Athletics

Nominations for the 2026/27 program are now open

Nominate Here

The WRAS Athletics program is part of a partnership with the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS).

This program provides a high‑performance development pathway for talented young track and field athletes, focusing on technical skills, strength and conditioning, athlete education, and personal growth. 

Athletes receive targeted skill development, seasonal training support, and preparation for high‑performance races. The program includes practical education in areas such as S&C, nutrition, sports psychology and injury management. WRAS athletes are expected to compete at the NSW and Australian All Schools as well as the Australian Junior Track and Field Championships.

 

Program Partners

Selected athletes receive:

  • High‑quality coaching in a squad environment
  • Access to quality training facilities
  • Strength & Conditioning assessment and programming
  • Sports science testing and high‑performance training support
 

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

Program Eligibility Criteria

Athletes must:

  • Turning 13 or 17 in 2027 
  • Be committed to progressing to higher representation within Athletics.
  • Athletes must meet the performance standards for their event(s) as outlined by Athletics Australia – Athletics Australia Performance Standards 2025
  • Be a registered member of an Athletics club 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.
An athlete scholarship levy will apply, covering the above listed program benefits and more. Uniform costs are additional, with Athletics‑specific and WRAS items purchased through the official supplier. Additional event costs may apply.

Program Delivery Period

August 2026 – July 2027*

August 2026 – Online Orientation

WRAS Athletes are expected to compete in,

  • 26-29 September, 2026, NSW All Schools, SOPAC
  • December 4-6, 2026, Australian All Schools, WA Athletics Stadium, Perth
  • January 2027, NSW Country Championships, Location TBC
  • April 2027, Australian Junior Track and Field Championships
  • June 2027, WRAS Presentation
 

Training events to be confirmed and communicated via Lumin once the athletes have been confirmed.

Strength and conditioning will commence in line with Term 4, 2026 with locations and providers to be communicated via Lumin once confirmed.

Coaches

 

Athletes