Athlete Program
Future Champions: Athlete Program
Program overview
The South East Sports Academy (SESA) Future Champions: Athlete Program is a scholarship program that enhances the development of talented athletes in the South East region of NSW.
Future Champions: Athlete Program is for athletes aged between 12 to 18 years who are competing at a high level in an Olympic or Paralympic Sport. Scholarships are available to athletes who reside and / or attend school in the South East Region. Scholarships will be awarded based on performances by the athlete at national, state or regional level over the past three years. Athletes with a disability are encouraged to apply
Athlete benefits
Scholarship athletes will be provided with:
Minimum of two camps per year (your coach will be invited to attend also)
Functional movement screening
Athlete education opportunities
Access to the online Holistic Athlete Program
Opportunity to apply for funding to assist with travel to endorsed State or National events
Where available, access to development opportunities with SESA partners.
SESA Future Champions athletes should be prepared to attend all athlete development opportunities that are offered to them by the South East Sports Academy.
Athlete eligibility
To be eligible for a SESA Future Champions: Athlete Program Scholarship, athletes must satisfy the following criteria:
Reside within the South East Region of NSW
Be turning 12 – 18 years of age in 2026 (i.e. born from 2014 to 2008)
Be involved in an individual or team sport which is recognised as an Olympic / Paralympic Sport by the International Olympic Committee Olympics Sports List or International Paralympic Committee Paralympic Sports List - Summer & Winter Paralympic Sports
Be registered, affiliated or have reciprocal rights with the recognised state body of their chosen sport in NSW or ACT
Be prepared to attend SESA education sessions
Conditions of scholarship
SESA Future Champions: Athlete Program Scholarship holders are expected to:
Be committed and prepared to work toward representing their sport at a state or national level
Be committed to a holistic approach to athlete development
Maintain an appropriate performance standard at regional and state competitions to continue to receive scholarship support
Not take or use performance enhancing drugs or illegal drugs or participate in other activities that are prohibited by the South East Sports Academy Code of Conduct
Behave and dress in a professional and dignified manner when representing your sport and the SESA
Comply with the training requirements of your sport as prescribed by nominated coaching staff and respond in a positive manner to any suggestions or criticism
Be required to submit activity statements when requested outlining their activities during the scholarship period (a standard report form will be provided by SESA for athletes to complete).
An athlete levy of $350 will apply which covers the cost of program activities.
Uniform levy $170 (mandatory for new scholarship holders). Uniform items can be purchased in subsequent years but not compulsory if uniform is still in good condition
Selection criteria
To gain selection into the SESA Future Champions: Athlete Program athletes must satisfy the eligibility criteria and then the following will be taken into consideration:
Past performance and achievements
Potential to improve, stated goals and planned schedule of competitions
Willingness to learn and apply coaching ideas
Attitude, commitment and dedication
Tactical ability or knowledge of their chosen sport
Physical attributes associated with optimal performance for their sport.
Selection process
Complete an online application by 2 November 2025.
Applications must include a reference from your coach or teacher.
Applications will be assessed by a selection panel and information about the athlete may be discussed with:
Parents/ Guardians
Nominated referee, coach and school
NSW /ACT State Sporting Organisation for the primary sport.
