The Illawarra Academy of Sport is inviting regional athletes to apply for 2024-25 scholarships. 

This new intake, from October 2024 to September 2025, will benefit from the IAS's top-level training and education aimed at turning athletes' sporting dreams into reality.

“The question is always: How can we really support these athletes?” said Salv Carmusciano, CEO of the IAS.

“It might be just putting more resources into strength and conditioning or getting better equipment.

“It’s always about looking for ways to improve things for the athletes.”

This particular intake excites the IAS as athletes could have the chance to compete in some of the world's biggest sporting events, including the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

Training future Olympians is nothing new for the IAS. Six-time Olympic gold medallist Emma McKeon, Olympic hockey player Blake Govers and 400-metre hurdler Sarah Carli, who competed at the Tokyo Games, all attended the academy.

Who should apply

“I think they’ve already been identified as talented in their field, generally you’ve got just that extra level of hunger and commitment into whatever it is,” Salv said.

“That includes everything we throw at them here at the academy, that they know and are committed to making themselves the best version of themselves as they can.”

Last year, there were about 500 applicants, but fewer than 300 were selected for the scholarship program, highlighting its competitive nature.

The academy employs the Foundations, Talent, Elite, Mastery (FTEM) framework, developed by the Australian Institute of Sport, to guide its selection process.

Athletes must be identified as talented, entering at the "T" phase, which focuses on recognising and nurturing athletic potential. The program aims to move athletes through various stages, from early talent recognition (T1, T2) to more advanced phases (T3, T4), ultimately preparing them for elite performance.

Commitment required

A key trait many athletes need to have is commitment, not only to get the scholarship but in order to fulfil all that comes with it.

"We test them, we challenge them but it gets the best out of them,” Salv said.

“It's obviously working with their coaches really closely, attending every training session.

“Once you’re there and a chance for a scholarship, you still need that high level of commitment to be able to get through.”

With help from the local city council and the state government via the Office of Sport, the application process is free of charge. This 40-year partnership between the academy and local government gives IAS students a big leg-up, which also includes providing athletes with free access to local gyms to train under coaches.

“It’s a fantastic benefit to local athletes who are trying to make their dreams come true,” Salv said.

Tuesday is Indigenous Talent ID Day

The academy often hosts events to build community among the athletes, including the Indigenous Talent ID Day on August 27.

This event aims to identify talented young Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or First Nations descent students for upcoming scholarships, testing athletes' abilities across various sports and offering strength and conditioning sessions. Attendees will also learn about the support available to young athletes and enjoy a free lunch.

Athletes aged 12 and 18 may apply for an IAS scholarship via this link.

Applications are typically open until the end of August.