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Supporting the next generation of homegrown emerging sporting talent through increased opportunity provided by the Southern Sports Academy.

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Sport is part of an Australian&#39;s DNA. It&#39;s the one activity that unites our nation and connects communities in good times and bad, especially regionally. There is no shortage of sporting talent in regional areas like the SOUTHERN NSW but what is limited is: opportunity, access and financial capacity. Funding for elite athletes and programs has increased as it has for grassroots participation, yet the pipeline of regional sports talent in the middle of the performance pathway continues to miss out. The fiscal gap is significant and the challenges are real for these regional athletes and their families.Programs like those offered by RAS are critical in ensuring that where these athletes come from does not limit where they can go. -Jacquie Henderson, mother of Isabella (RAS/NIAS Future Champions Program - Rowing 2026). WHO WE AREThe Southern Sports Academy (SSA) is one of 9 Regional Academies of Sport, a Not For Profit network established some 40 years ago to identify, support and empower the pipeline of regional sporting talent by delivering locally based holistic development programs, education, experiences and exposure to the expectations of next level, in an endeavour to reduce the significant challenges and gaps on the performance pathway between local community sport to state and national pathways. OUR SUCCESSDuring this time, we have had great success with the past 3 Olympic/Paralympic Games featuring over 100 RAS alumni. Over 5000 athletes and coaches are identified each year through the Regional Academies of Sport system and close to 3000 athletes invited to participate annually in pre-elite programs (50% female; 14% indigenous). However, with the Brisbane Olympics/Paralympics on the horizon and numerous World Championships and Games in between and beyond, our mission has become even more important than ever. We have been incredibly grateful for the support provided by the Southern Sports Academy for our son, Ben. Living in a regional area can sometimes feel isolating for aspiring athletes, but the Academy has helped by giving Ben access to opportunities and resources that would otherwise be difficult to obtain. One of the most significant benefits has been the sense of community. Ben has had the opportunity to train, compete and build friendships with other motivated young athletes who share similar ambitions. Being surrounded by like-minded peers who encourage and support one another has been extremely beneficial.Marg and Greg Devries, parents of Ben, SSA Triathlon program member - 2026 HOW YOU CAN HELPIn the next decade, it will become a matter of regional pride. To continue to support the pipeline of emerging regional athletes and coaches to achieve their goals in sport and life, a great deal of ongoing investment is required. Your contribution today will provide opportunity and hope tomorrow, and leave an indelible legacy of support for our regional sporting talent, both now and for the generations who follow.  WHERE YOUR INVESTMENT GOES<ul><li>Support for athletes and programs, reducing the costs of participation eg. levies including travel, accommodation, competitions</li><li>Education - athletes, coaches, and officials</li><li>Performance support - making identified athletes stronger: physically, mentally, socially</li><li>Empowering the next generation of community leaders.</li></ul> If like the Southern Sports Academy and the Regional Academies of Sport, you believe in championing our future sporting champions from regional Australia and investing in the potential of regional youth, then this is your project to support. REGIONAL MADE is a once in a generation opportunity! This is YOUR opportunity to invest in YOUR &quot;home grown&quot; regional sporting talent on their journey. JOIN US and together, let&#39;s not let a postcode limit their possibilities; together let&#39;s make a genuine difference. Your support for the Southern Sports Academy REGIONAL MADE campaign is greatly appreciated. To learn more about us <a href="https://regionalacademies.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">click here</a>.

Southern Sports Academy - Regional Made