Future Champions Athlete Empowerment Program 2026/27
Program Overview
ENSW are offering a selected number of emerging athletes the opportunity to participate in the Future Champions Empowerment Program created by NSW Office of Sport.
The program is for equestrian athletes turning 14 to 18 years in 2026 who have, in the last two years, been selected for National Interschool Championships and/or performed well at regional, state or national competitions in Dressage, Eventing, Jumping, Combined Training, Show Horse or Vaulting.
A separate program will be offered later for athletes with a disability.
Two classes will run concurrently. Class 1 is for athletes turning 14 and 15 in 2026. Class 2 is for athletes turning 16, 17 or 18 in 2026. Each class will have a maximum of 6 athletes from each equestrian discipline.
Athlete benefits
Equestrians often spend many hours on their horse but what about off their horse? What knowledge do they have about what it takes to be a high performing athlete? ‘The Future Champions Athlete Empowerment courses address the critical needs of the emerging athlete and assist in equipping and empowering them with the right knowledge, skills and strategies to support them in and out of sport.’
Three e-learning courses form the basis of the program: -
-
Holistic Athlete Program
-
Athlete Mental Toolkit
-
Nutrition for Athletes
Selected athletes will have two years access to the e-courses, attend monthly online class group education sessions and be supported by their riding coach, parents and the ENSW Education Manager.
Detailed information on the Future Champions Athlete Empowerment program can be found HERE 
Information Sheet - Future Champions Athlete Empowerment Program UPDATED.pdf
Athlete selection criteria
Selection is by application and is open to ENSW members turning 14 to 18 years in 2026, who have, in the last two years, been selected for National Interschool Championships and/or performed well at regional, state or national competitions in Dressage, Eventing, Showjumping, Combined Training, Show horse or Vaulting.
Application process
Application is via an online form, and the following submitted material: -
For athletes turning 14 and 15 in 2026: -
-
List of competition results from the previous 2 years - Interschool and other regional, state or national championships
-
Riding coach questionnaire and reference
-
Parent approval, questionnaire and reference
-
Athlete questionnaire
-
Submitted video (max 2 minutes) on why they should be selected
For athletes turning 16, 17 or 18 in 2026: -
-
List of results from the previous 2 years - Interschool and other regional, state or national championships
-
Riding coach questionnaire and reference
-
Parent approval, questionnaire and reference
-
Athlete questionnaire
-
Submitted video (max 2 minutes) on why they should be selected
-
General reference addressing work ethic, ability to balance, life, work/study, and sport.
Conditions of selection
Future Champions Empowerment Athletes are expected to: -
-
Be committed to continue their development working towards regularly competing at State and National level.
-
Demonstrate commitment to the 2-year program, continually progressing through the program levels and striving for excellence in a holistic approach to being an equestrian athlete.
-
Achieve appropriate performance levels consistent with their progress on the program.
-
An athlete levy of $350 - $400 applies per year, to cover the costs of access to the programs and class coaches.
Selection panel
A selection panel made up of the ENSW CEO and ENSW Education Manager will assess the applicants and may contact athlete referees, parents and coaches.
Application opening date
Monday November 17th, 2025
Application closing date
Sunday January 4th, 2026
Start date
Monday February 9th, 2026
Questions
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact:
Jodie Miles
Equestrian NSW Education Manager
Apply now
