Barwon Sports Academy

⭐The Value of Great Coaching⭐

One of the strongest themes to emerge from this year's Bis-Sport Breakfast was the important role coaches play in shaping athletes, teams and communities.
The value of great coaching is undeniable in both sport and life.

For the Barwon Sports Academy, engaging, developing and supporting coaches is a critical part of strengthening the sporting landscape across our region.

This year's Bis-Sport Breakfast marked the beginning of a broader conversation about coach development and the important role high-performance coaching plays within regional communities.

Watch this space as we explore future coach development initiatives and opportunities through the Barwon Sports Academy.

Because great athletes don't develop in isolation. They develop with the support of great coaches 💙

The Barwon Sports Academy membership are all regional athletes. We travel to train and to compete. Please take a moment to consider these important messages from the Transport Accident Commission.

The Barwon Sports Academy would like to thank Core Health and StJosephs College (gym) for their help with our Athlete Baseline testing this week. Coordinated by the BSA’s Adrian Pilgrim our athletes completed their second series of tests. Thanks to Jaice, Tom and our wonderful Deakin ESS placements students

⭐From Geelong to Brisbane 2032?⭐

One of the highlights of this year's Bis-Sport Breakfast was hearing from BSA alumni and current Australian Under 23 representative Darcy Giddings.

Darcy generously shared his sporting journey and reflected on how Bis-Sport support helped him pursue opportunities at the next level.

While Brisbane 2032 may still be several years away, athletes like Darcy demonstrate exactly why programs such as Bis-Sport are so important.

By reducing financial barriers and supporting emerging athletes, we are helping create pathways for the next generation of Australian representatives, Commonwealth Games athletes and Olympians.

Darcy is certainly one to watch in the years ahead 💙

Barwon Sports Academy 1st year athletes & families recently enjoyed an insightful presentation from Dietician Jackson Barnard. Thanks to StJosephs College for again hosting us & to BSA Pathways & Programs lead Adrian Pilgrim for coordinating. All follow up materials will be sent to families.

⭐Beyond Sport⭐

The Barwon Sports Academy was grateful to welcome Geelong United's Megan Moody as part of our 2026 Bis-Sport Breakfast panel, alongside Lee Troop, Simone McKinnis OAM and MC Tom King.

Megan shared valuable insights into the role great coaches play in developing athletes, creating opportunities and building confidence both on and off the sporting field.

One of the key messages from the morning was that coaching is about far more than performance. Great coaches help shape people, build resilience and create environments where athletes can thrive.

The Bis-Sport Breakfast raises funds to support local athletes as they pursue state, national and international opportunities.

Basketball athletes across our region may be eligible for Bis-Sport assistance when selected in Victorian representative teams, including Under 16 and Under 18 programs 💙

⭐Thank you, Geelong and the Barwon region⭐

More than 250 people joined us at our 14th Annual Bis-Sport Breakfast, demonstrating the incredible support that exists for local athletes across our region.

Following the distribution of $12,710 in athlete grants during the 2025-26 year, the funds raised at this year's breakfast will help ensure talented athletes can continue pursuing opportunities at state, national and international level.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, donated, purchased raffle tickets, bid in the auction and supported the event.

Together, we are helping local athletes turn opportunity into achievement 💙

⭐Only 2 days to go⭐

In just two days we'll come together at the 2026 Bis-Sport Breakfast to support local athletes and explore this year's theme:

The Value of High Performance Coaches in Regional Areas

We'll hear from:
🏃 Lee Troop
💚 Simone McKinnis OAM
🏀 Megan Moody

while raising vital funds to help athletes across the Barwon region access opportunities at state, national and international level.

Since 2011, Bis-Sport has:
🏅 Supported 714 athletes
💰 Granted $176,595
✈️ Helped 173 athletes compete overseas

Thank you to everyone who has booked a ticket, sponsored the event or shared our story.

We can't wait to see you on Wednesday.

💙 Together, we're helping local athletes turn opportunity into achievement.

Please pass onto every school, club or champions of inclusion in sport.

COME & TRY PARA ATHLETICS!

Ready to give Para athletics a go? Join the VIS Para Sport Unit for a fun, inclusive morning and try running, frame running, wheelchair racing, long jump, standing throws and seated throws!

📍 Landy Field Athletics Track, Barwon Terrace, Geelong
📅 12 September
⏰ 9:00am-12:00pm
👟 Ages 13-25

Come along, have a go and discover what’s possible! ✨

🔗 Click here to register: bit.ly/4x8yUde

⭐Recovery isn't about doing more⭐

It's about doing the right things at the right time.

That's why we're are proud to be partnered with P3 Recovery to help our athletes and community recover smarter, adapt better, and perform at their best.

Recovery plays a critical role in training outcomes, and the right recovery strategy can support performance without compromising adaptation. This weekly Athlete Recovery Protocol from the team at P3 Recovery highlights how tools like compression, infrared sauna, contrast therapy, and cold water immersion can be used effectively and intentionally.

If you'd like to learn more about how P3 Recovery can support your training, performance, and wellbeing, get in touch with the team.