Frequently Asked Questions

  • When applications are open, visit www.gsaswa.org.au/apply .

    You will be asked to complete a short online form which will be submitted to the academy.

  • Please read the eligibility information on our website. Basically, you will need to be 13-19 years of age, reside in the Great Southern and have your application endorsed by your State Sporting Association (SSA) as being an athlete currently, or very likely to be, in their performance pathway.

    If you are in any doubt, apply anyway.

  • Athletes who have submitted an application will be informed of the academy decision within 2 weeks of the close of applications.

    Delays may however occur due to availability of key SSA staff.

    Successful athletes may be offered a full scholarship or a part scholarship, also known as our Rising Star Program. Athletes in the Rising Star program will have access to some but not all of the services offered to full scholarship holders. You do not need to nominate a scholarship type. The academy will make that decision.

  • If you don’t meet one or more of the eligibility criteria, you will be informed via email. If you you do not receive an Academy offer, keep working hard, speak to your coach(es) about what you can do to improve and submit another application the following year.

  • The academy will inform you of our decision and offer a you a part-time of full-time scholarship. The offer will include a number of policies and an agreement which you must understand and be prepared to commit to. Should you accept, further instructions will be provided about the induction process.

  • There is no cost to join or participate at the current time.

    Athletes on full or part scholarships will be provided with a comprehensive range of support services at no financial cost.

    The only cost will be your time and dedication.

  • Athletes offered a full scholarship will receive a complete holistic training environment including:

    • Pre-program medical and biomechanical screenings

    • Functional movement assessments

    • Access to a dedicated training facility

    • Custom supervised Strength and Conditioning (S&C) programs

    • Individual and group nutritional consultations

    • Academy uniform

    • Education covering a wide range of topics

    • Mentoring

    Athletes accepted to our Rising Star program will be offered a sub-set of the above.

  • No, the academy does not cover any athlete travel or competition costs. The Regional Athlete Support Program (RASP), funded by DLGSC, provides travel assistance for regional athletes.

    Google “Regional Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme” for more information.

  • As an academy scholarship holder, we require commitment, engagement and feedback from you.

    It is important that before applying, the athlete is aware that the scholarship is a program that requires minimum attendance.

    The program is designed to provide the best possible support to enable athletes to progress to the next level of their specific sport.

    It is not just a handout or a nice accolade, you will be committing to 2-3 sessions a week of strength training, conditioning and education. 

    We often see athletes choose to drop some of their other sports and commitments in order to engage. If you have questions about the commitment levels, please call Dani 0498 759 937.

  • Progress towards sporting goals does not always mean more sport. Based on each athlete’s requirements, a custom program will be developed which may include substituting sports based training with S&C training and/or recovery protocols.

    Our priority is to fully develop each athlete’s potential to enable them to train and compete at the highest level.

  • Scholarships are awarded once each year and last for a full 12 months.

  • Generally, the academy does not provide sports-based or technical sports skill development. This is the responsibility of your Regional or State coach(es). The academy's main goal is to improve your athleticism, strength, health and mental resilience. The academy may run skills workshops/specific programs in partnership with a State Sporting Association, but not on a regular basis.

  • You can only nominate for one sport as part of your application. Whilst we certainly encourage all junior athletes to participate in multiple sports and physical activities, entry into the academy requires your commitment and dedication to the pursuit of progress in one sport.