2026 Your Local Club Regional Academy Games Evaluation Report

2026

EVALUATION REPORT

INTRODUCTION The 2026 Your Local Club Regional Academy Games were held across Tamworth from Friday 17 April to Sunday 19 April 2026, marking the second year of the Northern Inland Academy of Sport's (NIAS) 3 year hosting tenure. The Games brought together some of the state's most promising emerging athletes, competing across 6 sports: Golf, Netball, Basketball, Triathlon, Hockey and Softball.

A total of 1,253 athletes, coaches, officials, staff and volunteers attended, with competition spread across multiple venues throughout the region. Tamworth's highquality sporting facilities were central to the event's smooth running, and strong collaboration with Tamworth Regional Council ensured well-coordinated operations across all sites.

A focused media strategy helped broaden the Games reach and visibility.

Partnerships with NBN Television and the Super Radio Network (92.9 and 95.5) boosted brand presence, while pre-event promotion and thorough post-event coverage drove strong audience engagement throughout.

The 2026 Games were made possible by the collective efforts of all eleven NSW Regional Academies of Sport (RAS), together with key partners including Jack Newton Junior Golf, Softball Metro Academies, the Rest of State Triathlon Academy (ROSTA) and Sydney Netball teams. Their commitment was integral to maintaining the high standards of participation, competition and athlete development the Games are known for.

The success of the event is a credit to the organising committee, volunteers, sponsors, participants and delivery partners, whose combined efforts produced a weekend of quality competition and genuine impact for athletes and the wider sporting community. Favourable weather throughout added to the experience, with Tamworth presenting itself at its best.

The 2026 Your Local Club Regional Academy Games delivered on every front, providing a standout experience for athletes, stakeholders and the local community alike. The results speak to the broader value of regional sporting events in building connections, encouraging healthy competition and motivating the next generation of athletes.

COMPETING ACADEMIES

ECONOMIC TOURISM VALUE The 2026 Your Local Club Academy Games brought 926 athletes, 223 coaching and support staff, with an estimate of over 2 700 spectators to the Tamworth Region.

Duration of Stay in the Tamworth Region from Participant Survey All respondents in the post Games evaluation survey were asked to indicate the numbers of nights stayed in the Tamworth region for the Games. Most respondents (63%) stayed in the region for 2 nights.

Number of Nights Stayed 0 (travelled each day)

23

1

2

233

3

83

4 or more

25 0

50

100

150

200

250

It is estimated that 7,763 bed stays were generated by the event, with a total economic tourism value of

$3,454,535

(Note: This figure is based on the calculations of Destinations NSW average domestic overnight event visitor to NSW spending $445 per night )

IT'S ESTIMATED THAT IN 2026...

7,763

BED STAYS

bed stays were generated by the event

ECONOMIC VALUE

$3,454,535

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS accommodation booked across 3 LGA's

3

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW The Northern Inland Academy of Sport drew on a range of outstanding local venues and community support to help deliver a successful 2026 event. The quality of the facilities and the generosity of support received were truly exceptional. We extend our sincere thanks to the RAS Sport convenors and local sport coordinators, whose dedication and coordination were instrumental in the smooth and effective management of the event.

RAS Sport Convenors Basketball: Stephen Craig, Rohan Stevenson Golf: D'Arcy Van Den Bossche Hockey: Jamie Hetherington, Roxanne Wain Netball: Candice Boggs, Sallie Partridge, Tara Angell Triathlon: Jared Kahlefeldt, Bridget Butterfield, Luke Field Softball: Martin Rae, Sue Charles, Heather Smith

Local Sport Coordinators Basketball: Carol Rickard Golf: Brock Sampson, Harrison Russell Hockey: Julie Rodda, Tamworth Hockey Association Netball: Rebecca McKenzie. Lisa Fox, Tamworth Netball Association Triathlon: Paul and June Billings, Tim Hurcum, Tamworth Triathlon Club Softball: Tamworth Softball Association

VENUES

Opening Ceremony: Tamworth Athletics Track Basketball: Tamworth Sports Dome Golf: Tamworth Golf Club, Longyard Golf Club Hockey: Tamworth Hockey Association Netball: Tamworth Sports Dome Triathlon: Tamworth Pool, No.1 Oval and Surrounds Softball: Riverside Softball Complex

PARTICIPATION 6 sports were delivered for the 2026 event including Basketball, Hockey, Golf, Netball, Softball and Triathlon. The participation for both athletes, officials and staff for each Academy and Invitational teams are outlined below:

Academy

Coaches & Managers

Athletes

Other (Physio, Volunteers etc)

Staff

Total

Central Coast

64

22

2

1

89

Hunter

111

24

3

2

140

Far West

11

3

1

Illawarra

73

24

3

3

103

North Coast

89

17

3

3

112

Northern Inland

111

20

3

Southern

73

16

2

1

92

South East

42

22

2

2

68

South West Sydney

81

24

2

2

104

Western Region

80

16

2

Western Sydney

99

29

2

Sydney Netball

45

6

ROSTA

10

Softball Metro

27

2

29

Jack Newton Junior Golf

10

2

12

98 1

131

10

2 7 1 1

Sponsors/VIPs RAS Centralised Staff

41 10

926

134

51

SPORT SUPPORT: Jack Newton Junior Golf Netball NSW Basketball NSW Triathlon NSW

TOTALS

15

223

78

11

41 10

26

1253

MEDIA LAUNCH The Northern Inland Academy of Sport successfully launched the highly anticipated 2026 event with a special media event held at The Courts @ East on the 5th March. The event was attended by media representatives, VIPs and key stakeholders.

The Media Launch featured addresses from Tamworth Regional Council Deputy Mayor Cr Geoff Budd, RAS Chair Darryl Clout and Shona Eichorn, RAS Advancement Services Manager, each highlighting the importance of regional pathways and the role of the Games in strengthening local sporting communities.

Athletes from the Northern Inland Academy of Sport Laura Hall (Hockey), Piper Blinman (Softball), Benji Ralston (Golf) and Bayley Ralston (Golf) also shared their stories, reflecting on their development within academy programs and the opportunities provided through high‑quality training, coaching, and competition.

NIAS alumnus Julia Boland delivered a keynote address, offering insight into her progression from regional athlete to international competition. She spoke about the foundational role academy programs played in shaping her career and the importance of structured development for young people pursuing excellence.

The media coverage for the event included a live stream on the RAS Facebook pages, social media posts from RAS and individual RAS pages, as well as coverage via the Super Radio network, Channel 7 - New England, ABC New England, NBN, Northern Daily Leader and the Moree Champion.

MEDIA COVERAGE Examples of Media: NBN News North West - Finals of Regional Academy Games in Tamworth New England Times - Tamworth ready to host NSW's rising sporting stars this weekend Moree News - Sport kicking goals for regional tourism Northern Daily Leader - Top regional athletes head to our city for a high-stakes sporting showcase Nepean News - WSAS athletes shine at Regional Academy Games Western News - WSAS athletes shine at Regional Academy Games ABC News New England North West - Emily Chalker Interview Web Story: 2026 Your Local Club Regional Academy Games a win for athletes and the Tamworth region Web Story: 2026 Your Local Club Regional Academy Games Officially Launched in Tamworth

PARTNERSHIPS The Your Local Club Regional Academy Games is a significant undertaking that relies on a robust commercial platform. We would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge the many partners who made this event possible:

Your local club Your local club (Clubs NSW) has supported the Academy Games since 2005 and continues to champion young athletes across NSW. As Principal Partner again this year, they remain proud contributors to junior sport, investing $65 million annually to help athletes pursue their dreams.

NSW Office of Sport

The Office of Sport works with key partners to build a strong sport and recreation sector across NSW. They deliver major venues, facilities, development programs and supports high‑performance sport, integrity and safety.

Regional Australia Bank Regional Australia Bank is a customer‑owned bank that has supported regional Australians for over 50 years, offering flexible financial products with a personal touch. Profits are reinvested into local communities, helping strengthen social inclusion and wellbeing across NSW and SE QLD.

Tamworth Regional Council Tamworth Regional Council is recognised for its progressive approach and strong community engagement, offering a vibrant region that blends city living with rural charm. The Council is committed to sustainability and provides high‑quality services, including excellent medical, transport and educational facilities.

The University of New England The University of New England (UNE) in Armidale is a leading regional university known for high‑quality education and research. With a strong history in distance learning, UNE offers a wide range of practical and innovative programs while fostering a supportive, inclusive community for students.

EVENT SERVICES First Aid NIAS worked with ProActive Physio to ensure all sporting venues had adequate first aid on site for the duration of the competition.

Catering The catering for this years event was provided by local cafes and community clubs at the sporting facilities. We would like to thank the Heathly Lunchbox Truck and Gold Leaf Cafe (Tamworth Sports Dome), and 3 Fillies who provided coffee at the Triathlon event.

Photography The official photography was provided by Kevin Bull Photography. Videography was provided by Chasing Summer Photography

EVENT INITIATIVES The Games featured a range of community-focused initiatives that enriched the event experience and strengthened connections between grassroots sport and elite pathways.

The weekend officially opened with a special performance by Tamworth Country Music artist Ashleigh Dallas, whose live set celebrated the city’s cultural heritage and set a festive tone for the Games.

A key highlight was the Office of Sport's Pathways in Sport – Q&A Panel, held on Saturday, April 18 at the Tamworth Sports Dome. This free, community-accessible session brought together Olympians Emily Chalker (Hockey), Natalie Burton (Basketball) and Jaz Hedgeland (Triathlon) alongside sport scientist Dr. Juanita Weissensteiner, RAS General Manager of Performance and Innovation Erin Wilson and RAS Nutrionist (Nutrient Nation) Isabelle Smith.

The panel shared personal stories and insights into athlete development, Olympic preparation, and the importance of support networks, drawing a strong and engaged audience of athletes, coaches, and families.

Throughout the weekend, the presence of Olympians added prestige and inspiration, attending events, engaging with participants, and presenting medals at the official awards ceremony.

92.9FM Tamworth broadcasted live from the Tamworth Sports Dome, offering real-time coverage, interviews with key personnel, including athletes, from the Games. This initiative extended the event’s reach to the wider community and highlighted local stories and achievements.

MERCHANDISE Merchandise was available for purchase from Team Spirit for pre-order via their online store and at the Tamworth Sports Dome throughout the weekend. The catalogue included the following items:

LIVE STREAMING Live streaming of Basketball and Netball was delivered by Glory League from the Tamworth Sports Dome, providing accessible, reliable coverage for athletes, families, coaches, and stakeholders.

All games are streamed live via YouTube, with access links available directly through the Academy website. This ensures easy viewing across devices and allows audiences to follow games in real time or replays post‑event.

Stream Structure Live coverage across Basketball and Netball courts Streams were segmented into four‑hour time slots per court Separate links are provided for each court and time block to ensure stream stability and clear scheduling Multiple courts are streamed concurrently throughout the event

Key Benefits Consistent, venue‑based streaming infrastructure at the Tamworth Sports Dome Easy access via YouTube with no login or subscription required Improved visibility and exposure for athletes and academy programs Strong engagement tool for families, regions, partners, and talent pathways

Access Live stream links are published on the Academy website prior to each competition day and remain available for on‑demand viewing following the event.

Across all livestreams, the Basketball and Netball games recorded a combined total of 13,290 views, highlighting strong audience engagement across both sports.

SCORING & RESULTS PLATFORMS Match scoring and results across the event were delivered through a combination of trusted digital platforms, ensuring accurate, real‑time access for athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators.

Spawtz served as the primary scoring platform for multiple sports, providing live scoring, fixtures, ladders, and match results throughout the event.

Scoring Platforms by Sport Basketball: Spawtz Netball: Spawtz Hockey: Spawtz Softball: Spawtz Golf: Golfgenius Triathlon: My race result

Key Benefits Live scores and results accessible online throughout the event Sport‑specific systems aligned with governing body standards Improved transparency and information flow for athletes, families, and staff

SPORT REPORTS BASKETBALL Academies CCAS, HAS, IAS, NCAS, NIAS, SSA, SESA, WRAS

Venue Tamworth Sports Dome

Event Summary The 2026 Basketball competition was delivered across Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday morning, with 40 games played across boys and girls divisions.

Competition ran across two pools of four teams, with all teams progressing to knockout finals, followed by semi-finals and Gold and Bronze Medal playoffs. All games ran to time and schedule, officiated by competent referees managed by Carol Rickard from Tamworth Basketball.

The standard of competition was notably improved compared to previous years, widely attributed to the well-received move from 4×8 minute to 4×10 minute fully timed games. A coach and managers online briefing held the week prior to the event set clear expectations and contributed to a well-managed competition environment throughout the weekend.

Stephen Craig provided valuable on-court referee education from a coaching perspective, which was well received by officials. Eric Hackett assisted convenors Stephen Craig and Rohan Stevenson in selecting an All-Star Five in both boys and girls divisions, announced on Sunday. A Coach of the All-Star Team award was also introduced for both divisions, recognising the significant contribution of volunteer coaches - an addition that was warmly received by all present and sits in keeping with Basketball NSW and NBL award structures.

Match officials of each Gold Medal game were also recognised with a Gold Medal, consistent with Basketball NSW event standards.

Sincere thanks to Carol Rickard and Tamworth Basketball, Stephen Craig, Eric Hackett, Rohan Stevenson, all referees and officials, and the many volunteers who contributed to a well-run and highly competitive weekend of basketball.

SPORT REPORTS GOLF Academies CCAS, HAS, IAS, JNJG North, JNJG South, NIAS, NCAS, SESA, SSA, SWSAS, WRAS, WSAS

Venues Tamworth Golf Club, Longyard Golf Club

Event Summary The 2026 Golf tournament was successfully delivered across three days, bringing together twelve academies in a competitive and well-organised event.

The competition followed a three-round structure comprising stroke play on Friday and Saturday, and match play on Sunday, aligned with the US college golf system, offering a strong pathway development opportunity for athletes. Results from the first two rounds determined the top five players from each academy, who then represented their teams in Sunday's match play. This format continues to be well received by athletes and is supported by both Jack Newton Junior Golf and Golf NSW, with feedback remaining positive across the event.

Participation numbers saw an encouraging increase compared to 2025. Strong camaraderie and sportsmanship were evident throughout, with players from different regions having already built familiarity across the season. Notably, many families extended their stay prior to competition days to practise at both venues, a reflection of excellent buy-in from athlete families across the state and a welcome boost for tourism in the Tamworth region.

Both Tamworth Golf Club and Longyard Golf Club, along with their Pro Shop teams, were welcoming and supportive throughout the weekend, with local members appearing genuinely pleased to host junior competition.

Overall, this was a highly successful event, and the Academy Games Golf competition continues to grow as a standout fixture on the calendar. Sincere thanks to Ethan Keane and Samarah Gibson (Jack Newton Junior Golf), both host venues and their Pro Shop teams, Golf NSW, and all volunteers and supporting organisations for their contributions to a successful event.

SPORT REPORTS HOCKEY Academies Division 1 Boys: NIAS, SWSAS, HAS 1, WSAS/NCAS, NCAS 1 Division 2 Boys: CCAS/NIAS, WRAS, SSA, HAS 2 Division 1 Girls: IAS, NIAS, HAS, WSAS Division 2 Girls: SWSAS, CCAS/NIAS, WRAS, NCAS, SSA

Venues Tamworth Hockey Association

Event Summary The 2026 Hockey competition was successfully delivered at the Tamworth Hockey Centre across three days, with a total of 18 teams and approximately 235 athletes competing across four divisions.

Friday and Saturday featured round-robin matches, with finals and classification matches held on Sunday. The competition structure was thoughtfully adjusted to reflect team nominations and athlete availability, ensuring the maximum number of games could be delivered while supporting athlete welfare and minimising back-to-back fixtures.

Support from the Tamworth Hockey Association was outstanding throughout the weekend, with strong contributions across venue operations, canteen and BBQ services, technical support, and volunteer coordination. Their involvement played a significant role in creating a positive experience for athletes, staff, and spectators alike.

Strong collaboration between academies was a highlight of the event, including NIAS successfully sourcing local goalkeepers to support competition integrity across the girls divisions. Despite the logistical complexity of managing 18 teams across four divisions, the tournament was delivered successfully and provided a high-quality competitive experience for all involved.

Sincere thanks to the Tamworth Hockey Association, all umpires and technical officials, Hockey NSW, academy coaches and support staff, and the many volunteers who contributed to a well-run and enjoyable event.

SPORT REPORTS NETBALL Academies Pool 1A: HAS, SNA Purple, SNA Teal, WSAS, WRAS, NCAS Pool 1B: SWSAS, SNA Blue, CCAS, WSAS, SSA, IAS Pool 2A: WRAS, IAS, HAS, SSA, NCAS, NIAS Maroon Pool 2B: SNA Yellow, CCAS, SWSAS, SESA, FWAS, NIAS

Venues Tamworth Sports Dome

Event Summary The 2026 Netball tournament was held over three days at the Tamworth Sports Dome, bringing together 11 RAS alongside the Sydney Metro Academy across two divisions.

Teams competed in a round robin format across the opening stages before progressing to finals matches based on pool standings. Across the weekend, a total of 74 games were played, making for a busy, competitive, and well-attended schedule.

The event was strongly supported by Netball NSW, whose on-ground workforce created valuable opportunities for umpire and coach development, as well as athlete identification throughout the tournament. Special thanks to Georgia Fuller, Sam May, and Chris Hall from Netball NSW for their dedication in the lead-up to and across the weekend.

The Tamworth Netball Association representatives, Lisa Fox and Rebecca McKenzie, provided excellent support across both the planning and delivery of the event. The facilities were maintained in outstanding condition, and any issues that arose were swiftly addressed.

Presentation on the showcourt was a standout addition, with athletes and families filling the grandstand and creating a fantastic atmosphere to close out the tournament.

Congratulations to SWSAS for winning Division 1 and WRAS for taking out Division 2.

Sincere thanks to Netball NSW, Tamworth Netball Association, Tamworth Sports Dome staff, all umpires and officials, and the many volunteers who contributed to an outstanding weekend of netball.

SPORT REPORTS SOFTBALL Academies NIAS, SWSAS, WSAS, Northern Metro, Southern Metro

Venue Tamworth Riverside Sporting Complex – Softball Ovals (3 diamonds)

Event Summary The 2026 Softball competition was successfully delivered over two days at the Tamworth Riverside Sporting Complex, with five girls teams and three boys teams competing across the weekend.

Saturday – Group Stages Girls teams competed in a round-robin format, with boys teams playing a double round-robin to ensure maximum game time across the day.

Sunday – Finals Series Remaining group matches were completed before finals, with the top two boys teams progressing directly to the Grand Final. The girls finals featured a progressive format, with 2nd vs 3rd and 4th vs 5th, with the winner of 2nd vs 3rd advancing to the Grand Final.

All diamonds were well prepared and marked with support from Tamworth Regional Council and the Tamworth Softball Association, and the venue proved a suitable and functional host across both days. Canteen services provided by Tamworth Baseball were well received by participants and spectators throughout the weekend. First aid and physiotherapy services were available throughout the event, ensuring appropriate athlete care at all times.

The Umpire in Chief provided strong leadership across the competition, effectively managing umpires and ensuring the event ran smoothly and on schedule. The event maintained a positive and respectful atmosphere throughout, creating an excellent environment for competitive softball.

Sincere thanks to Peter from Proactive Physio, Tamworth Regional Council, Stacey and the Tamworth Softball Association volunteers, the Umpire in Chief and all officiating umpires, Tamworth Baseball for canteen operations, and all volunteers and supporting organisations for their contributions to a successful event.

SPORT REPORTS TRIATHLON Academies CCAS, HAS, IAS, NIAS, NCAS, ROSTA, SWSAS, WSAS, WRAS

Venue Tamworth Town Centre – including Tamworth Memorial Pool, Riverside Sporting Complex, No.1 Oval, Gipps Street, Solander Avenue, and Bicentennial Parklands.

Event Summary The 2026 Triathlon was successfully delivered across two days in central Tamworth, bringing together nine academies in a highly competitive and well-structured event.

Saturday featured Individual Heats 1–6, with A and B Finals held on Sunday. Accumulated heat times were used to allocate athletes into finals, encouraging strong performances across every race.

A "Fantasy Teams" format replaced the traditional teams event, with medals awarded to the top three academies based on their best three individual results. This was well received and created a clean, streamlined event structure across both days.

Course highlights included consistent pool temperatures maintained by Tamworth Regional Council, improved road surface quality on the bike leg, and the well-received incorporation of Bicentennial Parklands into the run course. Clear signage and well-positioned volunteers ensured smooth navigation throughout. Central Tamworth provided a vibrant atmosphere with strong spectator engagement across both days.

Despite operating without pavilion access, the event was delivered to a high standard through strong planning and adaptability. The anticipated completion of the pavilion ahead of 2027 presents a clear opportunity to further elevate the experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Sincere thanks to Tim Hurcum (Tamworth Triathlon Club), Paul and June Billings (race timing), Aus Triathlon technical officials, Jake McManus (Proactive Physio), Robyn Low-Hart (Tri NSW), and all volunteers and supporting organisations.

POST EVENT SURVEY RAS conducted an internet-based survey to obtain feedback from participants, officials, parents/guardians, spectators and volunteers regarding their experience as a part of the 2025 Your Local Club Academy Games.

A total of 369 respondents completed the post-event feedback survey, comprising of 148 athletes, 149 parents/guardians, 46 coaches/managers, 19 staff, 5 spectators, and 2 volunteers.

Respondents by Region

Respondent breakdown

0

Parent/Guardian

41% Athlete

40% Coach/Manager

13%

20

54

Central Coast Academy of Sport

52

Northern Inland Academy of Sport

50

North Coast Academy of Sport

48

Hunter Academy of Sport

47

Western Sydney Academy of Sport

47

South West Sydney Academy of Sport

43

Southern Sports Academy

Staff

5%

40

Western Region Academy of Sport

27

Illawarra Academy of Sport

16

Far West Academy of Sport

4

South East Sports Academy

3

Sport Representation All respondents were asked to indicate the sport they were affiliated with at the games.

The most respondents were associated with Netball representing 38% of respondents.

Softball 9.7%

Netball 38.2%

Triathlon 7.9%

Basketball 12.7% Golf 9.2%

Hockey 22.3%

POST EVENT SURVEY Attendance Frequency All respondents were asked to indicate how many times they had attended an Academy Games. The most respondents indicated that this was their first Academy Games.

This is my first

212

2

88

3

30

4 5 or more

22 0

50

100

150

200

250

Travel & Accomodation All respondents were asked to indicate their mode of transport taken to travel to the Games. The most respondents travelled to the games via car 72% or bus/coach 22%.

72%

96%

63%

TRAVELLED

BY CAR

STAYED IN TAMWORTH

STAYED FOR 2 NIGHTS

Number of Nights Stayed 23

0 (travelled each day) 1

233

2 83

3 25

4 or more 0

50

100

150

200

250

42%

SPENT BETWEEN $500-$1,000 IN THE REGION

POST EVENT SURVEY Main Source of Information All respondents were asked to indicate what their main source of information was in preparation for the Games. Most participants (60%) sourced information from Lumin.

Social M…

4/5

Website

Lumin

Coach/Manager

Communication from own Academy

Email Oth…

Overall Event Rating All respondents were asked to rate different aspects of the Games based on their experience.

Somewhat 10.6% Completely 37.9%

Insight!

Over 86% of respondents felt the event met their expectations

Mostly 48%

78% 4.2/5 said athlete welfare & safeguarding measures were visible

The Games povided a supportive wellmanaged environment

POST EVENT SURVEY Overall Experience All respondents were asked to rate different aspects of their own sporting event based on their experience. When respondents were asked about the scheduling of games/competition majority (88%) indicated that the schedule was just right.

Too late Too early 2.7% 9.2%

Insight!

Over 88% of respondents indicated the schedule was just right Just right 88.1%

All respondents were asked to rate the amount of games/competition that they experienced during the games, 68% of respondents indicated that the competition was suitable.

Too many games 0.5%

Games were suitable 68%

Not enough games 27.6%

Too spread out 3.8%

POST EVENT SURVEY Overall Event Feedback The 2026 Your Local Club Regional Academy Games has once again demonstrated why this event stands as a highlight on the regional sporting calendar. A thorough review of survey responses paints an overwhelmingly positive picture, with attendees expressing strong satisfaction across most aspects of the event. The ongoing commitment to acting on participant feedback continues to drive meaningful improvements year on year.

At its core, the Academy Games exist to unite athletes, families, and the broader community through sport. The 2026 edition delivered on this vision, with strong attendance, a competitive atmosphere, and a genuine sense of community spirit evident throughout the event. With participation interest continuing to grow, the organising committee remains focused on evolving the Games, including the potential introduction of new sports in 2027 and beyond.

We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to grow the event into the future.

Key Takeaways

86% 68% of attendees were satisfied overall.

shared positive sentiment on the Office of Sport Education workshop

Atmosphere, organisation and strength of competition are key drivers of satisfaction

Livescoring visibility is the key opportunity for improvement

CLOSING REMARKS Sue Charles - Regional Manager, Northern Inland Academy of Sport The 2026 Your Local Club Regional Academy Games have once again showcased what is possible when communities, partners and sporting organisations unite behind a shared purpose.

As we reflect on another outstanding event in Tamworth, we do so with immense pride and deep gratitude. The success of these Games belongs to everyone who contributed, the athletes who competed with determination and pride, the coaches and managers who guided them, the volunteers who generously gave their time, and the supporters who brought such energy and enthusiasm.

We extend our sincere thanks to our major partners for their continued investment in regional sport and in the futures of young athletes across New South Wales. To our valued partners, Clubs NSW (Your local club), the NSW Government, Tamworth Regional Council, Regional Australia Bank, University of New England, Wests Entertainment Group and Tamworth City Toyota, your support continues to elevate the Games year after year.

To our media partners, NBN News, 95.5FM, 92.9FM and TMFM, thank you for helping us share these stories with the wider community. Your coverage brings the spirit of the Games to those who could not be there in person, and that reach matters.

Behind every successful event is a dedicated team working tirelessly behind the scenes. To my team at the Northern Inland Academy of Sport, particularly Pip and Martin, your commitment, professionalism and passion are central to the seamless delivery of this event. A special mention must also go to Emily and Shona for their outstanding support, guidance and coordination throughout both the lead-up to and delivery of the Games. Thank you all for the enormous contribution you make to the success of this event. My gratitude also extends to the RAS staff, particularly the convenors, and the Board, along with the State and Local Sporting Associations, whose collective efforts are woven into every aspect of these Games.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the venues and facility staff who hosted competitions throughout the weekend. Your support, flexibility and willingness to showcase your outstanding facilities played a vital role in delivering a high-quality experience for athletes, officials and spectators, and in highlighting Tamworth as a premier regional sporting destination.

And to the parents and guardians, the unsung heroes of every Academy Games, the kilometres you travel, the early mornings you endure and the unwavering encouragement you provide does not go unnoticed. You are an essential part of what makes this event so special.

As we close the chapter on the 2026 Games, we do so with excitement for what lies ahead. The talent, dedication and sportsmanship on display throughout the weekend are a testament to the strength and depth of regional sport in New South Wales, and we cannot wait to see what these young athletes go on to achieve.