Shellharbour's emerging athletes were recognised at a special reception held at the Shellharbour Civic Centre, celebrating their selection into the Illawarra Academy of Sport scholarship program.
31 local athletes were awarded scholarships across a diverse range of sports including basketball, cycling, football, hockey, netball, rugby sevens, triathlon and volleyball.
Caption: 31 of Shellharbour's brightest young athletes were honoured at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on Monday 15 June. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
Shellharbour City Council has proudly supported the Academy for many years and in 2026 contributed $18,676 to the program.
The Illawarra Academy of Sport is known for its well-rounded approach to athlete development, helping young sportspeople refine their skills while preparing them for the broader demands of elite competition.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the achievements of local athletes demonstrate the value of continued investment in sport.
"Our community is incredibly proud of these young athletes and all they've achieved," Mayor Homer said.
"Selection into the Academy is a significant milestone and reflects their commitment, discipline and talent.
"Council is proud to support pathways that help our young people reach their full potential, both on and off the field."
The 2026 Illawarra Academy of Sport scholarship recipients from Shellharbour are:
Basketball: Harlen Walsh
Cycling (BMX & Mountain Bike): Harvey Delforce, Wyatt Delforce, Indiana Lambert
Football: Tehani Aperau-Bob, Eden Casey
Future Stars: Harper Beaton (Water Polo), Max Serfontein (Athletics), Kobi Hayward (Touch Football)
Para Sports: Xavier Wilson (Athletics)
Golf: Jaidon Kyriacou
Hockey: Max Elliott, Eli Mayo, Sam Huetter, Sienna Mason, Maya Huetter
Netball: Lilly McIntosh
Netball Umpires: Charlotte Weir, Abbey Whitchurch
Girls Rugby Sevens: Eseta Tuidraki, Layla Bramstedt, Indie Bramstedt, Zali Milthorpe, Reeva Milthorpe, Niamh Hicks, Ashanti Atallah, Marli Kissell, Ryah Hayward
Triathlon: Jack Gibson
Volleyball: Lily Ison, Megan Fackender
KEY MESSAGES:
- Council is investing in pathways that help young Shellharbour athletes reach elite levels.
- 31 local athletes have earned Illawarra Academy of Sport scholarships across a wide range of sports.
- The program supports not just sporting performance, but the personal growth and development of emerging athletes.
