Twelve months ago, the Northern Inland Academy of Sport was gearing up to have their athletes travel to Newcastle for the 2019 'Your Local Club' Academy Games hosted by the Hunter Academy of Sport.
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The weekend just passed, April 3-5, was scheduled to be the 2020 Games held once again in Newcastle where NIAS were to be represented by athletes across the golf, AFL, netball, basketball and hockey squads.
The Academy Games is usually a major event for all regional sporting academies across NSW and has been running for 16 years. The last time NIAS hosted the event was back in 2011.
Without the annual event this year, NIAS released the first module of their online education program for 2020 squads.
As online methods of communicating with others has become more prevalent since the breakout of COVID-19 social distancing regulations, it was only fitting to provide information on social media and the impacts it can have on sports athletes and their careers.
"It's important for pre-elite athletes to have a deeper understanding of how social media impacts those in the public eye. It can contribute to the rise or fall of athletes so it's important to know how to use it safely and for the right reasons," NIAS Sport Programs and Events Manager Brent Hartley said.
This topic delivered by NIAS, provides education around the positive aspects and dangers of using social media platforms from an athlete perspective.
There have been many athletes that have embraced social media and have successfully used it to heighten their careers and personal brand image.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a renowned football player with over 400 million followers across his social media accounts. On the flip side, pre-elite athletes such as those developing pathways through academies like NIAS, should be aware of how social media can negatively impact their future sporting careers if used inappropriately.
This topic has provided athletes with examples like Ronaldo to show positive outcomes, but also includes examples from athletes like Israel Folau who have been hindered by what they've posted on social media.
ATHLETE PROFILE: Ryan McKinnon
Hometown: Tamworth.
What NIAS program are you in?
I am in the 2020 "Jack Newton Junior Golf" program.
How long have you been playing and competing in golf?
For over three and a half years.
What are your golfing goals?
I want to be able to play at the PGA Tour. It's a tour that the top golfers from around the world play in.
Who is your favourite athlete?
The Australian golfer currently ranked 15th in the world, Marc Leishman.
What has been your greatest influence on your sports career?
It is always very inspirational to watch the pro-golfers on the PGA Tour.
