Barwon Sports Academy

⭐Upcoming Education Sessions⭐

We are pleased to announce all BSA athletes and family members to a special education showcase to be held on Tuesday 18th August at St Joseph’s College (Newtown).

1️⃣Basics of Nutrition and Sports Performance
Group: First Year Athletes and Parents Guardians
Date: Tuesday 18th August
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Location: St Josephs College – Staff Room (Park near Gate 4 or 5 and enter via Gate 6)
Presenter: Dr Jackson Barnard

2️⃣Recovery Strategies for Better Performance
Group: Returning Athletes
Date: Tuesday 18th August
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Location: St Josephs College – St Josephs College Gymnasium (Park near Gate 4 or 5 and enter via Gate 6)
Presenter: Paul Hood and Connor Guina

Looking forward to seeing you there!

⭐Speaker Announcement⭐

We're excited to welcome Megan Moody to the 2026 Bis-Sport Breakfast.

Having competed professionally throughout Australia and Europe before transitioning into coaching and athlete development, Megan brings a unique perspective as both a former elite athlete and a current high-performance coach.

Today, Megan leads athlete development pathways at Geelong United Basketball as General Manager of Pathways and Head Coach of the NBL1 Women's team, helping shape the next generation of basketball talent in our region.

Megan understands both sides of the sporting journey and the important role coaches play in creating opportunities, building confidence and helping athletes reach their full potential.

As part of this year's theme: The Value of High Performance Coaches in Regional Areas
Megan will share insights into athlete development, pathway creation and the impact quality coaching can have on young people and regional sporting communities.

📅 Wednesday 19 August
📍 Presidents Room, GMHBA Stadium
🎟️ Secure your place via the link in our bio.

⭐FRIENDS OF BSA THANKS!⭐

The Friends of BSA group gathered at Sawyers Arms on Friday 17th July to raise funds and share updates of the BSA future strategy and programs.

We were treated to insights from Geelong Cats champion Joel Selwood and Victorian Institute of Sport CEO Nicole Livingstone OA. Thanks to BSA’s own Jess Gulli-Nance for her MC role. The interviews were insightful and engaging.

We thank all individuals and businesses who supported this event and look forward to working with you to add further value to the sporting pathway in our region.















Gallaghers Insurance Geelong
Essantis
Briseis Club
Luke Keenan
KFC Geelong
The Rose Group

⭐Why Bis-Sport Matters⭐

In 2025, Thomas Russell represented Australia at the ICF Junior & U23 World Championships in Halifax, Canada.

A Geelong-based sprint kayaker, Thomas competed in both the K1 1000m and K4 500m events, finishing among the world's best young paddlers and placing in the top 18 globally for his age group.

While many people think of flights and accommodation, high-performance sport is full of smaller costs that quickly add up.

"The Bis-Sport Grant allowed me to purchase the supplements and electrolytes I needed while competing overseas. They were especially important while racing in the Canadian summer after preparing in Geelong's winter conditions.

I would like to thank my coach Sean McGee, Geelong Canoe Club and the Bis-Sport Grant for helping make this opportunity possible."

Stories like Thomas' show how even modest support can help regional athletes perform at their best on the world stage.

Since 2011, Bis-Sport has supported 714 athletes and helped 173 athletes compete overseas.

🎟️ Join us at the Bis-Sport Breakfast on 19 August and help support the next generation of Barwon athletes.

👉 https://www.trybooking.com/DLZEB or through 🔗in our bio

One great coach can influence hundreds of people.

🏅 Athletes become better athletes.
🏅 Young people become better leaders.
🏅 Volunteer coaches gain confidence.
🏅 Clubs become stronger.
🏅 Communities become more connected.

The impact extends far beyond the scoreboard.

At this year's Bis-Sport Breakfast we'll explore why investing in high-performance coaching isn't just good for athletes, it's good for our entire region.

But coaching is only one part of the journey.

Many talented athletes still face significant costs associated with travel, accommodation, competition entry fees and development opportunities as they progress through state, national and international pathways.

That's why Bis-Sport exists.

The annual Bis-Sport Breakfast raises funds to help local athletes access opportunities they've worked incredibly hard to earn.

Hear from:
🏃 Lee Troop
💚 Simone McKinnis OAM
🏀 Megan Moody
as they explore The Value of High Performance Coaches in Regional Areas and the role coaching plays in athlete development.

📅 Wednesday 19 August
📍 Presidents Room, GMHBA Stadium
🎟️ Secure your place today via the link in our bio.

Together, we're supporting local athletes and the coaches helping shape their future.

⭐Fibre is the Game-Changer⭐

Athletes are hearing everywhere that they need more protein — shakes, bars, powders, you name it. And yes, protein is essential for muscle repair and performance… BUT there’s another nutrient most athletes are overlooking: FIBRE.

Here’s why fibre matters just as much:

🌱 Boosts Energy Levels
Stable digestion = steady energy. Fibre helps keep blood sugar levels in check so athletes don’t burn out mid‑game or during training.

🥗 Supports Gut Health
A healthy gut helps athletes absorb the nutrients they are eating — including all that protein!

⚖️ Improves Recovery
Fibre-rich foods fight inflammation, helping the body bounce back faster.

⚡ Enhances Performance
Athletes with balanced meals (protein + fibre + carbs) have better endurance, focus, and overall output.

So yes — keep the protein flowing! But don’t forget to add fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes to the plate too.

Because strong muscles start with a strong gut. 💚

Athletes need more than protein — they need balance.

⭐Speaker announcement⭐

We're excited to welcome Simone McKinnis OAM to the 2026 Bis-Sport Breakfast.

A former Australian Diamond, Hall of Fame inductee and long-serving Melbourne Vixens Head Coach, Simone is widely regarded as one of Australia's most accomplished sporting coaches.

Growing up in Geelong before forging an extraordinary playing and coaching career, Simone understands the pathways that help regional athletes succeed.

Across more than three decades in elite sport, Simone has demonstrated that great coaches do more than develop performance — they build culture, create opportunity and help athletes thrive both on and off the court.

As part of this year's theme: The Value of High Performance Coaches in Regional Areas

Simone will share her experiences building high-performance environments and discuss the critical role coaches play in shaping athletes, teams and communities.

📅 Wednesday 19 August
📍 Presidents Room, GMHBA Stadium
🎟️ Secure your place via the link in our bio.

⭐BSA Loud & Proud⭐

There’s nothing better than seeing our athletes wearing their BSA uniform loud and proud!

It's not just clothing—it represents belonging, commitment, and earning your place in a high‑performance pathway.

Our uniform symbolises hard work, character, and the belief that you’re ready to take the next step toward elite sport. When you wear it, you’re not just representing the Academy—you’re representing your sport, your community, and the future you’re building.

📸 We want to celebrate YOU
Send in your photos proudly wearing your BSA kit—training, competing, travelling, warming up… show us how you represent the Academy

Be loud. Be proud. Be BSA.

⭐Why Bis-Sport Matters⭐

Brothers James and Dylan Logan have achieved something incredibly special.

Representing Australia at both the Deaflympics and World Deaf Swimming Championships, they became the first Australian deaf brothers to compete for Australia in swimming at world championship and Deaflympic level.

Along the way, they collected bronze medals and national championship success.

"Without the Bis-Sport Grants, our international journeys and national achievements would not have been possible. The support helped cover travel, accommodation and uniforms, reducing financial pressure and allowing us to focus on training and performing at our best. Thank you Bis-Sport and the Barwon Sports Academy for helping make our dreams come true."

The Bis-Sport Grant exists to help athletes focus on reaching their potential, rather than worrying about the financial barriers standing in their way.

🎟️ Support local athletes at the 2026 Bis-Sport Breakfast 🔗in bio