Athletics

Nominations for the 2027 Program have now closed
Expression of Interest for 2028

The SSA 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. SSA athletes are expected to compete at the NSW and Australian All Schools as well as the Australian Junior Track and Field Championships.

 

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
 

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

Program Eligibility Criteria

Athletes must:

  • Turning 13 to 17 in 2027 
  • 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 Southern Region.
  • Reside in one of the following LGAs: Albury, Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Edward River, Federation, Greater Hume, Griffith, Hay, Hilltops, Junee, Leeton, Lockhart, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, Snowy Valleys, Temora, Wagga Wagga, Wentworth
An athlete scholarship levy of $500 + GST applies and covers the program benefits outlined above, along with a range of additional athlete development opportunities throughout the season.
 
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

September 2026 July 2027

COMPULSORY 

  • 24 October 2026, SSA Training Session, Bill Jacob Athletics Centre, Wagga
  • 21 November 2026, SSA Training Session, Bill Jacob Athletics Centre, Wagga 
  • 23 January 2027, SSA Training Session, Bill Jacob Athletics, Wagga Wagga
  • 13 February 2027, SSA Training Session, Bill Jacob Athletics, Wagga Wagga

 

OPTIONAL but encouraged

  • 26-29 September 2026, NSW All Schools, SOPAC
  • 10 October 2026, Dubbo Track and Field Spring Meet (optional)
  • 7-8 November 2026, Central Coast Academy of sport athletics Camp (optional) 
  • 4-6 December, 2026, Australian All Schools, WA Athletics Stadium, Perth
  • 6 December 2026, Riverina Zone Championship, Wagga 
  • 15-17 January 2027, NSW Country Championships, Location, Wollongong
  • 6-7 February 2027, Regional Championships, Wagga
  • 20-21 February 2027, NSW State Combined Carnival, Dubbo 
  • April 2027, Australian Junior Track and Field Championships
  • July 2027, SSA Presentation
 

Strength and conditioning will commence in line with Term 4, 2026 with locations and providers to be communicated via Lumin once confirmed.

COACHES:

Head Coach – Greg Wiencke
Sprints– Matt Brunt 
Jumps– Madelyn Jones 
Throws – 
Middle Distance – Jared Kahlefeldt

ATHLETES:

Andrew Savage
Bailey Evans
Ella Steenbergen
Ethan Dimitrovski
Izzy Doherty
Joshua Evans
Kiara Carberry
Lachlan Campbell
Layla Codemo

ATHLETES:

Layla Matthews
Lily Paton
Milla Kahlefeldt
Olivia Cassidy
Olivia Kahlefeldt
Oscar Fellows
Samson Curry
Will Roden
Xavier Curran