About the IAS

The regional academy format was pioneered in the Illawarra in 1985 with a vision to provide opportunities and services for talented regional athletes to achieve excellence. This format has now been duplicated and adapted across the state and overseas. The Illawarra Academy of Sport has now been offering sporting scholarships to young athletes in eighteen different sports, over the past twenty six years.

The strength of the IAS in delivering services to athletes has always been its strategic alliances and partnerships with the local community. From Illawarra business, local governments, sporting associations at regional and state level and support of the University of Wollongong and the team of more than fifty volunteers who guide the talented youth of the Illawarra region. The IAS is now one of the strongest regional sporting academies in New South Wales.

The IAS consists of five regions; Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven and the Wingecaribee areas. Talented and dedicated athletes within these regions are offered scholarships with the IAS to help them reach and achieve higher levels within their chosen sporting fields.

In 2011, the IAS was awarded the rights to host the ClubsNSW Academy Games in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Competition begins on April 13th till 15th 2012.