ILT ACADEMY SOUTHLAND

Pursue

Excellence

For more than 20 years, Academy Southland has supported talented young athletes to pursue excellence in sport, education and life.

years supporting Southland athletes
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athletes developed
400 +
sports represented
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Name · Location

Developing athletes.
Building futures.

Academy Southland equips talented young athletes with the tools, support and experiences to achieve more.

Through a combination of athlete development, personal growth and education, participants build the skills, confidence and resilience needed to meet the demands of high-level sport while preparing for opportunities beyond it.  

Building skills for sport and life

Academy Southland provides a development experience that extends beyond training and competition.  Through workshops, mentoring, performance support and practical learning opportunities, athletes gain the tools to manage the demands of sport, study, work and life.

The programme is designed to develop resilient, capable and confident young people who are prepared to contribute both within their sport and beyond it.

Strength & conditioning

Individualised training at the Mike Piper Training Centre.

Mental skills

The mindset to perform under pressure — and in life.

Athlete life

Balancing school, training, leadership and life.

Nutrition

Fuelling growth and recovery, every day.

2026 applications closed

The academy experience

The impact of Academy Southland extends far beyond competition results.  Hear from athletes, parents and alumni who have experienced the programme and the difference it has made in their lives.  

Current Athlete Name

Parent/coach

Alumni

Latest news and success stories

Stay up to date with athlete achievements, alumni success stories, programme updates and news from the Academy Southland community

Jul, 2026

Athletes recognised at ILT Academy Southland celebration

Middle distance runner Millie McFadzien and rugby plater Olivia Gill have been recognised during the ILT Academy Southlands…
Jul, 2026

Academy Athletes prepped for pinnacle event

The 52nd New Zealand Secondary Schools athletics championships are being held in Hastings next week, a special event on the…
Jul, 2026

New Intake announced for 2026 ILT Academy Southland programme

An 11-strong cohort of athletes has been accepted into the 2026 Foundation Year of the ILT Academy Southland Programme.

Our 2026 athletes

Meet the athletes currently involved in Academy Southland and discover the talent, dedication and ambition that shape the programme today.