Future Stars
Nominations for the 2026/27 program open in October
The SSA Future Stars 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 Benefits
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 SSA benefits:
- Access to Lumin (Academy athlete performance and management platform)
- Support for award and scholarship nominations
- Community engagement and corporate partner exposure
- Promotion through SSA media channels
Athlete Eligibility
Program Eligibility Criteria
Athletes must:
- Aged 12 – 25 years in 2026
- Not be eligible to apply for a SSA 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 Southern region.
- Reside in the Southern LGA catchment area.
Athlete Levy
An athlete scholarship levy will apply, covering the above listed program benefits and more. Uniform costs are additional, with SSA items purchased through the official supplier. Additional event costs may apply for specific workshop locations.
Key Dates
Program Delivery Period
All of 2026 season
2026 Squad
Alexis Phillips – Cycling
Ben Devries – Triathlon
Ella Steenbergen – Athletics/Soccer
Jacob McLachlan – Cycling
Ruby Miller – Deaf Football
Sydney Chittenden – Cycling
Xavier Jones – Swimming
