The 2025 Your Local Club Academy Games kicked off with a bang, with IAS athletes competing across the golf, netball, volleyball and basketball events.
The Games Opening Ceremony was a great success with 1,500 athletes across all the NSW Regional Academies proudly marching around the track at the Tamworth Regional Athletics Centre.
Athletes were treated to speeches from a number of dignitaries, plus Australian country music star Ashleigh Dallas entertained the crowd with a special performance.
IAS golf athletes Sage Laird, Jaidon Kyriacou and Charlie Kerr started the action on Day 1 at the Tamworth Golf Club with Jaidon and Charlie playing a great Round 1, with Jaidon holding a share of the lead at even par and Charlie only 1 stroke back. Jaidon’s ball striking was a highlight on the front nine, then leant on his short game, scrambling very well on the back nine to keep his score in tact.
Charlie was driving the ball well all day and his putter caught fire on the second half of the round, shooting 2 under par on the back nine.
Sage also drove the ball really well, hitting some monster drives.
Unfortunately, it was a bit of a struggle around the greens for Sage, however she finished with a bang, nailing an eagle on the last hole to have her poised to strike in third place.
The IAS netball squad kicked off their tournament with warm-ups under a stunning countryside sunset in Tamworth – setting the scene for a weekend of hard work, connection, and development.
Team 1 commenced their tournament campaign on a high at the Tamworth Sports Dome, securing a solid win over Western Region Academy of Sport. The team showed a great display of teamwork and determination, their efforts have set the tone for the weekend!
Team 2 showed incredible resilience and fight in a tough contest against Sydney Netball Academy. The team pushed right to the final whistle with SNA holding the scoreline, but they’re ready to hit the courts again on Day 2 for whatever the tournament throws their way.
The IAS boys volleyball team lost a close, hard-fought game 2 sets to 1 against South West Sydney Academy of Sport at Calrossy Anglican School in Tamworth.
The IAS boys volleyball team started nervously, but grew into the game as the match progressed. The team lost the first set 25 – 13, however they showed they are more than competitive by winning the second set 25 – 21.
South West Sydney Academy of Sport were a strong opposition and took the third set 15 – 10.
The team is confident they will continue to play good volleyball and are excited for Day 2.
Both the IAS boys and girls basketball teams were in action on Day 1 at the Tamworth Sports Dome.
The IAS boys basketball team had a strong win and lead all game to defeat Western Region Academy of Sport 76 – 31.
The IAS girls basketball team had a tough game, also against Western Region Academy of Sport, and fought hard in a 48 – 40 loss. Western Region Academy of Sport lead in the firsts quarter, with IAS taking the lead in both the second and third quarter, with Western Region eventually coming out on top.
Overall, an incredible performance from Team IAS on Day 1 of the 2025 Your Local Club Academy Games , and we’re just getting started!
