The Western Region Academy of Sport (WRAS), Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS), and Hunter Academy of Sport (HAS) are excited to announce the commencement of training for the highly anticipated 2025 netball season. In a renewed partnership with Greater Bank, the academies continue their dedication to fostering talent and promoting excellence in netball across the Western, Central and Hunter regions.
Aspiring athletes and umpires from these regions have come together to embark on a journey of skill refinement and teamwork in preparation for the upcoming season. The ongoing collaboration with Greater Bank underscores the commitment to nurturing local talent and providing avenues for growth and development in sports.
The tri-partisan collaboration between WRAS, CCAS, HAS, and Greater Bank highlights the collective effort to elevate netball at the grassroots level and beyond. Through structured training programs, mentorship opportunities, and financial education, participants are equipped with the tools necessary to thrive both on and off the court.
Greater Bank has a long-standing tradition of community involvement and social impact. As a mutual bank, it reinvests profits into the communities it serves, supporting over 50 organizations annually across New South Wales and South-East Queensland. Through initiatives like community grants, scholarships, and partnerships with local sports clubs, Greater Bank fosters social inclusion, wellbeing, and community engagement
The 2025 season holds promising opportunities for the squads as they set their sights on significant events, including the recent Netball NSW Regional Academies of Sport Camp held in March. This camp served as a platform for players and officials to refine their techniques, enhance their understanding of the game, and connect with fellow enthusiasts from across the state.
Furthermore, the squads are eagerly preparing for the Your Local Club Academy Games, set to take place in April in Tamworth. This prestigious event not only showcases the skills and determination of young athletes but also fosters camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants from various regions.
The success of the Netball program shines through the inclusion of several former athletes in both the Under 17 and Under 19 Netball NSW state teams, showcasing its efficacy and impact. Former WRAS athlete Marley Aplin and HAS athletes Matilda Percival and Sienna Liva were selected in the Under 17’s NSW State squad, as well former HAS athlete Hope White selected in the Under 19’s squad. Hope has also been named in the GWS Giants Netball squad for the 2025 Super Netball season.
Ian Robilliard OAM, Commercial Director of the Regional Academies of Sport ltd expressed his enthusiasm for the extension of this partnership: “We are excited to see the continued growth and development of our netball and umpire athletes through this partnership with Greater Bank. Their support allows us to provide top-notch training and opportunities for our players to excel both on and off the court.”
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Hunter, Central Coast and Western Region Academies of Sport to help nurture the next generation of netball talent,” said David Baker, Head of Customer Lending at Greater Bank.
“These academies do incredible work not just in developing players’ athletic ability, but also in building confidence, resilience, and strong community connections – values we share and are proud to support.”
As the squads embark on this journey, WRAS, CCAS, and HAS express gratitude to Greater Bank for their support and commitment to nurturing sporting excellence in the community. Together, they remain steadfast in their mission to empower aspiring athletes and umpires to reach new heights of achievement in netball.