2026 Your Local Club Regional Academy Games Officially Launched in Tamworth

Written on the 6 March 2026

L-R NIAS Regional Manager Sue Charles, NIAS Golfers Bailey and Benji Ralston, RAS Chair Darryl Clout, NIAS Softballer Piper Blinman, NIAS Hockey player Laura Hall and Tamworth Regional Council Deputy Mayor Cr Geoff Budd

The 2026 Your Local Club Regional Academy Games was officially launched on Thursday, 5 March at The Courts @ East in Tamworth, bringing together VIPs, athletes, partners, and supporters from across the region to celebrate one of Australia’s premier development events for young athletes.

The Games, delivered annually by the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS), bring together academy athletes from across New South Wales for competition, education and talent?identification experiences that mirror high?performance sporting environments. The event continues to be a key stepping?stone for young athletes progressing toward state, national, and international representation.

The official media launch featured addresses from Tamworth Regional Council Deputy Mayor Cr Geoff Budd, RAS Chair Darryl Clout and Shona Eichhorn, RAS Advancement Services Manager, each highlighting the importance of regional pathways and the role of the Games in strengthening local sporting communities.

Athletes from the Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) Laura Hall (Hockey), Piper Blinman (Softball), Benji Ralston (Golf) and Bayley Ralston (Golf) also shared their stories, reflecting on their development within academy programs and the opportunities provided through high?quality training, coaching, and competition.

NIAS alumnus Julia Boland delivered a keynote address, offering insight into her progression from regional athlete to international competition. She spoke about the foundational role academy programs played in shaping her career and the importance of structured development for young people pursuing excellence.

NIAS Regional Manager Sue Charles said the Games represent a vital platform for the region’s emerging athletes.

“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 continues to strengthen regional athlete pathways by offering high?quality competition, athlete education programs, talent?identification opportunities, and development for coaches and officials.

The 2026 Your Local Club Academy Games is proudly supported by Your Local Club, the NSW Government Office of Sport, Tamworth Regional Council, Regional Australia Bank, the University of New England, Wests Entertainment Group, Tamworth City Toyota, NBN Television and the Super Radio Network through 95.5 FM and 92.9 FM.

Event details, sport schedules, and updates for the 2026 Games can be found at www.academygames.com.au.