New home for new look academy

THE Limestone Coast Academy of Sport (LCAS), formerly Limestone Coast Regional Sporting Academy, has taken a major leap forward in its mission to support emerging athletes, officially joining the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network and adopting an independent governance model.

This milestone positions LCAS as South Australia’s first independently governed regional academy, aligning it with a nationally recognised athlete development pathway.

Previously managed by the Limestone Coast Local Government Association (LCLGA), the Academy will now operate locally with strategic and operational support from RAS – an organisation with a proven track record in developing regional sporting talent across regional Australia.

President of the LCLGA, Mayor Lynette Martin OAM said the Limestone Coast Local Government Association was immensely proud of what the Limestone Coast Regional Sporting Academy has delivered for the region to date.

“From humble beginnings as a pilot project in 2017, hundreds of aspiring athletes have benefited from the guidance and support made available through the program,” Mayor Martin said. “It’s a great example of what can be achieved when Local Government works together for the region.

“This success to date now means the program is in a great position for Regional Academies of Sport Ltd to take it to the next level, an exciting development that will open more doors and provide greater opportunities to local athletes in the lead up to Brisbane 2032. The transition to RAS represents a major step forward for athlete development in regional South Australia.”

LCAS core mission remains unchanged: to identify, educate, and support talented young athletes in the Limestone Coast region.

The Academy will continue to deliver locally tailored programs, maintain its regional base, and uphold deep community connections, while benefiting from shared services, expertise and resources available through RAS.

Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) CEO Brett O’Farrell said this transition marked a new era for sport in the Limestone Coast.

“We’re proud to welcome LCAS into the RAS network, preserving its strong local identity while enhancing its capacity to deliver world-class programs,” he said. “With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, now is the time to invest in the next generation of regional talent.”

Amongst this exciting news, LCAS has officially found its new home at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre, marking an exciting new chapter for both the Academy and the region.

Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre venue manager Heidi Gajic said they were thrilled to welcome the Limestone Coast Academy of Sport to their new home at Wulanda.

“Wulanda is more than a sporting facility, it’s a vibrant community hub where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to connect, be inspired, and celebrate local talent.” Mc=s Gajic said. “The Academy has already made a remarkable impact across the region, and having them based here delivering world-class programs for our region’s athletes aligns with our vision for Wulanda as a centre of excellence, inclusion, and community pride. We look forward to seeing our young athletes grow and thrive in an environment that champions both sport and community.”

In partnership with the South Australian Government, RAS are also working towards the establishment of high-performance academies in three strategically selected regions, creating a truly statewide network that supports young athletes across regional South Australia.

With initial support secured to enable current athletes to continue training, complete their programs and graduate, ensuring continuity and impact in the short term.

Looking ahead, RAS are planning the rollout of additional academies in Port Lincoln, Whyalla, and the Riverland.

These locations have been identified as key growth areas that will further strengthen our reach and ensure equitable access to elite sporting pathways – a truly statewide approach for South Australia’s regional areas.

Continued government support and investment will be essential to sustaining and expanding this initiative, which not only fosters athletic excellence but also contributes to broader outcomes in regional development, youth engagement, and community wellbeing.