Netball
Nominations for the 2026/27 program open in October
The NIAS Netball program is part of a partnership between Netball NSW and Regional Academies of Sport (RAS).
The program focuses on long-term individual development, unlocking potential both on and off the court for athletes aged 15-16, who receive technical and tactical skill development, along with fitness, strength, and speed support.
NIAS Netball athletes train regularly as a squad, and also come together for Academy Camps, Academy Games, and the Academy Challenge – unique experiences that foster growth, competition, and connection.
Program Partners
Program Benefits
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
- Opportunities to represent NIAS at events
- Education in technical, tactical, and personal Netball development
- Academy uniform kit (additional cost)
- Participation in Your Local Club Academy Games, Netball NSW Academy Challenge and Inter-Academy netball activities
- Identification and nomination for Netball NSW Emerging Talent Programs
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
Pathway
The NIAS Netball Program aligns with the Netball NSW ‘Sparkle, Strive, Shine’ pathway, which also aligns with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) FTEM (Foundation, Talent, Elite, Mastery) framework. The NIAS Netball Program is part of the T2 phase of the pathway, progressing athletes from Emerging Talent (ET) to Talent.
Athlete Eligibility
Program Eligibility Criteria
Athletes must:
- Turning 15 or 16 in 2027 (born 2011 or 2012)
- Be committed to progressing to higher representation within Netball.
- Be a registered member of a Netball 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, and Warrumbungle.
Athlete Levy
Key Dates
Program Delivery Period
October 2026 to April 2027
Key Events (Indicative)
- Academy Games: 10th-12th April, 2026
- Netball NSW Academy Challenge: TBC
- Netball NSW Talent ID & State Events: TBC
2025/26 Squad
Head Coach
Amy Evans
Assistant Coach
Caitlin Bryce
Lisa Fox
Manager
Lauren Smart
Addison Grobler
Amber Willoughby
Annabelle Hamilton
Anika Boney
Armannii Ramire
Charlie Martin
Dakota Harries
Danyela Bailey
Eliza O’Connor
Eva Maloney
Indy Monaghan
Koby King
Lily Dean
Maeve Curry
Melita Howard
Mia Goodfellow
Miley Taber
Millie Macey
Paige Floyd
Ruby Irwin
Sienna Swain
Tayla Swanbrough
