ILT Academy Southland will welcome in a new cohort of Foundation Year athletes this week as the successful programme brings up a significant milestone.

Fiona Van der Poel (Central Southland College) rugby. Photo: supplied

The programme, which provides a range of support for many of Southland’s most promising young sportspeople, will celebrate its 20th birthday in 2025.

Jacob Anderson (Central Southland College) trampoline gymnastics. Photo: supplied

Manager Jason McKenzie said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the role the Academy has played in helping young Southlanders reach their potential across two decades.

“Along with their families, coaches, schools and sports it’s been a privilege to walk alongside these young people as they branch out in life,” McKenzie said.

Katy Brown (Southland Girls’ High School) tennis. Photo: supplied

“We always say, this isn’t just about getting young people onto podiums, it’s about helping to grow good people who are ready to achieve in all walks of life.”

ILT Academy Southland provides development across a two year period in mental skills, athlete life, strength and conditioning and nutrition, amongst other support for talented athletes who have the potential to compete at a high level in their chosen sport.

Sarah North. Photo: supplied

Five graduates of the programme competed for New Zealand at last year’s Paris Olympics, including cyclists Nicole Shields, Tom Sexton, and Corbin Strong, Black Ferns sevens player Alena Saili, and javelin thrower Tori Peeters.

Programme coordinator Carly Anderson said the 2025 Foundation Year intake had involved a challenging selection process.

Joanna Ellenden (Southland Girls’ High School) netball. Photo: supplied

“After receiving applications we talk to regional sports organisations and, where applicable, the national sports organisation, to understand where an athlete sits. We also have a relationship with a number of athletes who are already utilising the Mike Piper Training Centre,” Anderson said.

William Jack (James Hargest College) basketball. Photo: supplied

“It’s an exciting group for 2025, but I’d also encourage those who missed out to apply again next year because not all of our athletes do get in the first time.”

This year’s intake features a diverse range of sports, with 11 codes across the 12 athletes, and five high schools from across Southland.

Millie McFadzien (St Peter’s College) athletics. Photo: supplied

The Foundation Year intake gets underway from this week with an introduction to the programme’s service providers, including Commonwealth Games badminton representative and physiotherapist Anna Rankin, and Youth Olympic triathlon gold medallist and chiropractor Aaron Barclay, both successful graduates of the programme.

Hector O’Rourke (James Hargest College) athletics. Photo: supplied

2025 Foundation Year ILT Academy Southland:

Jacob Anderson (Central Southland College) trampoline gymnastics

Katy Brown (Southland Girls’ High School) tennis

Emmerson Dickson (Southland Girls’ High School) artistic swimming

Joanna Ellenden (Southland Girls’ High School) netball

Lilah Jack (James Hargest College) rowing

William Jack (James Hargest College) basketball

Dani Kramers (Southland Girls’ High School) sport aerobics

Millie McFadzien (St Peter’s College) athletics

Tarryn McLatchie (Southland Girls’ High School) rugby league

Hector O’Rourke (James Hargest College) athletics

Alex Smith (Menzies College) clay target shooting

Fiona Van der Poel (Central Southland College) rugby