Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS)

12/09/2026

📍 NIAS ATHLETICS PROGAM COMMENCES AT COFFS HARBOUR

Today, NIAS athletes have come together at Coffs Harbour with fellow athletes from North Coast Academy of Sport to kick off the first Athlete Development Program weekend.

The day packed with strength and fitness testing, athlete development workshops, and goal setting activities, giving athletes the opportunity to learn more about their training, performance, and personal development.

It's fantastic to see athletes from across the region connecting, challenging themselves, and building the foundations for a successful season ahead.

The two academy squads will meet at workshops in Tamworth in October and Ballina in November.

11/09/2026

🌟 SOFTBALL NEWS 🌟

Congratulations to Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) Softball Athlete Phillipa Cracknell for her selection in the Softball NSW Under 16 Girls Team 2027!

Congratulations to all athletes and officials, 2027 U16 Womens Team competing for Esther Deason Shield 14–19 Dec 2026, Mirrabooka International Softball Stadium, WA

10/09/2026

💛 R U OK? 💛

A simple question can make a big difference.

Today, we’re checking in with our athletes, coaches, families and Academy community.

Ask the question. Listen. Stay connected. Sometimes, just being there is enough.

👉 Learn more: ruok.org.au/sport

08/09/2026

02/09/2026

⭐ READY TO BE TO UNLOCK YOUR SPORTING TALENT? ⭐

Applications are open for the NIAS Multicultural Talent ID Day 2026!

This is a fantastic opportunity for young athletes to showcase their skills, be identified by NIAS coaches, and potentially earn a fully funded NIAS scholarship.

📅 Thursday 24 September
⏰ 9.30am - 2.00pm
📍 SportUNE, Armidale
⚠️ Numbers are limited

Eligible participants must:

✅ Be Ezidi, Congolese or CALD/Multicultural
✅ Be aged 13-17 years
✅ Attend a school in the Armidale Regional Council area

Don't miss your chance to be identified as a future sports star!

📋 Apply now: NIAS MULTICULTURAL TALENT ID DAY 2026 SPORTUNE ARMIDALE

01/09/2026

🏀 2026/27 NIAS BASKETBALL NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! 🏀

NIAS is now accepting nominations for our 2026/27 Basketball Programs, proudly delivered in partnership with Basketball NSW.

Development Athlete Program (DAP)
U14-U15 athletes (born 2013-2014)

Regional Performance Development Program
U16-U18 athletes (born 2010-2012)

Both programs provide:
✅ High-quality coaching
✅ Strength, power, mobility and recovery education
✅ Nutrition and mental skills sessions
✅ Training camps & competition opportunities
✅ Athlete development aligned with the Basketball NSW pathway
✅ A chance to progress to higher-level representative programs

• NIAS Trials: Saturday 17 Oct 2026
• Venue: Tamworth Sports Dome
• Time : 10am - 3pm
• Trial Fee : $20
Nominations close 30 September 2026

Think you've got what it takes? For further details and to apply go to Basketball - Regional Academies of Sport

27/08/2026

🏐 NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN | 2026/27 NIAS NETBALL & NETBALL UMPIRES PROGRAMS 🏐

The Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS), proudly endorsed and supported by Netball NSW, is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026/27 Netball and Netball Umpires Programs.

If you're a talented young netballer or an aspiring umpire looking to take the next step in your development, this is your opportunity to be part of a recognised pathway program designed to help regional athletes and officials reach their potential.
✅ Specialist coaching and mentoring
✅ Strength & conditioning support
✅ Athlete education sessions
✅ Pathway opportunities through Academy Games, inter-academy camps and more
✅ Talent Identification Days across the region

Eligibility
🏐 Netball athletes aged 15-16 years (born 2011 or 2012)
🏐 Netball Umpires athletes aged 14-18 years (born 2009-2013)
🏐 Athletes residing or attending school in Northern Inland region. Scone athletes may trial for either the NIAS or the Hunter Academy of Sport Netball Programs but not both
📅 Nominations Close: Wednesday 30 September 2026
📍 Trials: Saturday 17 October 2026
📍 Venue: Tamworth Sports Dome
🕙 Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm
💲 Trial Fee: $20

Apply at https://thinksport.my.site.com/s/applications

We encourage regional, athletes and umpires across the Northern Inland region to get involved and take the next step in their netball journey.

24/08/2026

🏃NOMINATIONS CLOSING SOON 🏃
Be quick! Applications close Sunday, 30 August 2026.

Applications are now open for the 2026 NIAS Athletics Program, supporting talented track and field athletes aged 13–19 across the Northern Inland.
The program is three intensive two-day workshops in Coffs Harbour, Tamworth and Ballina, providing athletes with concentrated access to specialist coaching and high-performance development while complementing their existing club training.
Program Highlights:
🏃Technical development across track & field events
💪Strength & conditioning and physical preparation
🥗Nutrition and sports psychology education
🤝Collaboration with athletes and coaches
The three camps will take place from September-November preparing athletes for key athletics events in late 2026 and early 2027.
📲Applications are now open: https://thinksport.my.site.com/s/applications

21/08/2026

🚵‍♀️ MTB NEWS 🚵‍♀️

Good luck to NIAS Mountain Bike athlete Becky Sams as she lines up against the world's best junior downhill riders at the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Les Gets, France this weekend.

Becky has earned her place on the Junior Women's Downhill entry list for one of the sport's most iconic World Cup venues, competing on the international stage against elite young athletes from around the globe. The Les Gets round is part of the 2026 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup series and is one of the premier events on the downhill calendar.

Good luck Becky! We can't wait to follow your World Cup journey.

17/08/2026

🏃 NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN 🏃

Applications are now open for the 2026 NIAS Athletics Program, supporting talented track and field athletes aged 13–19 across the Northern Inland.

The program is three intensive two-day workshops in Coffs Harbour, Tamworth and Ballina, providing athletes with concentrated access to specialist coaching and high-performance development while complementing their existing club training.

Program Highlights:
🏃 Technical development across track & field events
💪 Strength & conditioning and physical preparation
🥗 Nutrition and sports psychology education
🤝 Collaboration with athletes and coaches

The three camps will take place from September-November preparing athletes for key athletics events in late 2026 and early 2027.

📲 Applications are now open: https://thinksport.my.site.com/s/applications

Be quick — applications close Sunday, 30 August 2026.