Indigenous
Nominations for the 2027 program will open in June 2027
The NCAS Indigenous program is delivered in partnership with Underwriting Agencies Australia and the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network.
Program Partners
What is Talent ID?
Talent ID is designed to identify people with specific skills, personal qualities and physical attributes that may lead that person to become a high-performing athlete. It is much more than just assessing a person’s physical capabilities, it includes the emotional side of performance, aspects like; desire, determination, resilience and so forth. These qualities are found in elite performance athletes.
Who: Secondary-School aged Male and Female Indigenous, First Nation, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Athletes from the North Coast Academy of Sport Catchment areas, who live, attend school in or play sport in Tweed, Byron, Lismore, Ballina, Kyogle, Richmond River, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey and Port Macquarie-Hastings.
What: Sport Talent Identification Day.
Cost: There is no cost to attend this day for Indigenous students. Participation includes Lunch and an Indigenous-themed performance shirt, incorporating designs from Academy Indigenous Athletes
How to be involved: Speak to your school sports teacher or school Indigenous Liaison Officer and ask them complete this form with you.
Program Overview
Participants will take part in an engaging, multi-sport session where they rotate through a range of activities, including sport-specific skill drills, modified games, and fitness testing. The day is designed to be fun and inclusive, giving every student the opportunity to showcase their abilities across different sports.
Throughout the session, qualified coaches will observe and assess each participant. At the conclusion of the day, selected athletes will be identified and invited to take the next step in the NCAS pathway.
These athletes will be offered a place in a complimentary 6–8 week NCAS Strength and Conditioning program, designed to build physical capacity and support their ongoing development. They will also be encouraged to apply and trial for an NCAS sporting program.
Through the support of UAA, up to twenty (20) athletes will be awarded fully funded Indigenous Athlete Scholarships. Athletes who are successfully selected into an NCAS sporting program will have their program levy covered in full (valued at approximately $500–$600).
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the Indigenous Talent ID event, applicants must first identify as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. Proof of descent may be requested.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
- The program is open to male and female athletes aged 12–18 years.
- Applicants must currently reside within one of the following Local Government Areas (LGAs):
Tweed, Byron, Lismore, Ballina, Kyogle, Richmond River, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey and Port Macquarie-Hastings. - Applicants must be endorsed by the school and/or sporting organisation they attend or represent.
Key Dates
2027 dates TBC
2026 Squad
