Young boy on road racing bike with other riders and adults in background
Events & Tourism

Academy Games ready to return to Wagga Wagga

Published: 14 Apr 2023 11:42am

The 2023 Your Local Club Academy Games will officially roll into Wagga Wagga next week, featuring the emerging talent of 1300 athletes from all 11 Regional Academies of Sport across New South Wales.

It is the second time the Southern Sports Academy has hosted the three-day youth sporting event in our city, with the action kicking off on Friday 21 April and running through to Sunday 23 April at various venues in Wagga Wagga.

Girls playing netball on indoor court
📷 2022 Your Local Club Academy Games in Wagga Wagga.

Southern Sports Academy Chief Executive Officer Mark Calverley said the organisation was excited to build on the success of last year’s games.

"We are fortunate to have the event for three years and with each year we aim to build on the last,” Mr Calverley said.

“With the new PCYC available for basketball, and the opportunity to host basketball, volleyball, and triathlon all within the Bolton Park precinct, we can showcase some of the state's best athletes in the centre of Wagga Wagga.

“This also provides an amazing opportunity for many of our athletes to perform on their home stage.”

Three teenage athletes in uniform sitting in room, being asked questions by man with microphone
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Southern Sports Academy athletes Lucas Matthews, Ella Rey, and Emily McPherson during a Q&A session with Southern Sports Academy Chief Executive Officer Mark Calverley at the media launch of the upcoming 2023 Academy Games in Wagga Wagga.

Some of the state’s finest young athletes will be competing at the tournament across seven sports, including basketball, golf, hockey, netball, triathlon, cycling, and indoor volleyball.

Along with athletes, the Games also draw staff, families and supporters to the city, generating estimated 6228 bed stays in the region annually, with a total economic tourism value of more than $1.9 million.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout welcomes the return of the Games to Wagga Wagga, saying this reflects its title as the ‘City of Good Sports’.

“Council has been supporting the Southern Sports Academy for several decades now and we’re happy to continue to do that, to foster and encourage sport participation across the city,” Cr Tout said.

“To the athletes, families, supporters, and friends coming along to the Games, enjoy your sports, have a great time doing that, but also get out and see our city and region. It’s an amazing region and an amazing city.”

Four adult males standing with three teenaged athletes in uniform
GAMES READY: Kick starting the 2023 Academy Games in Wagga Wagga this week, (from left) Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack MP, Hunter Academy of Sport Chief Executive Officer Brett O’Farrell, Southern Sports Academy athletes Emily McPherson, Lucas Matthews, and Ella Rey, along with Wagga Wagga Mayor Cr Dallas Tout and Southern Sports Academy Chief Executive Officer Mark Calverley.

Wagga residents and motorists are advised there will be changed traffic conditions in Morgan Street near the Oasis Aquatic Centre during the cycling leg of the triathlon event at the Games.

The westbound lanes will be closed between Tarcutta Street and Fitzhardinge Street from 6.30am - 12pm on Saturday 22 April and 7am – 11am on Sunday 23 April. Detours will be in place.

The 2023 Your Local Club Academy Games is proudly supported by Your Local Club, the NSW Government, Wagga Wagga City Council, Regional Academies of Sport, and Active Health Riverina.