Softball
Program Selection Trials will be held on Sunday 26 October 2025 in Tamworth.
Athlete pathways
Athlete benefits
NIAS Softball Athletes will receive the following benefits:
- Regional training sessions | technical and tactical Softball skill development
- Access to RuralFit Training Hubs around the region for strength and conditioning
- Access to a network of specialised coaches and guest coaches
- Access to purchase NIAS merchandise pack
- Athlete education in topics such as nutrition, sports psychology, motivation, leadership and load management, drugs in sport, media training, and social media
- Fitness testing
- Functional movement screening
- Personal development
- Playing opportunities to represent NIAS at Your Local ClubAcademy Games in Tamworth, 17-19 April 2026 and Inter Academy Camp.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for a position within the 2025-2026 Softball program, athletes must be:
- Athletes must be 13-15 years of age in 2025 (Born 2010 & 2012)
- A resident or attending school within the Northern Inland region
- A financial member of Softball NSW
- Open to both Female & Male athletes
Program Costs
- Program levy includes strength and conditioning, all venue hires, education and training sessions.
- Your Local Club Academy Games and Inter-Academy Camp levy (a separate invoice will be sent).
Program Staff
Head coach – Alan McNulty
Assistant coach – Scott Cracknell
Manager – Natalie Crittle
Squad
To be announced Friday 31st October 2025.
Schedule & Flyer
- Sunday 9 November 2025 Induction at Lake Keepit – Gunnedah
- NIAS Squad regional training sessions, Strength & Conditioning and education
- Inter-Academy Camp in February – Newcastle
- Your Local Club Academy Games, 17-19 April 2026 – Tamworth
Scholarship Opportunities
- Active Champion – HealthWISE scholarship
Program Partners
ATHLETE BENEFITS & COMMITMENT
- Intensive coaching from accredited regional, guest and state level coaches.
- Regional training sessions – technical and tactical skill development.
- Performance Support including Sport Psychology, Nutrition, Fitness Assessments, RuralFit -Strength & Conditioning and more.
- Complimentary invitations to the annual Academy Awards.
- Opportunities to participate in higher level competitions and challenges.
- Be committed to a holistic approach to their development, both on and off the field.
- Comply with the training requirements and respond in a positive manner to any feedback.
- Maintain an appropriate performance standard to continue to receive opportunities.
- Behave and dress in an appropriate manner when representing NIAS and its sponsors.
Wear NIAS apparel when representing the Academy at events. - Be available to sponsors and the media for promotional purposes.
- Adhere to NIAS Athlete Code of Conduct and policies including anti-doping policy.
- Maintain regular communication with NIAS and coaching staff as required.
$220 includes: training sessions, coaching and performance support activities, and invitations to special events such as the annual Academy Awards Night.
- Academy Challenges, Academy Games and any specific Sports Tours are additional to the Athlete Levy. Costs differ from sport to sport.
- Athlete Uniform. Uniform requirements vary from sport to sport.
Past Squad Archives
Mackenzie Knox