Hockey NSW and Regional Academy Partners Renew Commitment to Athlete Development Across NSW
Published Fri 21 Aug 2026
Hockey NSW and its long-standing Regional Academy partners, the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS), Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS) and South East Sports Academy (SESA), have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening athlete development opportunities across New South Wales through a more closely aligned approach to talent identification, development and performance pathways.
For many years, the Regional Academies have been a vital part of the Hockey NSW athlete development system, providing quality training environments for emerging athletes and supporting their progression towards state and national representation. Building on this strong foundation, Hockey NSW and its Regional Academy partners are enhancing their collaboration to ensure the pathway continues to meet the evolving needs of athletes while supporting the long-term growth of hockey across the state.
Through enhanced athlete monitoring, increased coach engagement and greater alignment of performance standards, the partnership will further strengthen the connection between local development environments and Hockey NSW State Team programs. This ongoing collaboration recognises the critical role Regional Academies play in identifying talent, developing athletes and ensuring aspiring players remain connected to opportunities within the Hockey NSW pathway, regardless of where they live.
Former Hockeyroo and three-time Olympian Emily Chalker said the partnership creates valuable opportunities for young athletes to develop within their local communities while pursuing higher honours.
"As a regional athlete, having access to a high-quality local training environment while remaining connected to the NSW pathway was incredibly important to my development. Strengthening that connection will help more young athletes reach their potential while continuing to grow both on and off the field."
Hockey NSW CEO Carolyn Campbell said the renewed focus reflects a shared commitment to building a stronger future for hockey across New South Wales.
"Our Regional Academy partners have been an integral part of athlete development in New South Wales for many years. By strengthening our alignment and working more closely together, we can create better opportunities for athletes across the state and build an even stronger pathway for future generations."
Regional Academies of Sport CEO Brett O’Farrell said the strengthened partnership reinforces a shared commitment to developing athletes and supporting the future of hockey across regional New South Wales.
"The Regional Academies have proudly partnered with Hockey NSW for many years, supporting talented athletes in their local communities. This renewed focus strengthens development opportunities and creates clearer pathways for athletes to progress and achieve their goals."
The partnership reflects a shared vision to create a more connected athlete development system across New South Wales, ensuring emerging players have access to quality development environments, clear progression opportunities and ongoing support throughout their journey.
As part of its broader pathway strategy, Hockey NSW is also enhancing its metropolitan athlete development model, ensuring athletes across both regional and metropolitan areas benefit from connected, high-quality development environments that strengthen the future of hockey across New South Wales.
Regional Academy applications will open in the near future. Further information can be found on the Hockey NSW or your local Regional Academy websites.
For more information
Contact Janet Drakos
Hockey NSW
Project Manager – High Performance & Pathways
Ph: 0412 150 218
