The NIAS Future Stars Program exists to provide elite and endeavoring athletes with the opportunity to access a holistic approach to high performance services from within the Northern Inland region.
Athletes from all sports are welcome to apply, whether or not their sport is part of a Northern Inland Academy program. This holistic development program focuses on enhancing athletes’ overall performance and wellbeing through individualised strength and conditioning, movement screening, sports psychology, nutrition, and goal setting. It provides expert support to complement home coaches, delivering sports science and wellness services that sit alongside regular skill-based training.
Scholarship holders receive the following benefits:
Access to NIAS High Performance Strength & Conditioning (S&C) Sessions with qualified coaches year-round through and RuralFit Training Hubs
Individualised, periodised gym programs designed to meet each athlete’s specific developmental needs.
Media exposure through NIAS communication channels and promotional platforms.
Access to the Athlete Management System (AMS) – Lumin, enabling athletes to monitor training load, recovery, and wellbeing.
Athlete education workshops covering key topics such as Nutrition, Sports Psychology, Motivation, Leadership, and Load Management
Opportunity to purchase NIAS merchandise pack
Access to NIAS’ recommended network of allied health providers, including physiotherapists and sport psychologists.
Athletes are encouraged to take advantage of the full range of benefits available to gain the maximum value from their scholarship experience.
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must:
Be competing at a regional, state, or national level in their chosen sport.
Be aged between 12 and 25 years.
Reside within the Northern Inland catchment area.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to progressing along their sport’s elite athlete pathway.
Compete in a sport not currently serviced by a NIAS program, or fall outside the eligible age range of an existing NIAS program. For example: If the NIAS Netball Program is open to athletes aged 16 & under, an athlete aged 17–25 may be eligible for a Future Stars scholarship instead.
Athletes will be assessed against the following criteria:
Performance level: Achievement and success at regional, state, or national competition.
Endorsement: Support from a Regional Academy, State Sporting Organisation (SSO), or National Sporting Organisation (NSO).
Potential and progression: Consideration of the athlete’s long-term development potential and alignment with the sport’s elite pathway.
Martin Rae – NIAS Program Manager
Abbie Peet — Athletics
Elizabeth Faris — Benchrest Shooting (rimfire + centrefire)
Eli McGinty — Football (Soccer) Goalkeeper
Imogen Biddle — Cross Country/Athletics
Isabella Henderson — Rowing
Jackson Crawford McCosker — Cricket
Lennon Simmonds — Football