Courtney Knight’s role at the QBE Sydney Swans Academy happened by chance.  Successful in coaching first grade and representative footy, Knight was a natural leader at the senior level. But after 10 years as head coach of the Hunter hub he’s become passionate for coaching developing juniors.  

“I certainly wasn’t searching for it, but I loved coaching,” he told Sydney Swans Media.   

“I’ve been involved in footy for 30 years, and it’s been one of the most enjoyable parts.” 

In his years as a teenager Knight played state footy alongside the likes of Jarred McVeigh and Ben McGlynn and eventually played for the Sydney Swans reserves side. While a full-time playing career felt out of reach for Knight, he found a passion for administration and leadership.  

The head coach is primarily involved with the top-end program – an elite pathway for future stars – but oversees the entire hub in Newcastle. While high performance is a focal point in the Academy, sport has proven to be a positive influence in other areas of life.  

“I see [coaching] as a mentoring role and a guidance role for a lot of these developing girls and boys,” Knight said of the Academy, adding, “I’m in it for the individual kids up in the Hunter.” 

He elaborated, “We’ve had boys and girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, or even from advantaged backgrounds that have been in a little lost in life. They’re able to use football and their experience to get through school or stay with family members or push forward into professional endeavours.” 

There are 700 girls and boys who participate in the QBE Sydney Swans Academy across the state, providing a development program for athletes aged 11 to 19. Such progress for the sport in NSW would not have been possible without financial investment. In addition to the generous support of principal partner QBE, the Sydney Swans Foundation plays a vital role in investing in the Academy’s growth and development.   

In his early years with the Academy, Knight crossed paths with alum Isaac Heeney who hails from the Cardiff Hawks. There are currently 10 male Academy graduates on AFL lists and eight female Academy graduates on AFLW lists – Heeney now a star of the game.  

“Every component of him was elite and completely professional. It’s a credit to him and the Academy."

Heeney was recruited to the senior side with pick 18 of the 2014 AFL Draft. He made his immediate debut in Round 1 of the 2015 season and appeared in two finals matches – proof of his early talent.  

“The Academy’s involvement in football in a regional hub is far more tangible than in the city. If you’ve got 80 kids involved, that’s a large percentage of each club. 

“The flow-on effect of is far reaching. These athletes have been passing on the standards of football and conduct – respect, attitude, and the ability to be modest. Football has come a long way up here in the Hunter and I attribute a lot of that to the Academy.” 

It’s through the generous support of donations and bequests that the Sydney Swans Foundation can support the Academy and the development of young athletes in New South Wales.  

Should you like to show your support for the Academy via the Sydney Swans Foundation, we encourage you to donate today. 

We are building futures one goal at a time.