Great Southern Academy of Sport benefits from $570,000 in funding under new executive officer Danielle Carne

The Great Southern Academy of Sport is about to embark on an exciting phase under the guidance of its newly appointed executive officer Danielle Carne backed by more than $500,000 to further the growth of young athletes within the region. Billed as a premier sports institute committed to unearthing and fostering junior athletes, the academy has received a $570,000 pledge from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries to create more pathways for regional talents. The funding will be drip-fed to the GSAS in annual instalments for three years — $180,000 in year one, $190,000 in year two and $200,000 in the last. Carne said the funding will boost the services already provided to the academy’s 28 athletes and create targeted programs tailored to individuals. “We’re just going to look at increasing what we’re already offering to the athletes so a little bit more sports psych, a little bit more nutrition, maybe boosting sessions and looking at different training facilities that we can put them through,” she said. “Then we will look at more specialised sports programs as well, so potentially making a six-week program specialised in basketball or specialised in athletics to give athletes a little bit more. “I’m really looking forward to the next few years and really building the profile of the academy and having a holistic approach.” Previously a strength and condition coach in Denmark, Carne said she would draw on her previous experiences to unearth talent across the region. “I guess it just helps me to identify kids’ strengths and weaknesses physically,” she said. “I’m going to try to get to as many carnivals and games and tournaments and that as I can for our athletes. “When I’m going down to watch them play, I’ll be able to help identify what they need to work with and just also knowing what the physical toll is of being an athlete and how that can feel.” The GSAS has recently taken in new applications and will add around 10 more young athletes to their ranks within the next week. Carne fills the void left by Rob Perisic who has moved into a new role as senior project manager for the Regional Athlete Support Program which funds academies and talent development centres across the State providing education and travel assistance to regional athletes.