Policies, programs and supporting structures
Programs and initiatives to support and encourage individuals from regional and remote Australian communities to participate in and take on leadership roles in all aspects of sport.
State and Territory
Regional Academies of Sport
Regional academy programs may be state government or community organisations. They generally have close working relationships with their respective State Institutes/Academies of Sport (part of the National Institute Network (NIN)) but maintain their own governance structure.
State and local government authorities help to fund regional academies. They work cooperatively with state sporting organisations (SSOs) to provide additional athlete support and training/competition opportunities for talented youth, between the ages of 12 and 18 years.
More information on the structure and governance of the high performance system in Australia is available in the Structure of Australian Sport topic.
Regional Academy of Sport Grant Program Recipients, opens in a new tab, NSW Office of Sport, (accessed 28 August 2025). The NSW Office of Sport supports and provides grants to Regional Academies of Sport in the state. In 2023, eleven Regional Academies and Regional Academies of Sport Inc. NSW received funding for up to 3 years (2023-2025).
The NSW regional academies help developing athletes reach their potential by providing specialist services within a local environment. Regional academies provide a stepping stone for athletes on the pathway to elite athlete development as they progress from local club to NSW Institute of Sport support.
- Central Coast Academy of Sport, opens in a new tab (Mingara)
- Hunter Academy of Sport, opens in a new tab (Newcastle)
- Illawarra Academy of Sport, opens in a new tab (Wollongong)
- North Coast Academy of Sport, opens in a new tab (Lismore)
- Northern Inland Academy of Sport, opens in a new tab (Tamworth)
- South West Sydney Academy of Sport, opens in a new tab (Campbelltown)
- Southern Sports Academy, opens in a new tab (Wagga Wagga)
- Western Region Academy of Sport, opens in a new tab (Bathurst)
- Western Sydney Academy of Sport, opens in a new tab (Parramatta)
- Far West Academy of Sport, opens in a new tab (Warren)
- South East Sports Academy, opens in a new tab (South East NSW)
Regional Academies of Sport (RASi), opens in a new tab is a network of nine independent community-based academies operating across New South Wales. Member Academies include Central Coast Academy of Sport, Hunter Academy of Sport, Illawarra Academy of Sport, North Coast Academy of Sport, Northern Inland Academy of Sport, Southern Sports Academy, South West Sydney Academy of Sport, Western Region Academy of Sport and Western Sydney Academy of Sport.
Gold Coast Academy of Sport, opens in a new tab (GCAS). A not-for-profit organisation that aims to offer the community inclusive sports development programs for youth who are committed to high achievement. The Academy is the first in Queensland. The business partners of the GCAS include the Gold Coast City Council, local business on the Gold Coast, and a host of other corporate sponsors.
Limestone Coast Academy of Sport , opens in a new tab(LCAS). Provides aspiring young athletes that have demonstrated sporting talent and physical abilities the chance to access elite localised training and development programs and coaches from the Limestone Coast region.
Sport and Recreation Victoria, opens in a new tab assist in the development of an elite sport pathway for Victorian athletes, coaches, officials and administrators through the provision of support to the Victorian Institute of Sport and Regional Academies of Sport.
The Victorian Regional Academy of Sport Network includes six regional academies for emerging athletes to commence on a high-performance pathway to elite competition. Each of these academies operates on a similar model to the Victorian Institute of Sport, with athletes supported with a range of high-performance services using a scholarship model.
Mid West Academy of Sport, opens in a new tab (MWAS), Geraldton, WA. Promotes, develops and services sporting talent (athletes, coaches, and officials) throughout the Mid West Region of Western Australia. The Academy concept was proven to be financially viable and has continued to attract support from the WA Department of Sport and Recreation with local businesses also providing a significant in-kind and financial support.
South West Academy of Sport, opens in a new tab (SWAS), Bunbury, WA. Is styled after the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) and successful regional models in the eastern states of Australia. It supports identified SWAS athletes to their reach potential through identified pathways and programs delivered in the South West with support services such as nutrition, fitness, injury prevention, and mental skills training to hold them in good stead for a future in sport.
Peel Regional Academy of Sports, opens in a new tab. The Peel Regional Academy of Sports provides a range of support to high performance athletes and coaches in the Peel Region. The program provides accessible services close the athletes home base, reducing the need for excessive travel and reducing the stress associated with this. Athletes who receive a scholarship will receive support with services such as strength and conditioning coaching and plan, gym membership, nutritional plans and education, as well as access to talent development workshops and coaching support.
Greater Southern Academy of Sport, opens in a new tab. To give talented Great Southern athletes and coaches every opportunity to achieve success and follow their dreams.
Talent development programs As part of the Regional Athlete Support program, opens in a new tab the WA Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, provide support for seven talent development programs across regional and remote areas of the state.
- Broome Sports Association – Talent Development Centre
- Goldfields-Esperance District Recreation Association – Talent Development Centre
- Eastern Goldfields Sport Development Network
- Wheatbelt Talent Development Centre
- Pilbara Talent Development Centre
- Northern Swimming Academy
- Basketball – High Performance Regional Athlete Hub.
Sport
See more on this topic:
- Overview
- Factors influencing participation
- Policies, programs, and supporting structures
- Awards and recognition
Last updated: 28 August 2025 Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer
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