The Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) successfully launched the highly anticipated 2025 Your Local Club Academy Games with a special media event held yesterday at Tamworth Golf Club. The event was attended by media representatives, VIPs and key stakeholders, marking the beginning of a three-year tenure for the Games in Tamworth.
The launch event featured notable guest speakers, including Tamworth Mayor Russell Webb, who highlighted the significance of hosting the Games in Tamworth. Former Olympic Basketballer and Hunter Academy of Sport Alumni Katie Ebzery engaged the audience with an inspiring Q&A session, sharing her experiences and insights into the world of elite sports. Additionally, NIAS athletes Molly Stokeld (Basketball), Angus Barwick (Hockey), Mason Hill (Basketball) and Charlotte Williams (Netball) participated in a lively Q&A, providing a glimpse into their preparations and aspirations for the upcoming Games.
NIAS CEO Shona Eichorn expressed her enthusiasm for the event’s new home in Tamworth, stating, “This is a game-changer for our region. Hosting the Your Local Club Academy Games for the next three years is an incredible opportunity to showcase our local facilities, talent and the unwavering community support that underpins sport in Northern Inland and the pathway programs across the state.”
The Your Local Club Academy Games, a flagship event of the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS), will feature eight key sports along with additional invitational sports in the future. Building on the success of previous editions, the Tamworth-hosted Games are expected to draw close to 2000 athletes, coaches and supporters, delivering significant economic and social benefits to the community.
At the event, NIAS announced an exciting Pathways in Sport Q&A Education Workshop, supported by the Office of Sport. This workshop will provide valuable insights into achieving success in sports, featuring Dr. Juanita Weissensteiner, Olympians Emma Jeffcoat, Marianna Tolo, Katie Ebzery, and Basketball Australia representatives Nat Hurst and Michaela Ruef. This exclusive Q&A session is open to athletes, coaches and parents from all levels of sport and is FREE to attend. The event will be held at the show court at Tamworth Sports Dome from 4pm-5pm on April 12 and anyone in the community is welcome to attend.
Additionally, in collaboration with Basketball Australia and Basketball NSW, NIAS announced the She Hoops program with special guest Lauren Jackson. On April 11th, She Hoops will bring a girls’ basketball clinic to Tamworth, led by seven-time WNBL champion and former Australian Opal, Nat Hurst, who joins as Head Coach and Official Ambassador of the Play Our Way program. Guest player Mikaela Ruef will also be in attendance. These high-energy clinics are designed for girls of all skill levels, offering a fun and supportive environment to grow and learn.
The success of the 2025 Your Local Club Academy Games is made possible through the generous support of major sponsors, whose collective commitment to youth sport and regional development is instrumental in bringing this event to Tamworth and ensuring a lasting legacy for the athletes and the community. We would like to thank Clubs NSW (Your local club) who are celebrating 20 years of supporting this event, NSW Office of Sport, Tamworth Regional Council, Regional Australia Bank, The University of New England, Wests Entertainment Group, Tamworth Toyota, as well as our media partners NBN News and the Super Radio Network (2TM AM, 92.9 FM).
Head to the Regional Academies of Sport (NSW) to learn more.
