Sports Academy Program

Notre Dame Sports Academy was established to help talented student athletes achieve peak performance in their many sports while also assisting them with their personal education and career development.

Our academy is a completely unique experience and opportunity for the students in our region. Notre Dame has been the home of many talented junior athletes over the years, and we look forward to continuing to assist these athletes in achieving their sporting dreams.

In 2025 the Notre Dame Sports Academy will be available for students in year 8, 9,10 and 11. Selected students will have access to weekly strength and conditioning sessions, fortnightly skill sessions in their chosen sport, sports dietician information plus much more. Students will also complete athlete centered theory topics during theoretical lessons.

For further information regarding the Sports Academy Program please contact the Sports Academy Coordinator, Nathan Reid: nathan.reid@notredame.vic.edu.au

2026 Sports Academy Program

We are excited to invite expressions of interest from current and future students and their families wanting to learn more about our 2026 Sports Academy Program (Applications for the 2026 program will open shortly after).

Teachers

Netball

The aim of the Notre Dame College Netball Program is to develop a training environment to assist young Junior Netball players in regional Victoria (in particular the Goulburn Valley) to advance their skills, while providing a challenging environment that encourages them to reach their full potential, as well as providing an avenue towards selection in Association (SNA Rep), Regional (State Titles), Talent Academy, State and National pathway programs.

Sessions focus on further developing athletes technical and tactical skills.

We are endeavouring to provide the netballers an opportunity to participate in the Netball Victoria Schools Championships held across various regions annually.

Football

The Notre Dame AFL/W Sports Academy is dedicated to helping talented footballers achieve peak performance, enhance their skills, develop leadership qualities, and deepen their understanding of the game, all while supporting each student in their personal education and career development.

Our academy offers a unique experience and opportunity for students in our region. We strive to see a significant number of Notre Dame AFL/W academy participants representing teams such as the Murray Bushrangers, VLine Cup, and other representative programs. Additionally, we cater to high-level local footballers who may not be selected for these programs.

The program is designed to prepare players for the ultimate goal of competing at the highest levels of AFL/W. We achieve this by providing players with opportunities to develop fundamental skills, enhance their game sense, and understand the hard work required for success at the elite level. Recognising the small percentage of players drafted into AFL/W, we also aim to help players reach their full potential, whether that be in the AFL/W, VFL/W, or as strong local community footballers.

Tennis

The Notre Dame Tennis Sports Academy Program is designed for student-athletes who are passionate about tennis and want to improve both on and off the court. Our program provides a supportive environment where players can develop their skills, build confidence, and work towards their personal goals in the sport.

Our program focuses on helping players grow in all areas of the game, with structured training sessions that include:

● Technical Skills – Improving strokes, footwork, and shot selection.

● Tactical Awareness – Learning game strategies and how to adapt to different opponents.

● Physical Conditioning – Building strength, endurance, and agility to enhance performance.

● Mental Approach – Developing confidence, focus, and resilience to handle competitive situations.

Through regular practice, match play, and guidance from experienced coaches, players gain a better understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement.

Soccer

The Notre Dame Soccer Sports Academy provides a high-level soccer training experience, giving players unique insights into a professional environment. Our program follows the GV Suns curriculum, aligning with National Premier League (NPL) Standards to ensure top-tier coaching and player development.

Our training philosophy is based on the 4 Corner Model, focusing on four key areas of player growth:

1. Technical – Enhancing core skills like dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control.

2. Tactical – Improving game awareness, positioning, and strategic decision-making.

3. Physical – Building endurance, agility, strength, and speed.

4. Social/Psychological – Developing confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership.

By fostering a growth mindset, we believe this approach is the most effective method for player development and long-term success in the game.

Our soccer students also travel to Melbourne and participate in a training session at Melbourne Victory's facilities, conducted by their coaches as part of an exciting partnership. During their visit, students will have the opportunity to observe Melbourne Victory's training sessions (where available) and attend presentations by Melbourne Victory staff and players.

Cricket

The aim of the Notre Dame College Cricket Program is to develop a training environment to assist young junior cricket players in regional Victoria (in particular the Goulburn Valley) to advance their established skills, while providing a challenging environment that encourages them to reach their full potential. We also aim to provide an avenue towards selection in Association, Regional (Northern Rivers), State and National pathway programs.

Sessions willl focus on a 4 pillar approach (Mental, Physical, Tactical, Technical). The sessions will encompass these pillars and aim to develop the whole cricketer to be the best they can be.

We currently have a partnership with Century Cricket Group to provide our cricketers with first class coaching resources, facilities and play games against other representative teams when numbers are sufficient.

Basketball

The Notre Dame Basketball Academy offers an experience like no other in Shepparton, where students receive top-tier instruction from experienced coaches and former players. We provide opportunities for athletes to develop their skills, improve decision-making, challenge themselves, set goals, and build positive habits that will help them reach their highest potential.

Our athletes also gain a unique insight into professional basketball by traveling to Melbourne to watch NBL powerhouse Melbourne United train twice per year. During this visit they also take to the court for a session run by Melbourne United coaching staff.

Additionally, they have the chance to participate in the Victorian Schools Secondary School Challenge Tournament. Throughout their journey at the Sports Academy, athletes will develop valuable life skills that extend beyond basketball, positively impacting their lives.

Strength and Conditioning

Notre Dame Sports Academy LTAD Model Overview

Our Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Model provides a structured and progressive approach to athletic growth, ensuring students develop their skills, physical abilities, and physical literacy knowledge over time.

Year 7-10: General Preparation Program

• Focus on building strong athletic foundations through technical skills, physical conditioning, and tactical awareness.

• Each year builds upon the previous, fostering consistent improvement in all aspects of sport.

• Strength & Conditioning:

• Years 7-9: 1 strength and conditioning session per week.

• Year 10: 2 strength and conditioning sessions per week.

Year 11-12: Specialised Programs

• General Preparation Program – Ongoing development of strength, endurance, and sports-specific skills

• Field Program – Designed for field-based sports athletes (AFL, Soccer, Hockey etc)

• Court Program – Tailored for court-sport athletes (Netball, Basketball, Tennis)

• Strength & Conditioning:

• 2 sessions per week, scheduled mostly during school hours, with occasional commitments outside school hours.

This model ensures that student-athletes receive a balanced and progressive training approach, preparing them for higher levels of performance while supporting their long-term athletic and personal development.

Sports Academy Partnerships

Forms