Sarah Coyte Appointed to Lead New Sydney Thunder T20 Youth Academy

Sydney Thunder has appointed World Cup winner, Sarah Jane Coyte, as the inaugural T20 Youth Academy director.

The move is a cornerstone of the Thunder’s new push to dominate the Western Sydney talent pathway, providing specialised T20 coaching to aspiring cricketers aged 10–16.

Coyte brings an unparalleled resume to the role, including two ICC T20 World Cup titles and an incredible 10 Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) championships. Her appointment follows the Academy’s launch late last year in partnership with Century Cricket, aimed at meeting the soaring demand for high-performance T20 development.

Commenting on her new position, Coyte, said: “I’m very excited to take on the role of  Sydney Thunder Youth Academy Director.”

“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.

“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,” Coyte noted. 

High-Performance Leadership

Coyte’s international experience, including being named Player of the Final in Australia’s 2014 T20 World Cup victory, is expected to provide a “new level of expertise” to the coaching staff. The Academy structure is designed to be inclusive, offering specialized coaching across different age groups and abilities.

While Term 1 enrolments have officially closed, Terms 2-4 remain open for registration. The next 6-week intensive program is scheduled to commence on Monday, 4 May 2026.

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