Athlete Program
Netball
Program overview
The SESA Netball Program forms an important step in the Netball NSW Player Development Pathway and focuses on improving and developing player skills.
The SESA Netball program provides development, education and support structures for athletes to easily integrate to the next level of the elite athlete pathway and focuses on individual athlete development.
Scholarship holders will be required to undergo an induction process, attend weekend training camps, and participate in academy activities.
Scholarship benefits
Academy Netball provides each athlete:
Coaching Excellence – In a series of training sessions netballers will work with experienced coaches to develop court skills and Netball IQ.
Personal Growth – Off court sessions such as time management, performance under pressure and nutrition ensure athletes grow on and off the court.
General Athletic Development – Testing and an introduction to Strength and Conditioning will improve speed, power and reactive ability on court and will lessen the chance of injury.
High level Competitive Experience - Two Academy Challenges are planned in 2026. Netballers from SESA will play against athletes from all corners of NSW in a fun competition that is all about individual development. A selection process may take place to compete at these events.
Academy Camp – Academy athletes all come together at Netball Central in Sydney for a weekend camp where the girls have the opportunity to learn from the best of the best.
A step on the Pathway – If you dream of being selected to represent Netball NSW one day or play for the Giants, the Swifts or the Diamonds, the SESA netball program is an important step in your development.
Athlete eligibility
To be eligible for a 2026 SESA Netball Scholarship, athletes must satisfy the following criteria:
Be a financial member of Netball NSW
Reside within the South East Region of NSW
Athletes turning 15 or 16 years of age in 2026.
Selection criteria
To gain selection into the SESA Netball Program athletes must satisfy the eligibility criteria and demonstrate the following:
Be athletic and show potential in improving skills and ability
Be enthusiastic, motivated, and committed
Willingness to learn and apply coaching ideas.
Conditions of scholarship
SESA Netball Scholarship holders are expected to:
Attend all program activities
Be committed and prepared to work toward improving performance
Be committed to a holistic approach to athlete development
Not take or use performance enhancing drugs or illegal drugs or participate in other activities that are prohibited by the South East Sports Academy Code of Conduct
Behave and dress in a professional and dignified manner when representing SESA
Attend the Athlete Education Sessions and induction day
An athlete levy of $300-$350 will apply which covers the cost of program activities.
Uniform levy $160 (mandatory for new scholarship holders). Uniform items can be purchased in subsequent years but not compulsory if uniform is still in good condition.
A $200 levy will apply for High Performance camp and combined camp with FWAS.
There is a selection process and additional fee for the Your Local Club Academy Games and the Academy Challenge.
Attend induction / education camp
Application Process - 2026 program
Complete an online nomination form by 20 October 2025
Attend selection trials on Saturday 25 October 2025
2025 Block 3
Combined Academy Camp 10-13 July
Training session, Sunday 27 July, 9.30am -2.30pm
Training session, Sunday 17 August, 9.30am -2.30pm
Training session, Sunday 7 September, 9.30am -2.30pm
Academy Challenge Friday 26 - Monday 29 September - Illawarra
Draft Netball Program Dates for 2025 /2026
Block 1
Trials - 25 October at Cooma
Induction Day - TBC
SESA Camp - February 2026 - Cooma / Jindabyne
Training session - Saturday 14 February, 9.30am -2.30pm,
Training session - Saturday 28 February, 9.30am -2.30pm,
Netball NSW Academy Camp, March, Sydney Olympic Park
Training session - Saturday 28 March, 9.30am -2.30pm
Academy Games, 17-19 April, Tamworth
Block 2
No in-person SESA training.
Block 3
Combined Academy Camp - July school holidays
Training session, Sunday 26 July, 9.30am -2.30pm
Training session, Sunday 16 August, 9.30am -2.30pm
Training session, Sunday 6 September, 9.30am -2.30pm
Academy Challenge Friday 25 - Monday 28 September - Illawarra
Training sessions to be held at Canberra, Goulburn, Queanbeyan, Narooma, Broulee & Cooma
nominations close 20 October 2025
the 2026 sesa coaching team
Simone Blay, Head Coach
Candice Pendergast, Umpire Coach
Michelle Gaffey, Assistant Coach
Sharon King, Manager
