The Northern Region Sports Alliance Inc (NRSA) was officially established in October 2005. The brainchild behind the Alliance was Ricky Simpson (Stadium Manger at STARplex), who identified the need for a program that not only developed the skills of players with elite potential, but also aligned itself to the entire northern region and the state sporting organisation of each chosen sport. Because
the resources and personnel were already in place at STARplex, the NRSA developed pilot programs for Basketball and Tennis during Term 4, 2003. Both programs moved into a complete Academy model, with coaching supplemented by various consultancy sessions during 2004. The 3rd sport to enter the Academy was swimming in March 2005, with the first meeting and training conducted at STARplex including a swimming clinic, breakfast with guest speakers and a gym session. Through the involvement of the state sporting organisation of each Academy sport, not only does each athlete receive the best possible coaching available but also an entire program that is integrated into the elite levels for that sport. The Academy provides athletes with key skills in diet and nutrition, strength and conditioning, sports psychology and personal career development. The NRSA supplements the training and competition the athletes receive at their club, district and even social level, and provides a pathway and platform for athletes to progress to higher levels within their sport.
