The NSW Rugby League's Western Sydney Academy is the sport's newest development hub, based in the game's heartland of western Sydney at Penrith’s CUA Stadium.

Boasting a staff of 13 staff, including Eels legend Nathan Hindmarsh, and a brand new office on the Eastern side of CUA Stadium, the NSWRL Western Sydney Academy is focused on providing support and resources to help foster further growth in the Penrith, Parramatta and Western Suburbs districts.

The Academy was established in early 2009 but conceived almost a year earlier when the NSW Rugby League, the National Rugby League and western Sydney’s NRL clubs decided they needed a hand in servicing the 20,000+ junior Rugby League players and their respective leagues in the region.

Key partners of the NSWRL Western Sydney Academy include naming rights sponsor Integral Energy, NRL clubs the Wests Tigers, Parramatta Eels and Penrith Panthers and their associated junior leagues of Wests Juniors, Parramatta DJRL and Penrith DJRL – all of which account for the majority of junior Rugby League participation in western Sydney.

The NSWRL Western Sydney Academy joins the NSWRL’s Coaching and Development Academy in Narrabeen as the state’s two major development hubs, and shares a close association with the game’s One Community arm.

The NSWRL Western Sydney Academy’s primary purpose is to grow participation in western Sydney’s junior leagues, establish new clubs, grow the participation of Pacific communities and Indigenous heritage coaches, acquire new playing fields and foster beneficial relationships with local councils and governments.

We also plan to assist junior leagues in improving their administrations and general running of their clubs, increase the accreditation of coaches and trainers, and importantly, introduce education programs to the benefit of all within the junior game – volunteers, coaches, players, officials, referees and administrators.

For more information on what each department of the Integral Energy NSWRL Western Sydney Academy is responsible for, check out their respective sections on the front page of www.nswrlwsa.com.au and also the staff profiles.

By employing the best staff available which are committed and passionate about helping strengthen the Rugby League powerhouse that is western Sydney.

We have a staff of 12 dedicated to specific areas including; Junior Leagues, community relations, education and research, Indigenous communities, Pacific communities and special projects.

The NSWRL Western Sydney Academy also has a 2009-2013 Mission Statement setting out its goals, which includes a 25% growth of Junior League participants and 12 new clubs by 2013.

Importantly, one of they key priorities for the NSWRL Western Sydney Academy is working side by side with each of western Sydney's junior leagues, rather than operate as a governing body. The NSWRL Western Sydney Academy commissioned a "needs analysis" on each of the major western Sydney Junior Leagues, which involved close communication with each League. This ensured each League was able to offer substantial input into where it needed assistance.

What can I find on their website?

Everything that you need to know about Rugby League in western Sydney!

The NSWRL Western Sydney will post all of its news, events, achievements, initiatives and educational material on this website.

By clicking on the region where you live (Canterbury- Bankstown, Penrith, Parramatta or Western Suburbs) on the front page region map you can find out where your closest Rugby League junior club and information on how to join up.

Junior players and their parents can view the draws and results for each of western Sydney’s 1500 teams amongst almost 70 clubs by clicking on the Draws & Results section.

You can also view the latest WSA videos and read a monthly column from one of the game’s most experienced and respected administrators in former Sydney Roosters CEO Brian Canavan.

If you have any questions about the Integral Energy NSWRL Western Sydney Academy website please email them here