Sports Academies

Elise Dowling | Sports Academy Coordinator

Soccer Academy

Conducted twice a week from 7:00 am to 8:15 am, the Futbal First program at Sandringham College is designed to help each individual improve their technical and tactical understanding of the game.

 

Our training sessions are carefully structured to develop players' technique, skill base and enhance their tactical knowledge. Training sessions mainly focus on four core skills, small side games and individual development . We create a dynamic, challenging and fun environment where the kids can progress at their own pace.

 

Coaching Team: Nebojsa Stojkovic , Nebojsa Pejic, David Urbina and Dean Athanasiou are all highly experienced in working with junior footballers. Together, we share a passion for the game that we're excited to pass on to the students.


Netball Academy

On Monday 12th May, Mordialloc College welcomed Sandringham College for a morning of friendly matches. It was fantastic to see our students put their Term 2 training into practice, proudly demonstrating the skills they’ve worked hard to develop.

 

It has been fantastic to see all athletes excel this term. The Year 7 cohort has adjusted well to the Academy's training and structure, while the Year 8 and 9 students have consolidated much of their learning. 

 

We’re now looking ahead to upcoming fixtures — taking on Parkdale SC later this year on their home ground, followed by a rematch against Mordialloc College on our own turf. We will also be competing in the NV Secondary School Championships.


Basketball Academy

It’s been an exciting term for the Sandringham College Basketball Academy, with the first interschool tournament taking place. SCBA athletes represented themselves to a very high standard, securing multiple wins and building deeper connections with academy peers. On the day of the tournament, our SCBA captains were acknowledged and celebrated — congratulations to Zeke Jolly and Mia Harkennes on their selection.

 

Zeke Jolly and Mia Harkennes
Zeke Jolly and Mia Harkennes

A number of athletes were also selected for Chase Basketball’s High Performance Program, giving them the opportunity to train and compete alongside athletes from other school academies. The players were coached by elite professionals Chris Arcidiacono (professional and Division 1 college player) and Tom Wilson (NBL basketballer and former AFL player). 

 

If your student-athlete has been considering participation in the Basketball Academy, now is the perfect time with mid-year enrolments currently being accepted. 

 

The Academy program takes place in the High Performance gym at the senior campus before school. If you have any questions or want to know more, please contact: academies@chasebasketball.com.au


Athlete Development

Hoop City

Year 7–9 Sports Academy students recently had the exciting opportunity to attend a training session at Hoop City — a premier basketball facility run by a passionate team committed to helping athletes elevate their game through high-quality coaching, services, and resources. The session was divided into two engaging parts: students spent half their time using state-of-the-art shooting machines, where they competed against each other in fun, fast-paced challenges. The other half focused on working with an expert coach who guided students through a range of skill-building basketball drills.

Victorian Institute of Sport Gala Day

On Thursday 19th June, all Sports Academy students participated in their first Gala Day for 2025 at the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS). The day included an engaging Performance Nutrition session and concluded with a tour of the VIS's world-class facilities, as well as the exciting opportunity to meet two VIS athletes.

 

During the nutrition session, students explored key concepts, including:

  • The functions and food sources of major nutrients essential for health and wellbeing
  • Food selection models such as the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating
  • How to read and interpret nutritional panels on food products
  • The importance of balancing energy intake with energy expenditure
  • Performance nutrition tailored to different sports
  • Post-exercise recovery nutrition strategies

This experience gave students valuable insight into the role nutrition plays in both athletic performance and overall health.