Surf Sport Youth Performance Academy Program | Squad Announcement

Surf Life Saving SA are excited to announce the Surf Sport Youth Performance Academy Program Squad for the 2017/18 season.

The Surf Sport Youth Performance Academy Program has been developed to help develop and grow youth athletes in SA.

For the past two seasons SLSSA partnered with Flinders University (FU), Flinders One Fitness and South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre (SAALC) to design and develop a program aimed at assisting surf sports athletes to be the best they can. After an extensive review of the program, it was decided that the focus of the academy needed to be changed to develop Surf Sports in our State. The Academy now primarily focuses on Athletes from the following age categories, Under 14, Under 15 and first year Under 17. The content delivered by both Flinders University and Surf Life Saving SA through this process is tailored to the new age groups and we will be encouraging coaches and parents/guardians to participate in the sessions.

Surf Life Saving SA are extremely excited to announce the four coaches/mentors that will deliver the ocean/beach sessions and also assist with forming the final structure of the Academy. These Coaches/mentors have been recognised for their ongoing commitment to Surf Sports in SA. We hope that the 38 athletes look up to these four members as role models.

Sean McKenzie – Semaphore SLSC
Francesca Kidd – Newport SLSC (NSW)/ Seacliff SLSC
Caitlin Sheehy – West Beach SLSC
Lachlan Sheffield – Grange SLSC

For the 2017/18 season, the Academy has been designed to achieve several primary objectives, including:

  • Recognise the past performances of athletes and provide them with ongoing assistance and support
  • Encourage and motivate existing and aspiring athletes to aim for constant improvement
  • To enhance the performances of SLSSA athletes at National competitions
  • Increase the number of SA athletes winning medals at Australian Surf Life Saving Championships
  •  Increase the profile of Surf Sports athletes for personal, club and state benefit
  • To complement the coaching athletes receive at club level
  • To provide specialist training, education or services that may not be delivered at club level
  • To provide athletes with access to current sporting education, technology and facilities

    The Academy will provide support to enhance not only the athlete’s daily training environment but also include components such as:
  • Information and education on sports psychology, nutrition and hydration
  • All aspects of training and competition recovery
  • Access to support services to ensure athletes maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle
  • Planning training, post training, post racing, warm-ups etc.
  • Testing and measuring performance

Acceptance has been based on the criteria set out in the EOI circular (C17028). Representatives from SLSSA and Flinders University formed part of the selection committee.
The Selection Panel has also made a commitment to re-assess applications in September and November.

Below is a squad list for the 2017/18 season:

Under 17 Female
Natasha Bedford (Aldinga Bay)
Gabrielle Carr (Glenelg)
Teah Charlton (South Port)
Grace D’Aloia (Grange)
Dimity Payne (Port Elliot)
Kayla Roe (Grange)

Under 17 Male
Kian Bird (Grange)
Cooper Bristow (Christies Beach)
Harry Dawkins (West Beach)
Tomas Parker (Port Noarlunga)
Callum Scrivens (Grange)
Connor Tumbridge (Semaphore)

Under 15 Female
Liana Channon (Grange)
Charlotte Dolan (Grange)
Lucy Derbyshire (Glenelg)
Olivia Hastings (Brighton)
Ruby Liptak (Glenelg)
Eloise Merchant (Glenelg)
Sienna Rouvray (Glenelg)

Under 15 Male
Nicholas Brookes (Glenelg)
Nathaniel Drummond (Seacliff)
Jed Ffrench (Glenelg)
Issac Keighran (Somerton)
Nicholas Skanes (Port Elliot)
Will Spencer (Brighton)
Sam Ralph (Grange)

Under 14 Female
Ella Andrews (Semaphore)
Demi Bates (Grange)
Isobel Borlase (West Beach)
Sophie Casey (Somerton)
Teagan Richards (Semaphore)
Jasmine Vogelesang (Somerton)

Under 14 Male
Adam D’Aloia (Grange)
Will Larven (Semaphore)
Harvey Luscombe (Glenelg)
Joseph McKininon (Brighton)
Lucas Piscioneri (Grange)
Zane Stevenson (West Beach)