Ten young Southland athletes, including 16-year-old motorcycle road racer and AGR Racing team member Cormac Buchanan, are set to reap the rewards from a 2 year fast-track programme, thanks to SBS Bank Academy Southland (AS).

AS's two year programme supports Southland’s best young athletes to reach their potential both in and outside of sport with advice on mental skills, nutrition, athlete life and strength and conditioning.

SBS Bank Academy Southland advisor Carly Anderson and manager Jason McKenzie. Photo: Academy Southland

SBS Bank Academy Southland manager Jason McKenzie said it was always exciting to bring a fresh group of athletes into the programme.

“We’re looking forward to working alongside these athletes, their parents and their coaches to help them become the best they can be.”

The 2023 programme got underway last weekend with four workshops involving athletes and parents, setting them up for the year with a focus on nutrition and recovery so that they can make best use of their strength and conditioning programmes at the Mike Piper Training Centre, which is based at ILT Stadium Southland.

CLICK HERE to listen to Cormac Buchanan on The Outlet Southland.

The Academy is continuing to innovate this year with a greater focus on providing adolescent-specific advice for athletes and their coaches.

Dr Caroline Stewart, the Academy’s long-time doctor, will work closely with strength and conditioning coach Josie Frew to ensure programmes are best suited to adolescent athletes.

“This is about taking that really holistic approach to ensuring each athlete has their specific needs being met,” McKenzie said.

“We’ll be providing medical screening and workshops to discuss the best ways of training growing bodies.”

This year’s Foundation Year intake includes athletes who are already competing on the international stage through to promising individuals looking to get to the next level, McKenzie said.

“We are really proud of the role the Academy has played since 2005 in helping young people to achieve and, in doing so, provide inspiration for all Southlanders.”

SBS Bank Academy Southland 2023 Foundation Year intake:

• Cormac Buchanan (motorcycle road racing) James Hargest College
• Keegan Jackson (Para table tennis) Aurora College
• James McLeay (athletics/cross country) Southland Boys’ High School
• Caitlin Kelly (road and track cycling) Verdon College
• Magnus Jamieson (road and track cycling) Verdon College
• Charliese Erskine (trap shooting) Southland Girls’ High School
• Maggie Manson (basketball) Central Southland College
• Joseph Koroiadi (swimming) Verdon College
• Ingamar Siegruhn (squash) James Hargest College
• Anna Templeton (netball) Southland Girls’ High School