SBS Bank Academy Southland continues to offer opportunities beyond athlete support. 

Along with the two-year programme which provides Southland’s best young sporting talent with ongoing development in nutrition, mental skills, strength and conditioning and athlete life, a strong internship programme has long been an important aspect of the Academy.

This year interns Tegan Buchanan and Josie Frew are providing support to Aimee Hall (Academy nurtritionist) and Tyson Huia (Mike Piper Training Centre strength and conditioning coach) respectively. 

Buchanan has a unique perspective having graduated from the Otago academy during her time at high school before embarking on her undergraduate studies in human nutrition, followed by a masters of applied science in advanced nutrition practice.

Her studies include a six-month practical placement which has brought her south to Invercargill. 

“Aimee Hall went to uni with one of my lecturers and they suggested I come down to Invercargill and check it out,” Buchanan said. 

“It’s really cool because Aimee has a lot of variation in her work doing the Academy, but also Southern Steel and Rugby Southland as well.” 

Buchanan spent the past four or five years playing for Southern in the former National Hockey League and has linked with an Invercargill club. 

“I’m into sport myself and I really found that that’s where my passion lies. Working with a sports team in the future would be awesome and working with these athletes at Academy Southland is great because you’ll be able to see them growing in the future.” 

She plans to return to Dunedin for the National Hockey Championships, the first major domestic tournament being hosted in the city since 1993, although beyond that she is unsure. 

“I’m open to staying in Southland if there are opportunities here. I’ve been really enjoying it so far. 

“(Aimee is) awesome. It’s just those years of experiences and knowledge of different athletes. I’m learning heaps.” 

Frew is also following a passion she has developed for the sector. 

After completing a Bachelor of Commerce and working at SBS Bank, Frew opted for a change. 

“I loved it, but I just knew I wasn’t an office girl. My partner and I moved overseas for a year and a half and then when we came home I decided to give another career path a crack. I did wonder if I was a bit old to be doing that, but I’m so glad I did because I’ve found the right thing for me.” 

Frew was managing The Barracks, an Invercargill functional fitness gym, and wanted to get a qualification which fit the role. 

While studying towards her Bachelor of Sport and Exercise at SIT, she approached Huia about an intern role and was pleasantly surprised when he accepted the offer. 

“I was always into sport growing up but never thought it would be a career. I love it so much, I wanted to give it a crack and I’m so glad I did,” she said. 

“I’m learning heaps. He’s taught me to figure out what works for me. Every strength and conditioning coach has their own style and way of approaching things. That’s probably one of my biggest learnings.” 

Frew continues to work and study fulltime, as well as her internship. 

“I love being busy. The best thing is you get to see all corners of the Academy. While my main interest is in the strength and conditioning, I get to see the nutrition and the psychology side in action as well. 

Article added: Wednesday 27 April 2022