 2006 and was committed to providing the best facilities and opportunities for young athletes and the wider community.