Future champions

Nominations for the 2027 Program have now closed

Expression of Interest for 2028

The SSA Future Champions 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. 

Selected athletes receive:

  • Targeted Future Champions 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

Program Eligibility Criteria

Athletes must:

  • Aged 12 – 25 years in 2027 
  • 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.

An Athlete Scholarship Levy of $0 applies to athletes selected in the top-tier Future Champion category, with levies applying to athletes in the lower tiers. This levy covers the program benefits outlined above, as well as a range of additional athlete development opportunities throughout the season.

Uniform costs are additional, with SSA items to be purchased through the official supplier.

Additional event costs may also apply throughout the season.

Program Delivery Period

September 2026 – June 2027

TIER ONE
Ben Devries
Toby Gould
Jacob McLachlan
Eden O’Connell