Athletics

Expressions of interest for the 2027 program are now open

Register Here

The HAS 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, along with opportunities to represent HAS at events, inter‑academy sessions and camps. 

 

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
  • Two-day Athletics Performance workshop featuring specialised technical coaching, performance testing, recovery sessions, and workshops on goal setting, media skills, and team building. 

Additional HAS benefits:

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

Program Eligibility Criteria

Athletes must:

  • Turning 13-17 in 2026 
  • 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 Hunter region.
  • Reside in one of the following LGAs: Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens, Dungog, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Upper Hunter Shire, Mid-Coast.
     
The athlete levy contributes towards the overall cost of delivering the Academy programs. Within our high performance programs are items including: 
 
  • Coaching*
  • Access to training facilities*
  • Strength & Conditioning assessments and programming*
  • Sports science testing*
  • Access to Academy Games* (relevant sports/age groups only)
  • Insurance
* Please note, Items marked with an Asterix are components supported through NSW Government grant funding. The grant contribution from the NSW government is limited to costs and activities identified in the approved Project Plan. The remaining portion of the athlete levy contributes towards costs associated with delivering and administering the Academy that are not covered by the NSW Government grant funding.

Program Delivery Period

July 2026 – December 2026 

Testing July 27th Mingara 8am-12pm

2 Day Workshop – Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th November 2026

Alexis Rhodes

Ellena Halloran

Lilly Baker

Sienna Drage

Sydnee Farrelly

Tahlia Smith

Tayla Byrant

Leila Harris

Jacob Tonga

Lincoln Greentree

Zachary West

Zachary Thomson