Individual Athlete Program

Program Overview

The Far West Academy of Sport (FWAS) Individual Athlete Program (IAP) is a scholarship program that enhances the development of talented athletes in the Far West region of NSW.

The IAP is for athletes aged between 12 to 18 years who are competing at a high level in their chosen sport or sports. Scholarships are available to athletes who reside and attend school in the Far West Region. Scholarships will be awarded based on performances by the athlete at national, state or regional level over the past three years. Athletes with a disability are encouraged to apply

Athlete eligibility

To be eligible for a FWAS Individual Athlete Scholarship, athletes must satisfy the following criteria:

1. Reside within the Far West region NSW Far West LGAs

2. Be turning 12 – 18 years of age in 2024 (i.e. born from 2012 to 2006)

3. Be involved in an individual or team sport which is recognised by the Australian Sports Commission (and not currently offered by FWAS)

4. Be registered, affiliated or have reciprocal rights with the recognised state body of their chosen sport in NSW or ACT

5. Be prepared to attend FWAS education sessions

6. Attend Education camp

Selection criteria

To gain selection into the FWAS Individual Athlete Program athletes must satisfy the eligibility criteria and then the following will be taken into consideration:

• Past performance and achievements

• Potential to improve, stated goals and planned schedule of competitions

• Willingness to learn and apply coaching ideas

• Attitude, commitment and dedication

• Tactical ability or knowledge of their chosen sport

• Physical attributes associated with optimal performance for their sport.

Conditions of program

FWAS IAP Scholarship holders are expected to:

• Be committed and prepared to work toward representing their sport at a state or national level

• Be committed to a holistic approach to athlete development

• Maintain an appropriate performance standard at regional and state competitions to continue to receive scholarship support

• Not take or use performance enhancing drugs or illegal drugs or participate in other activities that are prohibited by the Far West Academy of Sport FWAS Anti- Doping policy

• Behave and dress in a professional and dignified manner when representing your sport and the FWAS

• Comply with the training requirements of your sport as prescribed by nominated coaching staff and respond in a positive manner to any suggestions or criticism

• Be required to submit activity statements when requested outlining their activities during the scholarship period (a standard report form will be provided by FWAS for athletes to complete).

Selection process

Complete an online application

Applications will be assessed by a selection panel and information about the athlete may be discussed with:

• Parents/ Guardians

• Nominated referee, coach and school

• NSW /ACT State Sporting Organisation for the primary sport.

The Far West Region is defined as being bound by the towns of Broken Hill in the West, Trangie in the East and Lake Cargelligo in the South to Lightning in the North and covers the following Local Government Areas; Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Central Darling, Cobar, Coonamble, Lachlan (Tottenham and Lake Cargelligo), Walgett, Warren, Warrumbungle (Coonabarabran and Dunedoo) and the Un-incorporated Area)