Future Champions

Nominations for the 2026/27 program open in October

Register Your Interest

The NIAS Future Champions program supports emerging athletes who aren’t eligible for existing Academy squads, helping them progress toward state and national representation.

The program exists to complement the athlete’s ongoing individual skill development and performance opportunities currently provided within their chosen sporting field, and with their individual coach or club.

Program Partners

RAB_Logo

Selected athletes receive:

  • Targeted Future Stars program integrated with athletes’ home training and coaching environment
  • Sports education, strength & conditioning, plus selective one-on-one and small group development sessions
  • Access to Academy testing, Functional Movement Screening, supervised gym education and sport‑specific S&C programs
  • Skill acquisition clinics and individual athlete management coaching support
  • Performance Wellbeing education including psychology, nutrition, media and sponsorship, sport integrity, financial fitness and resilience pathways

Additional NIAS benefits:

  • Access to Lumin (Academy athlete performance and management platform)
  • Support for award and scholarship nominations
  • Community engagement and corporate partner exposure
  • Promotion through NIAS media channels

Program Eligibility Criteria

Athletes must:

  • Aged 14 – 18 years in 2026 
  • Not be eligible to apply for a NIAS squad based program in the same year
  • Be committed to progressing to higher representation within your chosen sport
  • Be a registered member of a local club or association within the Northern Inland region.
  • Reside in one of the following LGAs: Armidale, Glen Innes Severn, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Uralla, and Warrumbungle.
An athlete scholarship levy will apply, covering the above listed program benefits and more. Uniform costs are additional, with NIAS items purchased through the official supplier. Additional event costs may apply for specific workshop locations. 

Program Delivery Period

All of 2026 season

Abbie Peet – Athletics
Elizabeth Faris – Benchrest Shooting
Eli McGinty – Football
Imogen Biddle – Cross Country/Athletics
Isabella Henderson – Rowing
Jackson Crawford McCosker – Cricket
Lennon Simmonds – Football