HISTORY OF THE ILLAWARRA ACADEMY OF SPORT

The concept of the Illawarra Academy of Sport emanated from a community based investigation into sport and lifestyle opportunities in the Illawarra. A committee which comprised of representatives government, education, business and community sport recommended the establishment of an Academy to expand sporting opportunities for talented athletes in the region.

With the University of Wollongong facilitating its progress, the committee's vision became a reality when the Illawarra Institute of Sport was launched in December 1985, becoming Australia’s first Regional Academy of Sport. For funding reasons, the term “Institute”,  was replaced with “Academy” prior to incorporation in 1988.

Sports Programs

As the Academy evolved, the range of sports expanded and since 1986 programs have been conducted in 17 different sports. Although gymnastics, touch, lawn bowls, basketball, soccer and surfing are no longer in the Academy, eleven sports programs remain.

Currently there are programs offered for golf, netball, hockey, cricket, rugby league, rugby union, cycling, sailing, swimming, athletes with a disability and individual athletes. Since 1985, there have been over 3000 scholarships offered to local athletes.

A Growing Example

The regional academy format pioneered in the Illawarra has now been replicated across Australia and overseas.  Ten independent regional academies are in operation across NSW with the national network of regional academies now totally nineteen.

The strength of the Illawarra Academy of Sport has always been its strategic alliances and partnerships with Illawarra business, local government, sporting associations at regional and state level and support of the University of Wollongong and the team of volunteers who guide our talented youth.

Yearbooks

A yearbook has been produced since the commencement of the Academy.  Yearbooks include a program summary and sports results.