This program will provide talented Indigenous athletes from within both current Academy programs, and Talent Identification days, an increased level of support to inspire both their athletic and personal journey.

Further opportunities to provide coaching and mentor leadership to fellow Indigenous athletes during Academy-run ‘Talent Identification days’ and cultural events may also be provided throughout the program year. 

This program will provide talented athletes an increased level of support to inspire both their athletic and personal journey, as an Indigenous athlete.

A large range of athlete appropriate education workshops such as sport psychology, nutrition, drugs in sport awareness, public speaking, resilience, media training, sports medicine and injury prevention are also undertaken as a part of the athlete's regular sport program.

Additional support and education specific to the Indigenous Athlete Program include; 

• “Indigenous culture and significance in sport”,
• “Indigenous health”, and
• “Indigenous culture in the community”  

• Male and Female Athletes must be between 13 and 18 years of age as of 31 December 2024. 
  • ie born 2006-2011
• Athletes must reside in, or attend school, or compete for a BNSW affiliated association within the Academy area of Campbelltown, Camden, Liverpool or Wollondilly local Government areas.

In addition;

• Athletes wishing to participate must recognise as Indigenous/Torres Strait Islander, and may asked to provide evidence of their claim.
• Athletes identified within an existing Academy Sport Program must also meet the age or gender specific requirements of that sport program. 
• Athletes who have been identified during the Academy Indigenous Talent Identification Day may also be selected into the program as an alternate selection process. 

Athletes must complete the sport program nomination form relevant to their chosen Academy sport program, in line with that sport's nomination and selection window.

Athletes will need to select the option under cultural background to participate within the Indigenous Athlete Program, if eligible. 

OR

Have nominated for, and attended the UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day, been "identified", and invited to join the program as a result of their attendance. 

There is no additional cost for athletes to participate in the Indigenous Athlete Program due to the financial support of Underwriting Agencies of Australia (UAA).

Program Inclusions include;

• Athlete uniform consisting of an Academy Indigenous Polo Shirt, Walkout Shorts and Indigenous Gym T-shirt, Water Bottle, Athlete Journal and Annual Awards Dinner admission. 
• Education and Support Services including online access to programs / XPS network, targeted sports education lectures and workshops with guest presenters, sport specific strength and conditioning program with an Academy S&C partner facility, sport science testing, and access to athlete wellbeing and support service network providers.

Athletes who are selected in an Academy Sport Program may be required to pay the athlete levy and/or additional camp levies associated with that program.

Subject to funding availability, the relevant Sport Program Athlete Scholarship Levy may be reduced or waived for participants in the Indigenous Athlete Program. 

2023-2024 Indigenous Athlete Program:

Program Coordinator: Brodee Mate
 

2023-2024 UAA Indigenous Athlete Program
 

*Selected from the UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day

**Additional Indigenous Athletes from within the Academy Sport Programs may be included after the final sport program selection process.