Birkenhead College

ABOUT THE ACADEMY

The Birkenhead College Sports Academy is an exciting new opportunity for Year 9 and 10 students to take their game to the next level. The program offers specialised training in rugby, basketball, volleyball, football, water polo and netball. Designed for both emerging talent and top competitors, the Sports Academy offers weekly sessions focused on skill development, game strategy, strength and conditioning, and mental preparation. With expert coaching, guest athlete insights and a commitment to Respect, Whānau and Pride, students will build the discipline, confidence and knowledge to excel both on and off the field.

STANDARDS

Students should always behave in a way that upholds the school values of Respect, Whānau and Pride
Members of the Sports Academy should ideally represent Birkenhead College teams in their chosen sport
Students are expected to maintain a school attendance rate of over 90%
Students are expected to wear the Sports Academy uniform to all sessions

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for Sports Academy will take place early in Term 1. All students who have applied will be invited to a trial; an email will be sent informing students and whānau if they have been successful. Students who are not successful will be placed on a wait list. The trials will be sports-specific and the coach in charge of each sport will make the final selection.

SCHOLARSHIPS

We are excited to announce that each year one scholarship per sport will be given out. The recipients of these scholarships will have all their Sports Academy and regular season registration fees paid for their chosen school sport.

SESSION CONTENT

Each Sports Academy session at Birkenhead College is part of a student’s regular timetable, taking place on either Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons. Sessions are designed to provide high-quality coaching across all aspects of athletic development, including strength and conditioning, sport-specific skill development and guidance on nutrition and sports psychology. Students are expected to bring their best effort and a positive attitude to each session.

UNIFORM

Each student will receive a Sports Academy tee shirt that they must wear to each session.

FEES

There will be a cost for each sporting code; these are yet to be confirmed.

OTHER INFORMATION

Numbers are limited in each sporting code.

Three sports will run each day - students may apply for two sports academies if they are on different days.

BASKETBALL

Basketball has long been one of the most popular sports at Birkenhead College. Academy sessions help players develop key fundamental skills and game strategy. With expert coaching and strength training, students will build confidence, teamwork and discipline - preparing them to perform at their best on and off the court.

Facilities: Two full-size gymnasiums and school fitness centre

Training day: Wednesdays 1.30-3.15pm

FOOTBALL

The Football Academy focuses on developing technical ability, tactical awareness and all-round fitness in one of Birkenhead College’s fastest growing sports. Players will refine their passing, control and decision-making while building teamwork, discipline and a love for the game.

Facilities: Two outdoor football fields and school fitness centre

Training day: Tuesdays 1.30-3.15pm

NETBALL

As the most popular girls’ sport at Birkenhead College, the Academy sessions will focus on developing key skills, fitness and game awareness. Students will enhance teamwork, communication and confidence, preparing them to excel on the court while enjoying one of the school’s most celebrated sports.

Facilities: One indoor netball court, one outdoor netball turf and school fitness centre

Training day: Tuesdays 1.30-3.15pm

RUGBY

As one of Birkenhead College’s traditional sports, Rugby Academy sessions will develop players’ skills, fitness and game understanding. Students focus on teamwork, discipline and resilience, preparing them to perform confidently on the field and reach their full potential.

Facilities: Full outdoor rugby field and school fitness centre

Training day: Wednesdays 1.30-3.15pm

VOLLEYBALL

The Volleyball Academy develops players’ skills, agility and game strategy in the school’s fastest-growing sport. Students build teamwork, communication and confidence, preparing them to compete effectively and enjoy every session.

Facilities: Two indoor gymnasiums and school fitness centre

Training day: Tuesdays 1.30-3.15pm

WATER POLO

In this challenging and exciting aquatic sport, Water Polo Academy sessions will help students build strength, endurance and tactical awareness. Players develop teamwork, resilience and confidence, preparing them to perform at their best in the pool.

Facilities: Heated 25m school pool, Glenfield Pool and school fitness centre

Training day: Wednesdays 1.30-3.15pm