FUTURE CHAMPS

26/27 Scholarship nominations are now OPEN

FUTURE CHAMPS

26/27 Scholarship nominations are now OPEN

TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR SPORTING CAREER

The IAS Future Stars Program (formerly Lonestar) is designed to support the developmental needs of the regions young talented athletes by providing industry leading emerging talent pathway programs.
The Future Stars Program is for athletes who compete in the various sports, individual or team, that the IAS currently do not provide specific program for or for athlete who fall outside the sports specific eligibility. Scholarships are offered for a 12-month period commencing in October and concluding in September.

OUR PROGRAM PROVIDES TRAINING, COACHING AND COMPETITION WITH A VIEW TO:

Prepare athletes for seamless transition to any State or National Team
Increase the level of athlete success at competition and events in their chosen sport
Provide education around athletic and personal development, including nutrition, sport psychology, media skills, leadership, and drugs in sport
Provide an introduction and progression into sport specific strength and conditioning
The program will conduct weekly strength and conditioning training to which attendance is expected

ELIGIBILITY

In order to be eligible for the 2026/27 program athletes must:

Reside within the Illawarra Region made up of the Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee or Wollongong local government areas
Be a registered member of an association or club within the Illawarra region (if applicable)
Be affiliated with the National or State Sporting Organisation (SSO) for the nominated sport
Be 13 – 18 years old during the scholarship period (born in 2009-2014)*
Be able to commit to all planned IAS Program Events

*Special consideration may be given to athletes outside the eligible age, subject to the approval of the IAS board.

SELECTION PROCESS

Each applicant is reviewed by an independant selected panel of coaches, administrators and invited representatives. The IAS decision/s regarding athlete selection is based on objective and subjective measures and the IAS hold final responsibility for the selection of athletes.

Athletes should demonstrate the following qualities;

Physical abilities and physical skills considered to be essential for eventual success in their chosen sport
An ability to apply coaching & technical instruction
Attitude, commitment and dedication to improving performance
Potential to be selected for NSW/National representation within 12 months
Ability or potential to work as part of a team to achieve excellence

NOTE: Subjectivity is an unavoidable element of selection to the IAS Future Champs Squad.

SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES

Beginning in the 2026/27 scholarship year, the IAS will be offering both its traditional, fully supported places AND self-financed places to selected athletes.

For further financial assistance, explore the Grow A Star and Local Sporting Champions grants.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

IAS athletes are required to purchase the IAS squad uniform, they also are required to contribute to additional components of the programs such as camps.