There are four SAASTA sports academies for students who are very skilful at a particular sport and aim to play it at the highest level they can. Students attend an academy one day a week for the school year to develop their skills with the help of specialised coaches.

Academies

Each SAASTA sports academy teaches either Australian rules football, netball or basketball. 

Aboriginal AFL Academy – male (AAA)

Women’s Aboriginal AFL Academy (WAAA)

Aboriginal Netball Academy (ANA)

Aboriginal Basketball Academy (ABA)

Aboriginal STEM Academy (ASA)

Study towards SACE

SAASTA students also complete subjects that go towards their SACE. Over 2 years, they can study either stage 2 Sports Science or Aboriginal Studies.

They also study a certificate III VET option such as Sport and Recreation, Community Services, or Fitness and Hospitality.

Find out more about the SAASTA curriculum.

Partnerships with SA organisations

Each SAASTA specialist academy has a strong partnership with a key South Australian sporting organisations and STEM academy is aligned with The University of Adelaide.

Aboriginal AFL Academy – male (AAA) Port Adelaide Football Club

Women’s Aboriginal AFL Academy (WAAA) Port Adelaide Football Club

Aboriginal Netball Academy (ANA) Netball SA

Aboriginal Basketball Academy (ABA) Aboriginal Basketball Academy

Aboriginal (Soccer) Football Academy (AFA) – North Eastern MetroStars SC

Aboriginal STEM Academy (ASA) – The University of Adelaide

Joining a SAASTA specialist academy

Trials are held in term 4 each year and are usually open to students in year 11 or 12.  Dates and times for the trials are posted on the SAASTA Facebook page each year.

For more information, contact SAASTA Specialist Academies Coordinators, Nick Drury at Nick.Drury [at] sa.gov.au or Tara Budarick at Tara.Budarick [at] sa.gov.au.