Newcastle set to host fifth instalment of the School Sport Australia Games
The city of Newcastle will host the fifth School Sport Australia Games in October 2026.
This major event, running from October 25 to 30, will bring together over 1200 students representing their state or territory across seven different sports.
The School Sport Australia Games, in partnership with the City of Newcastle, aim to create more opportunities, better competition, and an improved experience for student athletes who, in the past, would have their national championships separate from all other sports.
Basketball, Cricket, Football (Soccer), Golf, Hockey, Softball, and Touch Football are the seven sports set to be played across the city, as well as plans for an excursion day called The Championship Team Experience for every student to attend.
The 12 years and under championships will be played in all seven sports, while Touch Football will also play their 15 years and under championship.
Athletes, team officials, and even student officials from all over the country will be in attendance for the Games, which have successfully run on the Gold Coast, Moreton Bay, and Ballarat over the last two years.
An estimated $9 million was injected into the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay economies when they hosted the School Sport Australia Games. It is anticipated that over $4.5 million dollars will be injected into Newcastle and the local region.
“The SSA team is excited to be able to announce that the fifth edition of the School Sport Australia Games will be held right here in the incredible city of Newcastle,” School Sport Australia Executive Officer Phil Reeves said.
“Seven national championships will be held at venues across the city, highlighting the immense sporting talent of student athletes and officials from across the nation.
“This event would not be possible without the support of the City of Newcastle, as well as our major partner, Struddys Apparel.”
City of Newcastle Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the local government was excited to be chosen as the host city for the Games.
“We are thrilled that the SSA team have chosen our city to host the fifth instalment of the Games,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“As hosts, we look forward to next October when we can welcome all the student athletes, officials, team officials, and families to our world-class facilities for a week-long sporting festival.
“We’re committed to delivering the best instalment of the School Sport Australia Games yet.”
“Newcastle is a proud sporting city, home to some of Australia’s most famous sportspeople including Andrew Johns, Belinda Clark, Kurt Fearnley, and Cheryl Salisbury. It will be great to host the future generation of sporting stars right here in our city”.
SSA Executive Officer Phil Reeves, President Graeme Jennings, Cr Winney-Baartz, and Newcastle school students who recently represented NSW in Ballarat will be available for a media opportunity at The Newcastle Number 2 Sportsground Community Room on Thursday, November 13.