The NCAS Underwriting Agencies Australia (UAA) Indigenous Talent ID Day for 2024 was held over two days on Tuesday the 30th of July at Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour and Wednesday the 31st of July at Southern Cross University Lismore with representation from high schools from Port Macquarie to Tweed Heads.
Indigenous students from the North Coast got the opportunity to come together under the watchful eyes of some of the region’s most experienced sports coaches. Students got active early with sport testing and measurements to start the day provided by ACE Performance Coffs Harbour. Following on with sporting disciplines including Basketball and Rugby League, and with support from Basketball NSW and NRL Development Officers.
A standout feature of this year’s program was the celebration of Indigenous culture, integrated throughout the days’ activities. Indigenous games enriched the experience, highlighting the cultural traditions that demonstrate the connection between North Coast Indigenous legacy and sport.
The Indigenous Talent Identification Day emerged from a collaboration between the Regional Academies of Sport and Underwriting Agencies Australia (UAA). Its goal is to discover and nurture local Indigenous talent from regional areas, getting athletes involved in high level sporting pathways and ultimately offering full scholarships to academy programs.
The end goal includes the Academy providing the top performers from the day to take part in a six week training and education program. From here students will be invited to join one of the nine sports programs operated by the NCAS throughout 2024-25.
Claire McCulloch, NCAS Sport Programs Manager said of the program “the day was fun and busy, by offering different sports and sport science we were able to record some excellent data on all the students’ fitness and skill levels. The support from our sporting partners has been brilliant and I can’t thank our coaches enough for volunteering their time and expertise. The Academy was so pleased to see 82 athletes across 12 schools get in and give it a red hot go.”
D’Arcy Van den Bossche, NCAS Executive Director added “UAA has been a committed and involved partner of this entire program for a third year and has given us the opportunity to reach local athletes we might not usually see considering our programs. We have the talent in the North Coast, UAA has provided an opportunity for us all to connect.”
The Indigenous Talent Identification day is more than just a chance to try new sports; it is a stepping stone for many young Indigenous Students aspiring to reach higher levels of sport. By identifying and nurturing local talent, NCAS and UAA aims to create a sustainable pathway for Indigenous athletes to achieve their goals, both on and off the field.
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