How do I join the QBE Sydney Swans Academy?
To be eligible for selection in the QBE Sydney Swans Academy program players must reside in a New South Wales Local Government Area aligned with the Sydney Swans.
Click here to find the list of Local Government Areas aligned with the Swans.
Entry into the Academy is usually via our Open Assessment Trials, which are held once every year.
The Academy conducts Open Assessment Trials for Youth Boys who are in the Under 10, Under 11 and Under 12 age groups, that is, boys who turn 10, 11 or 12 in the year the trial is held.
If successful, boys will enter the Academy the following year when they will be turning 11, 12 or 13 years of age.
Youth Girls Open Assessment Trials are held for Under 11, Under 12, Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 girls, that is, girls turning 11, 12, 13, 14 in the year the trial is held.
If successful, girls will enter the Academy the following year when they will be turning 12, 13 14, 15 or 16.
Boys and girls who have not yet reached the minimum age – turning 10 for boys and turning 11 for girls – are not eligible to trial.
The Youth Boys Trials, held every year since 2011 for players aged 9 to 12, are the main selection pathway for young footballers to join the Swans Academy. Trials for female players have been held for the past four years.
Every boy and girl will receive an individual assessment report via email following the trial. The report will also inform them if they've been invited to take part in the second stage of testing.
Players selected at the Trials will enter the Academy in 2023.
The trials involve testing in a range of skill and fitness activities.
Every boy and girl who tries out for the Academy will be given feedback after the trial, whether they're successful or not.
What are the Sydney Swans NSW Academy catchment zones?
Click here to find the list of Local Government Areas aligned with the Swans.
We live outside the Sydney Swans NSW Academy catchment zone. Can I still trial?
You can't be accepted into our formal program as AFL rules prohibit us including players outside our designated Academy zone.
We live outside the Sydney Swans zone but are moving next year and will then reside in the Sydney Swans zone. Can I trial now?
We are happy for you to register and attend our trials. However, you can't be accepted into our formal program until you actually reside in the Sydney Swans zone, as the AFL rules prohibit us including players outside our designated Academy area.
I have little or no experience playing junior AFL. Can I still trial?
Yes, you can. We don't require any AFL experience. We are looking for talented athletes who have a strong interest in the sport and display attributes we consider important: discipline, focus and strong competitive spirit.
If I'm selected for the Academy, what is the annual cost?
The annual cost varies on each specific program and age group. More details TBC.
If I'm selected for the Academy, should I remain playing with the same local junior club even if it's in a low grade or division?
Yes.
This is our official Club Policy:
We strongly advise and encourage all players selected for the Academy to remain with the same junior club they currently play with.
We strongly advise and encourage all players to remain with that club regardless of their team’s win/loss record, level of coaching, or level of competition/division the team is in.
Regular Academy Cup sessions provide every Academy player with the necessary high-level competition against talented peers.
At club level, we encourage Academy members to be leaders and role models for their team. We strongly believe this benefit outweighs any advantage that may be perceived from playing in a higher division.
I'm training with the Academy, my local club and my school. How should I manage all these training sessions every week?
At the Academy we work hard to ensure that young players manage their health and are not physically overloaded.
Too many training sessions at a young age can lead to injury, and physical and mental burnout.
Each year we ask players and parents to assess their physical load and consult with us if they have concerns.
We do not believe young players should be training every day. Our coaches can help you discuss these issues with club and school coaches to ensure your training load is well planned and managed.
For example, some of our players don't do a full club or school training session, but instead help out coaches with drills and skills.
We strongly advise that players manage their physical training load so that they're in peak condition for playing Academy, club and school competitive games.
Please speak to your local coach if you have any questions about this issue.
I am unable to make an upcoming training session due to injury/health/other commitments. What should I do?
We fully understand that our players are involved in numerous activities and that there will be clashes.
If you are going to miss a training session, please alert the Academy to assist us with planning and management. This can be done via email to academy@sydneyswans.com.au
Wet weather - How do I know if training will be cancelled?
Unfortunately, football grounds in Sydney and regional NSW can be closed by local councils if it has been raining, or if rain is forecast. These closures are completely out of our control.
You will be contacted via SMS to notify you of any changes to specific training sessions. We will aim to give you the earliest possible advice on the day.
Alternatively, you can also ring (02) 9157 5020 and follow the prompts to reach the Academy's wet weather line.
