Athletics

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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 the Southern LGA catchment area.
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.
 
Uniform costs are additional, with Athletics‑specific and SSA items purchased through the official supplier.
 
Additional event costs may apply.

Program Delivery Period

September 2026 July 2027

SSA Athletes are expected to compete in,

  • 26-29 September 2026, NSW All Schools, SOPAC
  • 10 October 2026, Dubbo Track and Field Spring Meet (optional)
  • 24 October 2026, SSA Training Session, Bill Jacob Athletics Centre, Wagga
  • 7-8 November 2026, Central Coast Academy of sport athletics Camp (optional) 
  • 21 November 2026, SSA Training Session, Bill Jacob Athletics Centre, Wagga 
  • 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
  • 23 January 2027, SSA Training Session, Bill Jacob Athletics 
  • 6-7 February 2027, Regional Championships, Wagga
  • 13 February 2027, SSA Training Session, Bill Jacob Athletics
  • 20-21 February 2027, NSW State Combined Carnival, Dubbo 
  • April 2027, Australian Junior Track and Field Championships
  • July 2027, SSA Presentation
 

Training events to be confirmed and communicated via Lumin once the athletes have been confirmed.

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

Coaches:

Sprints- Matt Brunt 

Jumps- Madelyn Jones 

Throws – Bob Hay 

Middle Distance – Jared Kahlefeldt

Athletes