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2026 Application Form

Information Booklet

The Bentleigh Secondary Sports Academy Program has been a part of the school since 2017 and gives selected students a chance to improve their skills and athlete development in an elite environment. The school offers the following sports to students:

• Basketball
• Soccer
• AFL/W
• Netball

Students will have designated class time to work on sport specific skills with a platform to follow their passion. Students will have sessions in Pilates & strength and conditioning, as well as access to fitness

are all pivotal aspects of becoming an elite athlete and put athletes at a significant advantage over others

not in the program.

The Bentleigh Secondary Sports Academy Program is extremely excited to introduce our coaches that will be leading the students through their designated sports skill sessions. We are fortunate enough to have high-quality coaches at the school who have played/coached at the elite level..

Meet our Coaches

Basketball

Soccer

AFL

Netball

G&G Football Insights is a leading AFL coaching and performance provider, specialising in delivering training, game strategy, and player development programs for youth AFL athletes. Working with clubs and academies across Australia, they combine expert coaching with advanced game tactics to help players and coaches better understand the modern game. Through tailored sessions, match insights, and a strong focus on learning, wellbeing, and enjoyment, G&G supports athletes in developing both their skills and game intelligence at every level.

Basketball Academy – Chase Basketball

Chase Basketball is a leading basketball coaching and development provider, specialising in delivering training programs, skill development, and game-based learning for junior athletes. With over 25 years of experience working with schools, clubs, and academies across Melbourne, Chase combines expert coaching with a strong emphasis on fundamentals, teamwork, and game sense. Through structured sessions, school academy programs, and personalised development opportunities, they create a supportive environment that builds confidence, skills, and a lifelong love of the game, while helping athletes grow both on and off the court.

Netball Academy – Melbourne Mavericks Netball Club

The Netball Academy is proudly partnered with the Melbourne Mavericks, providing students with access to elite-level coaching and development opportunities within a professional netball environment. Through this partnership, athletes benefit from specialised training sessions, exposure to high-performance coaching, and a deeper understanding of the modern game. The program also includes exclusive opportunities such as match day experiences with game tickets, as well as a visit to open Mavericks training experience during the year to see the senior Mavs in action.

Soccer Academy – Just Coach Wise

The Soccer Academy is proudly partnered with Just Coach Wise, delivering high-quality coaching and player development through a strong collaboration between experienced coaches Jara Deric and Michael Kakkos (former Bentleigh Secondary College alum). Working alongside school coach Wade Dekker, the program combines external expertise with internal leadership to create a cohesive and high-performing environment. Through structured training sessions, skill development, and a focus on game understanding, the academy supports students in building their technical ability, confidence, and passion for the game while strengthening pathways within the school program.

Base Movement School

The base movement school is about global movement skills that transfer to sport and life. The understanding that those who move well; move often. And those that move poorly are more likely to get injuries which decreases the confidence and willingness to participate. Base has been working with the Bentleigh sports academy for 2 years to develop our athletes at an elite standard Program includes:

• Fitness Testing at the start and end of the year for all students.                                        
• On-site physio assessment
• Discounted physio in clinic as part of the community programs
• Fundamental Motor Skill Development
• Education of movement literacy through games
• Skill acquisition, coordination, balance and stability

Game Day Nutrition

Nutrition is a vital part of being a well-rounded athlete and an athlete mastering their diet can maximise their performance on the field or court. We have partnered with Sophie Houghton at Game Day Nutrition to help deliver our program some valuable insight into fuelling for performance in games. The content covers a range of topics centred around what we eat pregame, post game and to maintain an overall healthy diet

Program includes:

• An information session for Students and Parents each year
• Nutrition tips for parents and athletes throughout the year
• Access to our Dietician Sophie to answer any questions regarding nutrition for our growing athletes

Helen Gleeson - Pilates Instructor

The Pilates program delivered in our Sports Academy offers a sport-specific, evidence-informed approach to movement training for adolescent athletes. Each session is individually tailored to reflect the unique physical demands of students’ chosen sports - focusing on core control, joint stability, neuromuscular coordination, and injury prevention. Through targeted programming, students not only enhance performance in their sporting disciplines but also gain an early understanding of functional movement principles. This foundational education supports long-term athletic development and empowers students to take an active role in maintaining their physical wellbeing both in and beyond school sport.

For more information about joining the Sports Academy please email: Matthew.burke3@education.vic.gov.au