2021 High Performance Academy Squad Announced

by | Jul 2, 2021 | Development, Elite, Latest News

Australian Oztag is proud to announce the players selected for the 2021 High Performance Academy, a prestigious opportunity that see’s the development of Oztag’s rising stars.

Players were once again selected based on their performance at the City v Country tournament, which was held in Tuggerah on the Central Coast in June.

The High Performance Academy (HPA) identifies the game’s rising stars from the 14 and 15 year-old age groups, providing them the opportunity to be coached by some of Oztag’s elite coaches.

The following players will attend the HPA Camp which will take place at the NSW Academy of Sport in Narrabeen later this year.

The Academy is now in its third year and has seen some amazing results from the players who have attended, with many former HPA players selected to represent the Australian Tagaroos at the upcoming Trans–Tasman Tournament in New Zealand. 

Australian Oztag Director of Coaching and Development, Michael Buettner believes the HPA is an opportunity for players to strengthen their game in a professional environment.   

“There is no doubt the High-Performance Academy is a great springboard for the game’s emerging stars to take the next step towards representing their country in Oztag,” Buettner said.  

“The NSW Academy of Sport at Narrabeen provides the perfect facility for the players and coaches to prosper in a High-Performance environment,” he said. 

From outlining the specifics of player roles and positions, to maximizing athletic performance and partaking in a variety of skill and conditioning drills, the squad will be treated like elite athletes.

Oztag Founder, Perry Haddock has confidence in this year’s program and congratulates all players on their selection.  

“This year will see some of Oztag’s great coaches at the High-Performance Academy work with the young stars of our game to nurture and develop their Oztag skills in addition to having lots of fun and building friendships that may last a lifetime,” Haddock said.

“Congratulations to each and every one of the players on their selection; we look forward to welcoming you to the High-Performance Academy later this year,” he said.

For a second year, Australian Oztag could not invite QLD players to the 2021 HPA Camp due to Covid-19. However, ACT’s players will be nominated by the association.  

All players selected will receive full HPA kit allocation, accommodation and meals, covered by Australian Oztag for the duration of the camp.

AO congratulate all 40 players on their selection in the 2021 HPA squad.