It has been an action-packed few weeks here at Waitākere College as we held our Year 9 Sports Academy trials. The energy on the courts and fields has been electric, and it was fantastic to see so many of our newest students eager to take their sporting journey to the next level.

We were thrilled to have close to 100 students participate in the trials over the last fortnight. Students showcased their skills and determination across our four core academy sports: Netball, Basketball, Rugby, and Football. The level of talent on display was truly impressive, making the selection process a difficult task for our staff!

What Makes Our Academies Special? Our Sports Academies are designed to help students achieve their goals through a specialised, timetabled curriculum. These classes run five out of every six days, focusing on technical ability, game understanding, and strength and conditioning, alongside the core Health curriculum.

As a reminder to both students and parents:

• All students selected for academy classes must play that specific sport for a Waitākere College school team during the season.
• Ongoing Opportunities: We know that talent continues to grow! Students can still be added to academy classes throughout the year, following team trials or based on their performance and commitment during the winter season.

 A trial period of this scale wouldn't be possible without the dedication of our staff. A massive thank you goes out to our coaches and staff, including Mr Stevens, Mr Mulrooney, Mr McGrath, Miss Fearnley, Mr Hough, Mr Brain, Mr Te'o, and Mr Koonstra - Your expertise and encouragement made these trials a positive experience for everyone involved.

Congratulations to all the students who stepped up and gave it their best. We look forward to seeing our Academy athletes develop their skills and represent Waitākere College with pride this year!