The North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS), in proud partnership with Underwriting Agencies of Australia (UAA), recently hosted two highly successful Indigenous Talent Identification Days aimed at uncovering and nurturing Indigenous sporting talent from across the region.
The events, held on Tuesday 29th July at Southern Cross University’s Lismore Campus and Thursday 31st July at Southern Cross University’s Coffs Harbour Campus, brought together 120 aspiring young athletes from schools stretching from Port Macquarie to Tweed Heads.
To begin both days, ACE Performance, NCAS’s strength and conditioning partner, guided athletes through initial athletic testing, providing NCAS selectors deeper insight into each athlete’s potential across a broad set of capabilities.
Participants then engaged in a series of fun, sport-specific activities delivered by qualified coaches from Basketball NSW, Netball NSW and Rugby NSW. These sessions offered students an introduction to each sport and provided an exciting opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities whilst guided by some of the most experienced coaches in NSW.
Selected athletes will be invited to participate in an individualised training and education program as well as gain automatic eligibility in upcoming sport program trials. These athletes are not just being chosen for how fast they run or how high they jump – but for their willingness to learn, their inner drive, and the communities they represent.
Athletes who demonstrate both physical aptitude and the personal qualities necessary for high performance are eligible for the UAA Indigenous Athlete Scholarship. These scholarships assist with fees associated with NCAS sport programs, supporting Indigenous athletes on their journey toward higher levels of competition.
As NCAS continues to champion the growth and support of local Indigenous athletes, partnerships like the one with UAA remain vital. Together, they are shaping not just better athletes, but stronger, more resilient individuals with bright futures – on and off the field.
Luke Field, Sport Programs Manager said, “For four years now, UAA has supported North Coast Academy of Sport’s outreach efforts to find and nurture local talent throughout our region.”
“UAA, Southern Cross University, ACE Performance, State Sporting Organisation partners and local high schools from Laurieton to Murwillumbah all chip in to support our ITID events and that’s really the success of it all – our community coming together to create opportunity.”
D’Arcy Van den Bossche, Regional Manager said “Only twelve months ago the 2024 NCAS UAA ITID event in Coffs Harbour identified Lexie Brown, a keen and active student from Nambucca. Fast forward to today and Lexie has been named in the Australian Para Athletics Team for the 2025 World Championships in New Delhi, as their youngest team member to boot. An excellent example of what can be achieved when regional athletes are given access and support.”
Now a key fixture in the Academy’s calendar, the Indigenous Talent Identification Days continue to grow in scale and impact. It offers a clear and structured pathway for aspiring athletes to progress through development programs and into higher levels of competition, including state and national representation.
The North Coast Academy of Sport extends its heartfelt thanks to all participating schools, families, coaches and partners who contributed to the success of the day. Their support plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of Indigenous sporting talent.
Contact
D’Arcy Van den Bossche
Regional Manager North Coast
0477 773 228
darcy@regionalacademies.org.au
Luke Field
Sport Programs Manager
0476 293 652
luke@regionalacademies.org.au
