Sarah Coyte appointed Thunder T20 Youth Academy Director

Click here to register for Terms 2-4! 

Coyte, who boasts 81 matches across all formats for Australia, made her international debut in 2010 with 2-18 off four overs in her first T20I, playing a pivotal role in the side’s four-wicket victory over New Zealand.  

She went on to star at the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s third‑highest wicket‑taker and earning Player of the Final honours as Australia claimed the title. 

Her decorated career also includes a Women’s Cricket World Cup (2013), two T20 World Cups, 10 WNCL titles and two WBBL championships.  

The Academy, announced late last year, is a new program created to give aspiring cricketers aged 10–16 the chance to train and play like their Thunder heroes. 

Its development is a result of rising demand for specialised T20 coaching, to open more pathways for young talent across Western Sydney and now with Coyte on board, young athletes are guaranteed a new level of expertise.  

Coyte said:   
“I’m very excited to take on the role of Thunder Youth Academy Director. It’s a great opportunity to work with some exceptional coaches and see young kids develop their game through a really great program.  

“Over the course of the academy, I’m looking forward to watching kid's games develop not only with bat and ball, but with game knowledge and leadership skills. I’m also looking forward to helping the coaches develop their skills working with different age groups and abilities.  

“Cricket isn’t just about batting and bowling. This Academy has factored in all the traits and training that take a player's game to the next level. Being part of the Thunder Youth Academy is the next step for any aspiring kids to become the best cricketer they can be.”

Sydney Thunder T20 Development Academy Program Hubs In 2026 will be based at two outstanding facilities: the world‑class Cricket Central in Silverwater and the newly opened Raby Indoor Cricket Centre in Campbelltown. 

Programs at Cricket Central will run on Monday and Wednesday evenings, while programs at Raby Indoor Cricket Centre will take place on Monday evenings. 

While Term 1 enrolments are closed, Terms 2-4 are still available with the next 6-week program starting on Monday, May 4.