Aspiring young athletes from South-West Sydney have been taking part in trials to join Eagle Vale High School’s new selective sports stream, as the Minns Labor Government delivers on its commitment to deliver a sports high school in the Macarthur region.
Athletic trials have been underway for students looking to enter Eagle Vale High School’s Talented Sports Programs (TSP), delivered by the NSW Department of Education. The school’s inaugural class intake will begin in 2025.
Throughout Term 3, trials for Eagle Vale High School’s Year 9 basketball program are proceeding, along with trials for the school’s first cricket program. It comes after 70 boys and girls competed earlier this year in the hopes of joining the school’s Year 7 rugby league placement, and more than 20 boys and girls took part in trials for the first Year 7 intake to the basketball program.
Successful basketball students will train under the guidance of former Sydney Flames team member, international player and NSW public school’s TSP alumni, Adrianne Gilbert.
The selective sports stream will support the growing Macarthur region, where the population of 300,000 has increased by more than a quarter in recent years. Previously, students living in the region wanting to attend a TSP had to travel an hour each way.
Local and national sporting organisations have given in-principle support to partner with the school for the program. These organisations include:
- Wests Tigers (NRL)
- Macarthur Rams, Camden Tigers and Macarthur District Football Associations (soccer)
- Campbelltown, Wollondilly and Roar Basketball Associations
- Campbelltown/Camden District Cricket Club and Camden District Cricket Association
- Macarthur Quake FUTSAL Club
Formal partnership agreements are being developed by the Department of Education as required.
As part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $3.6 billion commitment to building new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney, planning work for upgrades to the school’s facilities continues.
As part of these upgrades, the school will receive a new multi-purpose hall, and new and upgraded sports facilities to support the delivery of sports programs at the school.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to building better communities and caring for the people of NSW. Families need high-quality public schools at the centre of their communities, however, 12 years of neglect and underinvestment by the Liberals and Nationals has left many communities without the school infrastructure they need.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s long-term-plan to rebuild public education in NSW, delivering better essential services in the areas where people need them, supporting people where they live and work.
Minister for Education and Early Learning and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to expanding the Talented Sports Program in South-West Sydney so athletically talented students can pursue their sporting goals and foster their academic future.
“This area of Sydney has seen its population boom, and it is vital we provide opportunities where students can learn and train in their local area.
“With the Olympic Games just around the corner, it is exciting to see the next generation of sporting talent given an opportunity in NSW public schools.”
Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:
“I am thrilled to see sporting trials begin here at Eagle Vale High School ahead of the beginning of the school’s first selective sports intake next year.
“Delivering a selective sports stream for the Macarthur community will enhance opportunities for the talented young athletes in our community, who will now be able to nurture their future sporting careers without having to spend hours travelling each day.
“I cannot wait to see the dividends this investment delivers for our strong local sporting community.”
Eagle Vale High School Principal, Craig Butler said:
“These trials mark the beginning of a very exciting time for Eagle Vale High School and the Macarthur community, with so much sporting potential already on display.
“We look forward to welcoming our future TSP students next year and supporting them through their sporting and academic journey.”
Prue Car
Deputy Premier of New South Wales
Minister for Education and Early Learning
Minister for Western Sydney
