Future Champions

Nominations for the 2026/27 program are now open

Nominate Here

The WRAS Future Champions program supports emerging athletes who aren’t eligible for existing Academy squads  and who are currently competing at the national level in their sport.

WRAS will pilot a strength and conditioning-only program within the Future Champions program in 2026-27. The pilot program will look to support athletes who are committed to progressing in their chosen sport, but who aren’t yet competing at a national level. 

Both programs aim to provide athletes the opportunity to further develop their skills and capabilities to excel in their chosen sport.

Program Partners

Selected Future Champions athletes receive:

  • Targeted Future Champions program integrated with athletes’ home training and coaching environment
  • Sports education, strength & conditioning, plus selective one-on-one and small group development sessions (as appropriate)
  • Access to sport‑specific S&C programs and facility (including testing and screening, when appropriate)
  • Performance education including psychology, nutrition, media and sponsorship, sport integrity, financial fitness and resilience pathways
 
Pilot Strength and Conditioning athletes receive:
  • Access to sport specific S&C programs and facility (including testing and screening, when appropriate)
 
 Additional WRAS benefits:
  • Access to Lumin (Academy athlete performance and management platform)
  • Support for award and scholarship nominations
  • Community engagement and corporate partner exposure
  • Promotion through WRAS media channels

Future Champions Program Eligibility Criteria

Athletes must:

  • Aged 14 – 18 years in 2027 
  • Not be eligible to apply for a WRAS squad based program in the same year
  • Be representing at a national level (i.e., playing for NSW against other states) within your chosen sport
  • Be a registered member of a local club or association within the Western region.
  • Reside in one of the following LGAs: Bathurst Regional, Bland, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Dubbo Regional, Forbes, Gilgandra, Hilltops, Lachlan, Lithgow, Mid-Western Regional, Narromine, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin.
 
Strength and Conditioning Pilot Program Eligibility Criteria

Athletes must:

  • Aged 14-18 years in 2027
  • Not be eligible to apply for a WRAS squad based program in the same year
  • Be committed to progression in their chosen sport
  • Be residing in the Bathurst or Orange LGAs
An athlete scholarship levy will apply, covering the above listed program benefits and more. Uniform costs are additional, with WRAS items purchased through the official supplier. Additional event costs may apply for specific workshop locations. 

Program Delivery Period

September 2026 – June 2027

Future Champions

Strength and Conditioning Pilot Athletes