Future Star

2024|25 SQUAD

Program Information

The Future Stars program is for aspiring athletes across a range of sports who are not eligible to apply for existing NIAS sport programs. This athlete development program delivers and individual focus on all areas of performance support (incl. sports psychology, strength and conditioning, nutrition and media training). The aim is to provide professional support to complement the athletes ‘home coach’ or representative commitments. The program will not provide any sport specific coaching but rather provide holistic athlete development through our various performance support providers.  

Eligibility & Selection

Athletes must be representing and achieving in their chosen sport at a required pre-elite level (regional / state / national representation). Endorsement will be sought from the respective Regional, State or National Sporting Organisation.

  • Athletes must be aged between 14 & 18 years. 
  • Athletes must reside in or attend school within the Northern Inland catchment area.
  • Athletes must demonstrate a desire to improve and progress in their chosen sport’s elite athlete pathway.


Athletes will be offered a place in the NIAS Future Stars Program based on performance at selection trials and through talent identification processes, including attitude and commitment to their chosen sport. We will be interviewing all shortlisted athletes to help determine selection into the program. 

Program Partners

ATHLETE BENEFITS & COMMITMENT

  • Access to RuralFit Training Hubs across the region – Tamworth, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Armidale & Glen Innes. 
  • Performance Support including Sport Psychology, Nutrition, Fitness Assessments, Strength & Conditioning and more.
  • Complimentary invitation to the annual Academy Awards.
  • Travel assistance to attend NIAS regional training sessions and camps – on request.
  • Opportunities to participate in higher level competitions and challenges.
  • Be committed to a holistic approach to their development, both on and off the field.
  • Attend RuralFit Training Hubs. 
  • Comply with the training requirements and respond in a positive manner to any feedback.
  • Maintain an appropriate performance standard to continue to receive opportunities.
  • Behave and dress in an appropriate manner when representing NIAS and its sponsors.
    Wear NIAS apparel when representing the Academy at events.
  • Be available to sponsors and the media for promotional purposes.
  • Adhere to NIAS Athlete Code of Conduct and policies including anti-doping policy.
  • Maintain regular communication with NIAS as required.

$250 includes: performance support activities (including sport psychology, nutrition, and strength and conditioning) and invitations to other events such as the annual Academy Awards Night. 

  • Academy Challenges, Academy Games and any specific Sports Tours are additional to the Athlete Levy. Costs differ from sport to sport.
  • Athlete Uniform. Uniform requirements differ from sport to sport. 

Past Squad Archive

Caitlin Croft – Equestrian
Pippa Cullen – Equestrian
Zali Duncan – Equestrian 
Robin Henry – Equestrian 
Ella Hunt – Equestrian | Polocrosse
Sophie Parsons – Cricket
Piper Swalwell – Gymnastics

Angus Barwick – Clay Target Shooting
Imogen Biddle – Athletics
Sienna Carol – Boxing
Alena Duncan – Equestrian
Zali Duncan – Equestrian
Benjamin Goodwin – Athletics
Chelsea Kiehne – Volleyball
Rohan Martin – Boxing
Angus Maxworthy – GoCarting
Alexander Scanlon-Dawson – Swimming
Tom Sheedy – Volleyball
Lennon Simmonds – Athletics
Tajudeen Tijani – Athletics
Abbey Trewern – Swimming
Kiara Vlahopoulos – Athletics

Imogen Biddle – Athletics/Cross Country

Ruby Clayton – Rugby Union

Alena Duncan – Equestrian

Zali Duncan – Equestrian

Archie Eather – Sport Climbing

Fred Eather – Bouldering

Cooper Gale – Climbing/Bouldering

Lily Grieve – Rugby Union

Fynn Holland – Endurance Motocross racing

Rory Husband – Athletics/Swimming

Indianna King – Swimming

Grant Leach – Equestrian

Alexander Little – Football

Malusi Macikama – Football

Rohan Martin – Boxing

Angus Maxworthy – Go-Karting

Emma McIntyre – Swimming

Abbie Peet – Para Athletics

Lockey Ralston – Basketball

Bayley Raslton – Basketball

Alexander Scanlon-Dawson – Swimming

Lennon Simmonds – Atheltics/Football

Payten Ward – Rimfire Benchrest Shooting

The Northern Inland Academy of Sport acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

© 2022 Northern Inland Academy of Sport
Website by Proud as Punch Studio