Great Southern Academy of Sport benefits from $570,000

Great Southern Academy of Sport benefits from $570,000 in funding under new executive officer Danielle Carne

The Great Southern Academy of Sport is about to embark on an exciting phase under the guidance of its newly appointed executive officer Danielle Carne, backed by more than $500,000 to further the growth of young athletes within the region.

Billed as a premier sports institute committed to unearthing and fostering junior athletes, the academy has received a $570,000 pledge from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries to create more pathways for regional talents.

The funding will be drip-fed to the GSAS in annual instalments for three years — $180,000 in year one, $190,000 in year two and $200,000 in the last.

Carne said the funding will boost the services already provided to the academy’s 28 athletes and create targeted programs tailored to individuals.

“We’re going to start by increasing what we’re already offering to the athletes. Programs such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology and rehabilitation. Moving forward, GSAS will also take a look at starting specialised sports programs for our more popular sports." 

Previously a strength and condition coach in Denmark, Carne said she would draw on her previous experiences to unearth talent across the region.

The GSAS has recently taken in new applications and will add around 10 more young athletes to their ranks.

Carne fills the void left by Rob Perisic who has moved into a new role as senior project manager for the Regional Athlete Support Program which funds academies and talent development centres across the State providing education and travel assistance to regional athletes.