Excitement is building across the Tamworth region as preparations ramp up for the 2026 Your Local Club Regional Academy Games, with the town once again set to welcome some of New South Wales’ most talented emerging athletes from April 17th-19th.
Hosted by the Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) on behalf of the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network, the 2026 Games continue NIAS’s role as host Academy as part of its three‑year hosting tenure. The event will see close to 1,000 young athletes converge on Tamworth, competing across six sports: Basketball, Golf, Hockey, Netball, Triathlon and Softball.
Venues across the Tamworth region will come alive as athletes, coaches, families and supporters gather from all 11 Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) throughout New South Wales, including the Central Coast, Far West, Illawarra, Hunter, North Coast, Northern Inland, South East, South West Sydney, Southern, Western Region and Western Sydney Academies of Sport. Guest teams from Sydney will also participate in the 2026 Games.
NIAS Regional Manager Sue Charles said the Games continue to play a vital role in both athlete development and community connection.
“The Your Local Club Regional Academy Games offer a unique opportunity to bring together the very best emerging athletes from across the state, while also celebrating regional communities and the power of sport to inspire,” Charles said.
“Following a strong first year in Tamworth, we’re excited to build on that momentum in 2026 and continue delivering an event that showcases talent, teamwork and pride in regional New South Wales.”
The 2026 Your Local Club Academy Games are proudly supported by a valued group of partners whose ongoing commitment to youth sport and regional development helps ensure the Games deliver lasting impact for athletes and the Tamworth community. RAS and NIAS acknowledges the support of Clubs NSW (Your local club), the NSW Office of Sport, Tamworth Regional Council, Regional Australia Bank, The University of New England, Wests Entertainment Group, Tamworth Toyota, and media partners NBN News and the Super Radio Network (2TM AM, 92.9 FM).
Further details, including schedules and event updates, will be available via www.academygames.com.au.
