When thinking about Central Coast Sports College (CCSC), it’s easy to picture modern sporting facilities and elite athletic programs. But for parents like Brie Dawson, the College represents something bigger: an incubator for the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
Recently, we sat down with Brie to discuss her experience as a CCSC parent, the unique learning environment that the College offers, and why the CCSC Foundation is an important initiative for our local community.
CCSC: Many families are drawn to the College for its athletic programs. What makes the school stand out to you beyond sports?
Brie: A lot of parents are drawn towards our school because of its incredible sporting facilities and the opportunities it provides for young student athletes. But what many don’t realise is that it’s also an incredible place for children and young adults to learn. They’re constantly encouraged to have an idea, investigate it, build it into something tangible, and potentially turn that into a lifelong career.
CCSC: You mention careers – how do you feel CCSC prepares student athletes for life after school?
Brie: CCSC nurtures ambition in a way that translates to the real world. Currently, there are many budding entrepreneurs in our high school who are already running their own businesses. As someone who’s in a hiring position here on the Central Coast, seeing that level of initiative is so exciting.
CCSC: Finding the right educational fit for your child can be a process. What was that journey like for your family?
Brie: As parents, we spend our lives trying to ensure we choose pathways for our kids that will guide them towards meaningful and fulfilling lives as adults. Schooling is such an important foundation in ensuring that happens.
Picking the right school can be stressful at the best of times. But when it comes to the College and its entirely innovative approach to education, it truly stands in a league of its own. We knew it would be the perfect environment for our child and family.
Once we decided CCSC was the right school for us, the enrolment and trial process was filled with anticipation and nervous energy, simply because we really wanted our child to get in.
Now, as an engaged parent on the school’s committee, I look back on what was a time of stress and realise that we were deeply privileged. We had the financial means to be in a position of opportunity with our choices, and not every family has that luxury.
The impact of the CCSC Foundation
CCSC: From a parent’s perspective, why is the CCSC Foundation so important?
Brie: The CCSC Foundation creates opportunities for Central Coast children and parents whose values align with the College but who lack financial access. Through no fault of their own, these families wouldn’t otherwise be able to provide this pathway. As a parent, it’s a heartbreaking thought to know exactly where your child would thrive but not be able to give them that opportunity.
CCSC: What would you say to someone considering a donation?
Brie: I want other parents to know why the CCSC Foundation is such an incredible thing to be a part of. When I think about what donating to the Foundation means, it’s so much more than just giving money to a school. You’re directly changing the pathway and the course of a family’s future within our local community.
How you can support young people in our community
You can help ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way of a student athlete’s potential. Every contribution, big or small, helps our next generation of leaders. There are three ways you can get involved:
Donate to make a difference: Make a tax-deductible donation to the Scholarship or Building Funds to directly support deserving young people and help construct world-class facilities for our campus.
Join our upcoming golf day: Register a team of four or join as an individual for the CCSC Foundation Golf Day on Friday, October 23, at Shelly Beach Golf Club. It’s a fantastic day out featuring an 18-hole Ambrose format, food, and prizes.
Become a corporate sponsor: Showcase your business and support the local community by sponsoring a hole at the Golf Day or by providing ongoing assistance. Sponsorship packages are available; please get in touch with our team to find out more.
Looking for an independent school on the Central Coast for your child?
If you’re searching for a learning environment that helps set your child up for success, we invite you to discover the CCSC difference. Learn more about our approach or book a tour today.