The 2026 Your Local Club Regional Academy Games have been officially launched in Tamworth, with athletes, officials, partners and community leaders gathering at The Courts at East on Thursday, 5 March, to mark the occasion.
Delivered annually by the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS), the Games bring together academy athletes from across New South Wales to compete in an environment designed to mirror high-performance sport. The event combines competition, education and talent identification opportunities and continues to serve as a key pathway for young athletes aspiring to state, national and international representation.
Tamworth Regional Council Deputy Mayor Geoff Budd, RAS Chair Darryl Clout and RAS Advancement Services Manager Shona Eichhorn addressed the official launch, highlighting the importance of strong regional pathways and the role the Games play in supporting local sporting communities.
Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) athletes Laura Hall (hockey), Piper Blinman (softball), Benji Ralston (golf) and Bayley Ralston (golf) also spoke at the event, sharing their experiences within academy programs and the value of high-quality coaching, training and competition.
NIAS alumnus Julia Boland delivered the keynote address, reflecting on her journey from regional athlete to international competition and the role academy programs played in her development.
NIAS Regional Manager Sue Charles said the Games provide an important platform for emerging athletes across the region.
“The Academy Games is more than a competition – it’s a proving ground for regional talent. By replicating elite standards across six sports and connecting athletes with quality coaching and education, we’re helping young people see what’s possible and take confident steps toward higher representation.”
The Your Local Club Regional Academy Games continue to strengthen regional athlete pathways through high-quality competition, athlete education programs, talent identification opportunities and development for coaches and officials.
Event details, sport schedules and updates for the 2026 Games are available at www.academygames.com.au.
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