The Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS) is proud to announce a new two-year partnership with Collegians, who have been confirmed as the Naming Rights Partner of the IAS Netball Program through to June 2028.
The partnership marks an exciting new chapter in a relationship that spans more than a decade. Collegians has been a valued supporter of the Illawarra Academy of Sport over many years, including its role as a Major Partner prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, as a partner of the Academy’s 40th Anniversary celebrations and 2025 IAS Athlete Awards.
This new multi-year arrangement further strengthens Collegians’ long-standing commitment to netball in the Illawarra, adding to their valued support of Illawarra representative netball and reinforcing their investment in the development of local athletes and officials.
Under the agreement, Collegians will receive naming rights recognition across the IAS Netball and Netball Umpire squads for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 program years, alongside a range of branding, promotional and event opportunities. The partnership is already delivering tangible benefits for athletes and officials, with the 2026 IAS Athlete Awards marking the first celebration under the new agreement. On the night, emerging stars Sophie Lockyer and Abbey Whitchurch were recognised as the IAS Netball Athlete of the Year and IAS Netball Umpire of the Year respectively, each receiving a $250 award courtesy of Collegians.
IAS CEO Salv Carmusciano welcomed the partnership, highlighting the positive impact it will have on the continued growth of the Academy’s netball pathway.
“We’re delighted to welcome Collegians as the Naming Rights Partner of our IAS Netball Program. Their ongoing commitment to netball across the Illawarra makes them an ideal partner for the Academy, and this investment will help us continue providing outstanding development opportunities for talented athletes and emerging umpires across our region.”
Michael Wilkins, CEO of Collegians, said:
“Collegians is proud to partner with the Illawarra Academy of Sport to support local netball talent and help the sport grow across the region. We value the Academy’s important role in developing talented athletes and officials, and look forward to helping the Academy create opportunities for the next generation of netball representatives to reach their full potential.”
The IAS Netball Program is a fully integrated Netball NSW pathway program, supporting talented athletes through high-performance coaching, education, strength and conditioning, camps and representative competition opportunities. Athletes and umpires participate in key events including the Regional Academy Games and the Regional Netball Challenge, while also engaging in community service and personal development initiatives.
As part of the partnership, Collegians representatives will also be invited to attend and present awards at the annual IAS Athlete Awards, where outstanding achievements within the netball program are recognised and celebrated.
The Illawarra Academy of Sport thanks Collegians for their confidence in the Academy’s vision and looks forward to delivering a successful partnership over the next two years.
Together, we’re supporting talented Illawarra netballers to achieve extraordinary things.
