

Applications Open July 2
Our Sports Academy aims to enhance our students’ athletic ability and nurture their passion through engaging theory and practical-based learning objectives. Students at Kildare Campus have an enriched physical education curriculum utilising existing student experience to deepen whole person growth across a broad range of sports industry topics. At the senior level, students work with the Sports Academy Leader to produce a fully individualised learning plan that brings together the network required to support student athlete development and training schedules. The academy provides non-traditional approaches to education provision beyond the classic school year, including flexible academic planning, to enable students to achieve their best in dual pathways without compromise to either. The academy focuses directly on whole person growth to create outstanding people through their passion for sport. All that matters in sport, matters in life, and through this program we aim to optimally prepare our student athletes for life.
Opportunities through partnerships and collaboration include:
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Engagement with high level coaches, qualified staff, and industry professionals
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Individually tailored programs designed to produce optimum performance for each student
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Coaching camps
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Expanding the College and student athletes’ career network
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Tertiary pathway partnerships
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Tours and additional sporting opportunities
Sports Academy Selection Process:
Applicants must provide:
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Application pro-forma
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A one minute video
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A confidential reference from a coach
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A letter of recommendation from a parent/guardian confirming support for this dual career pathway
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Shortlisted students will be interviewed
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Students will then be invited to join the academy
Sports Academy Selection Criteria:
Sports
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A highly developed sporting ability in at least one field/or the potential to perform at an elevated level
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Comprehensive student athlete curriculum vitae with at least three references
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Proven performance and desire to enhance both personal and team performance at representative level
Academic
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A positive attitude and commitment to academic study
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Consistently achieving quality results in all subject areas
Personal Development
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Proven performance in behaviour, attitude and work ethic to sports and academics
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A positive attitude and commitment to whole person growth and development
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A high level of commitment and motivation in pursuit of personal success
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Consistently demonstrates and lives the College values
Sports Academy Student Journey
Year 7
4 periods/cycle, blocked class, students withdrawn from standard curriculum HPE class.
Focus: Goal setting and Healthy Habits, Nutrition for Life
Year 10
Semester elective, 4 periods/cycle. Accelerated VET Sport and Recreation.
Focus: Sports Performance Analysis, Athlete Anatomy and Physiology, Coaching and Leadership.
Year 8
4 periods/cycle, blocked class, students withdrawn from standard curriculum HPE class.
Focus: Sports Ethics and Respectful Relationships, Strong Mind Strong Athlete, Finance for Athletes.
Year 11-12
VET Certificate or New Metrics Competency Portfolio.
Focus: Completion of Certificate, Competency in Agency in Learning.
Year 9
6 periods/cycle, linked to project-based learning day.
Focus: Athletic Safety, Statistics of Sport, Physics of Sport
Sports Academy Partners
Our Sports Academy is strengthened and enriched by the incredible support of our external partners. These partnerships – across our local community, regional, state-wide and international networks – play a vital role in helping us deliver inspiring, real-world learning opportunities for our students.
Whether it's through mentorship, performance, coaching, workshops, or access to professional experiences, our partners bring expertise, passion and perspective that elevate every aspect of our academy.
We are deeply grateful for their contribution and commitment to nurturing the next generation of sporting talent.
If you or your organisation are interested in collaborating with us and supporting the growth of young people through Sport, we'd love to hear from you. Please email our Director of Programs Thomas Dicker to explore how you could be involved.
Sports Academy Leader


“I want those who I coach to love the game as much as I do.”
Carri Carter.
Carri Carter
Carri Carter brings passion, experience and heart to her role as Leader of the Sports Academy at SJC. With a career in teaching and coaching that spans more than two decades – and over 30 years as a netball player herself – Carri is a much-loved and respected figure in our school and local sporting community.
Holding qualifications as a Primary Generalist and a Secondary Health and Physical Education teacher, along with a Certificate IV in Sport and Recreation, and Sport Development, Carri is deeply committed to helping young people grow through sport – on and off the field.
Since 2010, she has coached across A, B and junior levels, and currently supports emerging talent through specialist coaching with the Bendigo Strikers. Her leadership of the Sports Academy is grounded in a belief that great coaching not only builds skill but fosters a lifelong love of the game.
“I want those who I coach to love the game as much as I do.”Carri Carter.
Sports Academy Coaches

JUSTIN
CANTWELL

BROCK
KENNEDY

ADAM
BRADY

REGIS
CHAKABVA
