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VSA Sports Academy.

"The VSA programme is designed to assist you to maximise your potential, in sport , education and in life in general...this is one of the best Foundation level sports education courses in New Zealand, and it costs you nothing...except your time and your commitment". - Michael Jones

The Village Sports Academy, initiated by Michael Jones and Vaaiga Tuigamala and fellow trustess of the Village Community Services Trust, is part of a wider education initiative with Te Wananga o Aotearoa, N.Z’s second largest Tertiary Institute and supported by the Tindall Foundation. This programme has been established to provide foundational level education and training (NZQA Level 2-4) for youth in West/Central Auckland transitioning out of secondary school with nil or no qualifications, and for whom, formal education has failed them in terms of the environment and pedagogical approach.The programme delivers an academic component (Certificate level) with practical skills and training in Sports, music and arts complimented with life skills, leadership and aspiration building programmes. An initial site was established in August 2009, in New Lynn.

The Sports programme is headed by ex All Black Andrew Blowers, who played for Auckland NPC, Blues Super 14 and the All Blacks between 1996 and 2005 then completed his professional rugby career playing in the U.K for Northampton and Bristol and also in Japan. A product of Mt Albert Grammar School, Andrew brings a wealth of sports knowledge and expertise but more important also a passion to use the broad life skills and leadership expertise that have shaped his life. Working alongside Andrew as High Performance Manager, is Tony Lafotanoa, who comes to the VSA with a huge amount of experience as a Head Trainer for the Manu Samoa and Fiji National rugby teams. He has also been involved in High Performance programmes at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji and as a personal trainer in a number of leading fitness and health centres across Auckland. Tony also has wide business coaching and development expertise. Complementing the daily input of Andrew and Tony; Michael, Inga and fellow sportsman and women are engaged in teaching and coaching VSA students.

Check out Village Sports Academy Website