Surf lifesavers from the North Coast of NSW have been recognised at the annual ClubsNSW North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS) awards.

The event held at Coffs Harbour Ex Services Club celebrated the success of 11 Academy Sports Programs including surf lifesaving. The programs recognise young athletes from Camden Haven to Tweed Heads.



A total of 30 of the North Coast’s finest surf sport athletes participated in the program from July 2016 to January 2017 led by Head Coach Peter Kirkwood from Maroubra SLSC.



Each new squad undertakes an athlete induction, fitness testing on board, ski and swim, skills assessment using video analysis on board and ski, and a general discussion of season preparation and training requirements.



Three surf lifesavers achieved awards, Cudgen Headland duo Paige Leishman and Joshua Jones were presented with the Encouragement and Most Outstanding award respectively while Jyii Mann (Coffs Harbour SLSC) won Most Improved.



The NCAS with the support of Surf Life Saving NSW and the North Coast Branches facilitates the identification and development of talent junior surf lifesavers in the region. The program’s primary focus is on developing each athlete’s skills and fitness in preparation for future surf sport carnivals including NSW and Australian Championships.



Surf Life Saving NSW Sport Manager Rob Pidgeon says the North Coast Academy of Sport is an outstanding program for young surf sport athletes.



“The surf lifesaving program gives athletes the best possible coaching in NSW and since the North Coast Academy of Sport was established we have seen an exceptional amount of talent produced,” Rob Pidgeon said.



“We encourage all surf lifesavers wanting to further their surf sport skills to apply for the NCAS or one of Surf Life Saving NSW’s development programs.”