Athletics

Applications for the 2026 program are now closed. 

Register your interest here

The NIAS Athletics 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 competition.

The 2026 program will consist of three, two-day intensive training weekends held between September – November. The weekends will be hosted across Coffs Harbour, Tamworth and Ballina to maximise regional access and provide a mix of parent-supported and live-in delivery formats. 

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
 

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: 

  • Turning 13-19 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 2025-26
  • Be a registered member of an Athletics club 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, Walcha and Warrumbungle.
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.
 

An athlete levy of $600+GST will apply, covering the above listed program benefits and more. Uniform costs are additional, with Athletics‑specific and NIAS items purchased through the official supplier. Additional event costs may apply.

 

Training Camps

Camp 1 –  12-13 September – Coffs Harbour

Camp 2 – 10-11 October – Tamworth

Camp 3 – 14-15 November – Ballina

 

Coaches

Jacob Woodbury
Sam Jones
Zenon Kowalczyk

Squad

Abbie Peet
Charlotte Williams
Dakota Harries
Harrison Akers
Imogen Biddle
Ruby Cygan
Tully Renaud
Zander Hofman