Athletes from a diverse range of sports have been included in the 2022 SBS Bank Academy Southland foundation year intake.

Eleven sporting codes are represented across the 12-strong intake, which includes several athletes who have already achieved on the national stage.

The two-year SBS Bank Academy Southland programme supports athletes to reach their full potential with training in mental skills, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and athlete life.

Athletes are selected from nominations of mainly Year 12 and 13 students with the potential to represent Southland and New Zealand on the national and international stage.

“We are really excited about the range of sports we will have in the programme this year,” SBS Bank Academy Southland coordinator Carly Anderson said.

“This means athletes get a great chance to learn from others who are all striving to be their best in their chosen sport.”

This year’s intake includes disc golf for the first time, with national age group title winner Levi Stout.

Other national title holders include Marshall Erwood (cycling), Kennedy Taylor (athletics) and Brooke Anderson (para-swimming).

Hannah Symon is a junior White Sox softball representative, while cricketer Nick Brown has represented Otago at under 17 level.

Gore bowler Sheldon Bagrie-Howley has previously worked with the Academy’s mental skills coach Jason McKenzie and was part of the final trial for the New Zealand Commonwealth Games team last weekend.

The programme includes foundation and leadership years, with the foundation year intake launched online tonight (eds: March 14).

SBS Bank Academy Southland foundation year intake:

  • Marshall Erwood – Cycling
  • Hannah Symon – Softball
  • Alex Hopcroft – Netball
  • Levi Stout – Disc Golf
  • Kennedy Taylor – Athletics
  • Matthew Speight – Swimming
  • Brooke Anderson – Para Swimming
  • Nick Brown – Cricket
  • William Robertson – Athletics
  • Abbie Middlemiss – Touch
  • Halle Faherty – Tennis
  • Sheldon Bagrie-Howley – Bowls
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