The Barwon Sports Academy (BSA) is dedicated to supporting the holistic development of emerging regional athletes. Operating in the Barwon region (Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Queenscliffe, and Colac Otway), we provide elite coaching, strength and conditioning, and educational support to help athletes reach their full potential on and off the field.

The Academy provides tailored development pathways through three primary pillars:

1. Partner Sports Program
The BSA partners with 7 core sports to deliver sport-specific practical training, high-performance coaching, and comprehensive support networks.

Partner sports currently include:

1. Baseball
2. Beach Volleyball
3. Golf
4. Netball
5. Sailing
6. Swimming
7. Tennis

Note: Program content complements existing club activities and includes sport-specific education in areas like nutrition, mental fitness, and media awareness.

2. Paralympics Australia Partnership
Through a strategic partnership with Paralympics Australia and the Victorian Regional Academies of Sport (VRAS), the BSA identifies and supports talented para-athletes across Regional Victoria.

• Eligibility: Athletes must have an eligible impairment for para-sport (provisional or national level classification) and meet minimum performance outcomes or display appropriate talent potential.
• Support: Athletes receive dedicated strength and conditioning, classification support, and athlete wellbeing guidance.
• Paralympics Program Information

3. Individual Membership (State Level) Program
Designed for individual athletes whose sport falls outside our 7 partner sports, this program supports competitors who reach State-level or higher in their chosen disciplines.

• Tier 1 (State Qualified): For athletes actively competing and maintaining State-level standing.
• Tier 2: Designed for athletes meeting specific development targets, allowing up to 5 years of Academy membership.
• Individual Membership Information

We support athletes to go further through structured development, education and pathway opportunities.

Athletes enter Barwon Sports Academy through selection, nomination and talent identification across partner sports and community networks.

To be considered for any of the BSA programs, applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:

• Reside within the Barwon Region.
• Be actively involved in regular competition and training.
• Demonstrate the potential and dedication required to reach higher echelons of their sport (e.g., National/International level).
• Commit to all BSA training schedules, educational seminars, and squad requirements.
• Meet the selection criteria qualifcations as found under each sport HERE.

Applications for the BSA intake generally close in late November each year, with programs running from February to December. The application form can be found under each sport or HERE. Please ensure if you have checked the selection criteria before applying and complete the additional achievements form if your sports requires you to.

Talented athletes in regional communities often face barriers to elite pathways, support services and development opportunities.

We aim to support the next generation of regional athletes to succeed—on the field, in our communities, and beyond.

• Become the trusted and preferred partner for stakeholders seeking to invest in the future of regional sport
• Establish a permanent, purpose-built facility that anchors our identity and expands our reach
• Prioritise the holistic wellbeing of our people—athletes, coaches, staff, and volunteers
• Work closely with the Victorian Institute of Sport to align pathways and maximise outcomes
• Be a proud contributor to the Victorian and national network of regional academies, advancing aspirations across the state and country
• Embrace leading-edge sports science and technology