The South West Sydney Academy of Sport says it’s proud to announce the return of its annual Indigenous talent identification day at Minto Indoor Sports Centre on Friday, July 24.
Supported by Underwriting Agencies Australia, the Indigenous talent identification day provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students aged 13–17 from across South Western Sydney the opportunity to showcase their athletic skills and connect with athlete development pathways into high performance sport.
The program is designed to identify talented young athletes who may be selected into fully funded South West Sydney Academy of Sport scholarship positions, while also fostering cultural pride, personal growth and community connection.
The event is open to students living or attending school in the Liverpool, Campbelltown, Camden and Wollondilly local government areas.
Current Indigenous scholarship recipient Jazwyn Lyddieth said the program had provided opportunities well beyond sport.
“The day was a great opportunity to show off my sporting skills while being surrounded by mob who share the same interests,’’ Jazwyn said.
“My selection into the academy has been nothing but a positive experience, giving me access to valuable support in nutrition, wellbeing, personal development and more.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to see the improvement in my sporting performance and cultural connection.”
The 2025 Indigenous athlete of the year, and now apprentice SWSAS baseball coach AJ Coles said the academy had played an important role in his journey both on and off the field.
“The South West Sydney Academy of Sport has played a huge role in my development, not only as an athlete but as a person,’’ he said.
“The academy provided me with opportunities, education and life skills that have helped shape who I am today, while also allowing me to stay connected to and be proud of my culture.
“I’m grateful to now be involved as a coach, giving back and helping the next generation of athletes grow both on and off the field.”
The Indigenous talent identification day forms part of the academy’s commitment to increasing opportunities and pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes throughout the region.
EVENT SNAPSHOT:
WHAT 2026 UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day
WHEN Friday 24 July 2026
TIME 9am to 2pm
WHERE Minto Indoor Sports Centre
COST Free
Registrations are now open via the South West Sydney Academy of Sport website. For more information or to register, visit:
regionalacademies.org.au/swsas/programs/indigenous/