MAGS Academies were established in 1997 to identify and work with high-performing students who had potential to become elite competitors during their time at school.
We have five Sports Academies that complete classes in the school timetable Cricket, Football, Netball, Rowing and Rugby. The Academies that have their sessions before or after school are Aquatics, Swimming, Basketball and Hockey.
Our purpose is to ensure quality sports experiences and learning through our Sport development pathway and to support Mount Albert Grammar student athletes in reaching their goals through a balanced approach to sport wellbeing.
This course is for students who are striving to improve and compete in their chosen sport while at MAGS. The course offers students a unique opportunity to develop both physical and mental sport-specific skills under the tuition of experienced coaches and teachers. Enrolment in this course will see students receive expert guidance specific to Aquatics, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Netball, Rowing and Rugby, including goal-setting, individual core skills, game understanding and sport-specific conditioning.
The academy timetabled courses runs for a whole year.
Desired outcomes/pathway
The Junior Academy system is designed to ensure all players reach their full potential in their chosen sport and this maybe varying levels of achievement. Our ambition is to see students’ progress into
- Junior and senior MAGS teams
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- Opportunity to travel and play in sports exchanges both here and overseas.
- regional and national age group teams.
- Selection in representative Auckland and NZ teams- NZSS/NZU18/NZU21
Development of depth and foundations in each sport that leads to:
- a culture of competition, achievement, and excellence in the MAGS sports programme.
- coaching and leadership opportunities within each sport.
- a possible career path or life-long involvement in sport beyond school.
A feature of this has been the number of our students progressing into representative teams for the previous season in their respective sports which will grow the base of our players skillsets to develop for higher honours.
How to Apply
The Academy of Sport continues to thrive. The high demand for places and the extremely high standard of applicants are indicative of the increasing awareness in the local community of what the Academy has to offer. However pure sporting ability is not the only criteria for selection. There must be recognition from students that they demonstrate behaviours and attributes that align with the “MAGS WAY” and also uphold standards of academic effort and focus in all subjects.
Enrolment to trial for the Academy of Sport is available to all students that have been offered a place at Mount Albert Grammar School. Once you receive your offer of place, you will receive an email regarding trialling for the Academy of Sport.
Sports Academy contracts
Each student who is offered a place in one of MAGS’ Sports Academies must sign the Sports Academy Contract relevant to their year level.
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MITCH NAIRN
DIRECTOR OF AQUATICS
The Mount Albert Grammar Aquatic Academy delivers a structured, year-round swimming programme designed to support athletes at every stage of their development — from fitness and foundation level through to national and international performance pathways.
Our programme has produced Aquablacks, national champions and record holders, while remaining grounded in the MAGS Way values of excellence, respect, integrity and personal responsibility.
We are proud to provide an environment where swimmers grow not only as athletes — but as leaders within the school and wider community.
Academy Squad Objectives – Competition Swimming
Fitness Squad
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- 3 sessions per week
- Aerobic development, skills and threshold training
- Flexible, supportive environment
Junior & Development Squad
- Structured technical development
- Racing skills and aerobic progression
- Entry into Swimming Auckland Level 2 & 3 meets, Junior Festival and AIMS Games
- Coach-led progression opportunities
National Age Squad
- Minimum 5 swim sessions per week
- Integrated strength & conditioning 2 times a week
- Test sets, race pace development and suited swimming
- Close mentoring from the Head Coach and Assistant Coach
Performance Squad
- Individualised event-based programming
- Long course and short course preparation
- Integrated strength & conditioning
- High-performance daily standards
Athlete progression between squads is based on performance standards, commitment and long-term development in and out of the water.
MAGS Swimming Sports
Held early in Term One, this event determines School Champions across three age groups (13 & Under, 14–15, 16 & Over). 50m events form the basis of selection for College Sport Auckland Zones.
College Sport Auckland Zones
Athletes are selected to represent MAGS in individual and relay events against the strongest school swimmers across Auckland. Only 50m events.
College Sport Champs of Champs
The finals event for the top swimmers across all Zones, featuring the best individual and relay teams in Auckland.
College Sport Individual Championships
An open event providing qualification opportunities toward national secondary school competition. All swimming distances and events available.
New Zealand Secondary School Championships
The premier high school swimming event in New Zealand. Swimmers must meet qualifying standards for individual events and then can be selected for relay representation at this four-day national championship.
Coaching Leadership
Mitchell Nairn – Head Coach
Olympic Coach (Paris 2024), World Championship gold medal-winning coach and NZSCTA Gold Licensed Coach. Mitchell has developed swimmers from grassroots to international podium success.
Liam Robertson – Assistant Coach
NZSCTA Bronze Licensed Coach with international sporting experience and a strong record of developing age group and secondary school medalists.
Together, they provide daily structure, accountability and athlete-centered development.
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MICHAEL TILLETT
DIRECTOR OF CRICKET
Our Cricket Academy is focused on creating a high-quality, player-centred environment that supports the long-term development of young cricketers. Led through the cricket programme at Mount Albert Grammar School, the academy emphasises strong technical foundations, tactical understanding, physical preparation, and mental skills, while reinforcing positive values and team culture.
We aim to provide clear development pathways for players of all abilities, ensuring every athlete is challenged, supported, and given the opportunity to enjoy the game. Through experienced coaching, structured training, and a high-performance mindset, the academy prepares players not only for school and representative cricket, but for success beyond the field as confident, disciplined, and resilient young people.
Michael Tillett is the Director of Cricket at Mount Albert Grammar School, where he provides strategic leadership across the entire cricket programme, overseeing player development, coaching structures, and high-performance outcomes. Mr Tillett has over 15 years of coaching experience and has coached and managed teams at both regional and national level, including Auckland Under 17, Auckland Under 19, Auckland ‘A’, the New Zealand Development XI, and serving as Manager of the New Zealand Under 19.
He has coached Auckland Under 19 for nine seasons, leading the programme to five national titles, and I am known for building strong, values-driven environments that balance performance, enjoyment, and personal growth. In his role as Director of Cricket, he is committed to creating clear development pathways, ensuring equal opportunities for all players, and developing young people both on and off the field, with many players progressing to first-class and representative cricket.
KATHY HENRY
DIRECTOR OF NETBALL
The MAGS Netball Academy was set up in 2000 by former Silver Fern Bernice Mene, and was designed for Year 9-10 girls. It was later led by former Silver Fern and New Zealand age group coach TeAroha Keenan, and is now overseen by Kathy Henry.
Kathy has been Head coach and an Assistant coach of two NNL teams as Northern Marvels and Northern Comets as well as many representative teams throughout the levels. Kathy has come to us from a Regional Development role and has been a selector for Netball Northern Zone and achieved her Netball New Zealand Performance Coach Qualification in 2016.
This wealth of knowledge has seen the growth of netball at the school, with players like Maria Folau, our first Premier Captain in 2004 and a key member of the Silver Ferns, continuing with the sport to a high level after leaving school.
The Premier team has lead the way throughout the years, having been winners of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Championship in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2025.
The purpose of our Netball Academy is two-fold. Firstly, to ensure we have a sustainable, diverse base of competent players who consistently apply the skills, values and leadership needed for our MAGS Premier Netball team to be competitive and “win” domestically and at a national level.
Secondly, our MAGS academy looks at the long-term development of athletes and their transition beyond secondary school netball. Our academy is structured around the MAGS Way and delivered within a Hauora framework.
In Year 9, students selected for the Netball Academy have two practical lessons per week with some basic theory work relating to rules, umpiring and game analysis.
The Year 10 Netball Academy class have two practical sessions and one theory session per week covering rules, nutrition, fitness, skill acquisition and development, and game analysis. Our Year 10 Netball Academy also travel nationally to play against different schools throughout the country.
IGNACIO COSTA
DIRECTOR OF RUGBY
Mount Albert Grammar School has a proud rugby tradition and continues to develop players who compete with pride, discipline, and respect for the jersey.
Our academy programme focuses on developing strong foundations in skill, character, and game understanding, while providing clear pathways from junior rugby through to senior teams and the First XV.
Rugby Academy
The MAGS Rugby Academy provides a development pathway for players in Year 9 and Year 10, focusing on building strong foundations for future success in senior rugby.
The academy focuses on:
- Core skill development
- Game understanding and decision making
- Physical preparation and good training habits
- Building strong team culture
The goal is to prepare players for the demands of senior rugby and provide a clear pathway towards the First XV.
Academy Philosophy
Developing skilled, intelligent, and resilient rugby players ready for First XV and beyond.
The MAGS Rugby Academy focuses on:
Skill First
Mastery of the core skills of rugby: catch, pass, carry, clean, and tackle.
Habits & Standards
Players are expected to be prepared, disciplined, and committed to improvement.
Team Culture
Our programme is built on connection, accountability, and pride in representing the school.
Pathway to Performance
A clear development pathway from junior rugby through to senior teams and the First XV.
Rugby Leadership
SHALOM SENARA
RUGBY BOYS 1ST XV HEAD COACH
The rugby programme is led by Director of Rugby Ignacio Costa alongside First XV Head Coach Shalom Senara.
Ignacio Costa brings extensive experience across school and club rugby in Auckland. He previously served as Director of Rugby at Eden Rugby Football Club and has been part of successful 1A coaching environments, including championship-winning teams at Kelston Boys’ High School.
Shalom Senara leads the academy alongside Ignacio while also serving as Head Coach of the MAGS First XV. Shalom has significant experience in the 1A rugby environment, having been part of successful coaching groups at King’s College, including a championship-winning season, as well as several years coaching within the programme at St Kentigern College.
Together, they aim to create an environment where players enjoy their rugby, work hard for one another, and take pride in representing Mount Albert Grammar School.