The Adelaide Thunderbirds have joined forces with the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) in a three-year partnership commencing in 2025.
SASI are now the official High Performance Partner of the Thunderbirds as well as the club’s Futures Program who compete in the Super Netball Reserves competition.
The partnership is underpinned by a shared commitment to elevate high performance in South Australia and supports the growth of the Thunderbirds program.
The reigning Suncorp Super Netball premiers have utilised the new SASI facility in Mile End since it commenced operations in late 2024.
Netball SA and Adelaide Thunderbirds CEO Bronwyn Klei said the partnership represented the official collaboration between two organisations who have a strong history of working together to develop first class athletes.
“SASI has played a significant role in netball in South Australia for many years, so we’re excited to come together in an official partnership capacity,” Ms Klei said.
“This partnership ensures our Adelaide Thunderbirds and pathway athletes have access to world-class high-performance facilities to ensure they are the best they can be.
“It’s integral that our reigning premiers train in the best possible environment and SASI’s new facility allows them to do so as they prepare to defend their titles in the best netball competition in the world.”
SASI Director Keren Faulkner said the long-standing relationship between SASI and the Thunderbirds has already proven to be a winning combination and there is a lot of excitement around what can be achieved next.
“I’m so proud of the role that SASI has played and will continue to play in supporting the Adelaide Thunderbirds, through developing pathway athletes in our netball program and providing access to our state-of-the-art facilities,” Ms Faulkner said.
“Building on the Thunderbirds’ past two years of success as the Suncorp Super Netball premiers, I’m excited by the prospect of what we can continue to achieve for South Australian netball through this partnership.
“By utilising our high-performance facilities, I have no doubt the Thunderbirds will continue to deliver outstanding on-court performances and inspire many more children to give netball a go.”
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Emily Bourke said the partnership reinforced the State Government’s commitment to netball and major investment in quality infrastructure.
“By helping to deliver the new $88 million SASI headquarters, we are empowering South Australian athletes to achieve their sporting dreams and strive for success,” Minister Bourke said.
“SASI provides the best possible amenities to support the Thunderbirds as they aim to rewrite the history books and claim an unprecedented three premierships in a row.
“Our Government is continuing to invest in netball through the Mile End sports precinct with works on a $12 million upgrade to the outdoor courts due to start late this year ahead of the redevelopment of an $80 million new indoor complex – a win for grassroots netball.”
SASI’s logo will be featured on the team’s official uniform for the Suncorp Team Girls Cup pre-season tournament, which will be hosted here in Adelaide on March 14-16.
SASI will also present the Adelaide Thunderbirds Spirit Award at the close of the 2025 season.
