Academy Southland have announced their yearly intake of young Southland sportspeople for 2022, in an online event this evening. 

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.

A diverse range of sporting codes are represented in this year’s intake, with 11 sports represented across 12 athletes. 

Several of those selected are athletes who have already achieved on the national stage.

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

“We are really excited about the range of sports we will have in the programme this year,” 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.”

Gore bowler Sheldon Bagrie-Howley ha 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.

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.

The programme includes foundation and leadership years, with the foundation year intake launched online tonight. 

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