Illawarra Academy of Sport

19/06/2026

Good luck to the Socceroos as they take on the USA at the World Cup! 🇦🇺

Everyone at the Illawarra Academy of Sport and our major partner Community First Bank are proudly behind the green and gold and cheering on Australia on the world stage 💚💛

This image says it all. From an Illawarra Academy of Sport athlete to an 80-game Socceroo, Luke Wilkshire’s journey is proof that dreams can become reality.

Luke is currently sharing his insight with football fans across Australia as part of the SBS commentary team during the tournament, continuing to represent the IAS and Australian football with distinction.

Luke’s journey is an inspiration for our current athletes, and we’d love to see the next generation of Illawarra Academy of Sport stars one day wear the green and gold for Australia.

Good luck Socceroos! Bring it home!

17/06/2026

Shellharbour City Council Mayoral Reception ⭐️

Thank you to Shellharbour City Council and Mayor Chris Homer for their ongoing support of the IAS and for hosting a fantastic reception for our 2025/26 Shellharbour athletes.

It would not be possible for us to support our talented athletes and help them chase their dreams without the tremendous support from our local Councils ❤️🖤

🔗 Read more about the Shellharbour City Council Mayoral Reception at the link in our bio

15/06/2026

Have you demonstrated outstanding leadership this scholarship year?

We want to recognise you at the 2026 Athlete Awards Night and thanks to the DRB Group you could win $1,500 to put towards your future sporting endeavours❗

The 2026 Athlete Awards Night will be held on Friday August 28 at The Fraternity Club.

Swipe to read all the info →

⭐ Apply now at the link in our bio ⭐

13/06/2026

Are you an athlete in your final year with the IAS?

If you are, then the BaiMed Commitment to Excellence Award is for you❗

The BaiMed Commitment to Excellence Award will be presented to a graduating IAS athlete at our 2026 Athlete Awards Night on Friday August 28 at The Fraternity Club.

The award rewards an athlete who has demonstrated commitment to their training and development during their time at the IAS.

The award includes a 12-month membership with BaiMed Physiotherapy valued at over $3,700❗

💪 Swipe to read all the info →

⭐ Apply now at the link in our bio ⭐

12/06/2026

Stronger coaching for young athletes 💪

The Office of Sport are inviting all coaches to a free Community Coaching Conference for a practical day of learning and connection.

Hear from leading experts, explore evidence based coaching insights, and build skills to support young athletes. Connect with peers and strengthen your approach with tools you can apply in everyday community coaching environments.

Event details 👇

🗓 Friday 19 June 2026
🕘 9:30am to 3pm
📍 NSW Rugby League Centre of Excellence, Sydney Olympic Park
💲 FREE (includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea)

Don't miss the chance to attend this year's conference where you can network, learn and collaborate with the sport coaching sector.

🔗 Register for the event via the link in our bio

Illawarra District Netball Association
Kiama Netball Association
Shoalhaven Netball Association
Southern Highlands Netball Association
Illawarra South Coast Hockey Inc.
Southern Highlands Hockey Incorporated
Illawarra Volleyball

06/06/2026

🚨EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!🚨

Nominations are now open for the 2025/26 Illawarra Academy of Sport Athlete of the Year Awards❗️

There are several award categories:

⭐ DRB Group Tobin Family Athlete of the Year Award

Self-nomination for Future Stars athletes and Football NSW athletes.
All Athlete of the Year winners from the sports programs will be eligible for the DRB Group Tobin Family Athlete of the Year Award.
Thanks to the generous support of the DRB Group, the winner of the award will receive $10,000 to support them on their pathway to excellence❗

⭐ BaiMed Commitment to Excellence Award

The BaiMed Commitment to Excellence Award will be presented to an athlete in their final year with the IAS. The award rewards an athlete who has demonstrated commitment to their training and development during their time at the IAS.
The award includes a 12-month membership with BaiMed Physiotherapy valued at over $3,700❗

⭐ DRB Group Athlete Leadership Award

The DRB Group Athlete Leadership Award is presented to an athlete who demonstrates outstanding leadership throughout the scholarship year. This individual shows a strong commitment to personal development, inspires excellence in others, and represents the IAS and their sport with dignity.
Thanks to the generous support of the DRB Group, the winner of the award will receive $1,500 to support them on their pathway to excellence❗

🔗 See the link in our bio to nominate for an award, nominations close at 5pm on Friday June 26.

🗓 The 2025/26 Illawarra Academy of Sport Athlete of the Year Awards will he held on Friday August 28 at The Fraternity Club, more details will be announced soon.

We look forward to celebrating the outstanding achievements of our 2025/26 athletes, as well as the remarkable generosity of our sponsors, partners, coaches, managers, supporters, and the broader Illawarra community.

Office of Sport
UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia
City of Wollongong
Shellharbour City Council
Kiama Municipal Council
Shoalhaven City Council
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Community First Bank
BlueScope Australia
DRB Group
SOTO Consulting Engineers
Aceit
Qube Holdings
UOW UniActive
BaiMed Physiotherapy
NSW Institute of Sport

05/06/2026

Congratulations to Illawarra Academy of Sport President Sharon Wingate on being named a finalist for Volunteer Director of the Year at the 2026 NSW Community Sports Awards 👏

Through her outstanding volunteer leadership, Sharon has guided the IAS through significant change while keeping athletes and the community at the heart of every decision. Her commitment to strong governance, inclusion and athlete wellbeing has helped create opportunities for athletes from all backgrounds and strengthened the Academy’s impact across the Illawarra region.

This well-deserved recognition reflects Sharon’s dedication, vision and passion for supporting athletes and building a stronger community.

Congratulations Sharon, and best of luck at the awards 👏🏆



Sport NSW

03/06/2026

Over the weekend, athletes volunteered their time in aid of The Salvation Army Australia 2026 Red Shield Appeal ❤

The Salvation Army are the charity partner of the IAS and it is fantastic to see our athletes out making a difference by supporting a charity that contributes so much to the community.

The Red Shield Appeal is run annually to assist The Salvation Army in providing community service programs and social services.

Our athletes helped raise $1,500 over the weekend, fantastic effort! 👏

Thank you to all the athletes who volunteered their time to help out and thanks for your outstanding community spirit and for embodying the values of the Illawarra Academy of Sport ❤🖤



The Salvation Army Illawarra & South Coast - Public Relations

03/06/2026

⭐️ Congratulations to netball athlete Emily King who is the Community First Bank IAS Athlete of the Month winner for May ⭐️

🏆 Athlete of the Month: Emily!

From the netball court to the CrossFit floor — Emily is doing it ALL. Competing in the 14-15 age division at the 2026 CrossFit Open, she placed 1st in Australia 🇦🇺, 3rd in Oceania and 34th in the world. If that wasn't enough, she then took on Australia's biggest CrossFit event, the Torian Pro, and walked away with a 2nd place podium finish in the Teen Individual 14-15 division. 🔥

Emily, you are an absolute inspiration. We couldn't be prouder! 👏

29/05/2026

Congratulations to IAS alumni athlete Chase Grant who has been selected to represent Australia at the 2026 World U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon USA in August. Chase will compete in the Men's 400m and in the 4x400m Men's Relay 💚💛

Chase secured his spot on the Australian team by recently winning the Men's U20 400m and setting a personal best time of 46.21 seconds at the 2026 Australian Athletics Junior Championships in Brisbane 👏

Representing Australia is a dream come true for Chase and he is excited to wear the green and gold. Competing at the World U20 Championships is expensive with only part of the costs covered by Australian Athletics.

🔗 If you would like to help Chase as he looks to represent the Illawarra Academy of Sport on the world stage, head to the link in our bio and please make a donation ❤