Academies of Sport Incorporated

The Academies of Sport Incorporated (ASi) is a unique body representing the eleven (11) Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) operating across New South Wales . Academies include; Central Coast, Far West, Hunter, Illawarra, North Coast , Northern Inland, Southern, South East, South West Sydney, Western Region and Western Sydney.

The ASi network represents an amazing geographic spread across NSW, over 100 Local Government areas and encompasses some 2,000 athletes, 300 coaching and program staff with a combined annual operating budget in excess of $4 million. In essence the Regional Academy Network is the delivery arm of pre elite athlete development, a unique position in the state of NSW and one that has significant commercial advantage.

The RAS network covers each of the points of the compass' in NSW and the Vision and Charter of the ASi is to work collaboratively for the betterment of athlete development in NSW and Australia. The development of the 'Academy Games' is the first demonstration of the strength and commitment of the RAS Network to deliver tangible benefits to athletes throughout NSW.

The Academy Games

Although various sporting and events based organisations exist in the market place none have the specific focus of talented athlete development across a broad range of key sports and a combined capacity to bring together the State's athlete development Academies at one time for the conduct of an 'Academy Games'.

This gives rise to the opportunity to create a unique 'brand' which becomes synonymous with talented athlete development and competition, and the conduct of a high quality and professional major event over a three day period. The 'Academy Games' brand also enables the development and implementation of a highly marketable corporate and media program with coverage across NSW through key agencies who are well known for their support of regional development.

The inaugural Academy Games was hosted by the Central Coast Academy of Sport in 2005, who then hosted and grew the event in 2006 and 2007. The Northern Inland Academy of Sport won the next 3 year hosting rights and have so far conducted the event in April 2009. The 2010 ClubsNSW Academy Games will be held in Armidale from the 7th to the 9th April. 

The support of key agencies including the relevant State Sporting Organisations (SSO), National Sporting Organisations, the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Local Associations, business partners including principal partner ClubsNSW and Sports Media will ensure the games continue to be delivered to the highest standards possible.