Investing in volunteers to grow Territory sport

Published 24 September 2025

Thirty-five dedicated volunteer coaches and officials from across the Northern Territory have been awarded scholarships through the Northern Territory Sports Academy (NTSA).

From Darwin to Alice Springs, Katherine to Palmerston, the 2025–26 scholarship holders represent 20 different sports – from basketball and netball to sailing, judo, triathlon and more.

The scholarships recognise the vital role volunteers play in Territory sport and provide tailored development support, including:

• individual development plans with mentoring and training
• access to sports science and medicine expertise
• professional learning opportunities to build long-term skills.

Running from September 2025 to May 2026, the program is part of the NT Sport Volunteer Action Plan 2023–25. By investing in volunteer coaches and officials, the Northern Territory Government is building stronger pathways for children, young people, families and athletes across the NT.

Participants in the Darwin, Palmerston, rural and Katherine regions attended an induction session on Wednesday 24 September at Arafura Stadium, with Alice Springs recipients joining online and again at a local induction in October.

2025–26 coach and official scholarship holders

Coaches

1. Rebecca Osei-Agyeman – Basketball (Alice Springs)
2. Christina Heron – Calisthenics (Darwin)
3. Anne-Marie Cruickshank – Equestrian (Palmerston)
4. Pantelis Pizanias – Football (Palmerston)
5. Chris Johnson – Football (Palmerston)
6. Jade Longstaff – Golf (Alice Springs)
7. Korgan Hucent – Judo (Darwin)
8. Tahlia Hill – Netball (Alice Springs)
9. Taylah Locke – Netball (Katherine)
10. Ethan Seneca – Tennis (Alice Springs)
11. Caleb Nicol – BMX (Alice Springs)
12. Michael Heyburn – NTSA Open Futures (Alice Springs)
13. Daniel Amoko – NTSA Open Futures (Palmerston)
14. Laura Henssen – NTSA Open Futures (Darwin)
15. Lucinda Moody – Para Sports (Alice Springs)
16. Roger Chin – Para Athletics (Palmerston)
17. Justin Boencke – Para Powerlifting (Palmerston)
18. Luigi Andreoli – Rugby Union (Darwin)
19. Kaara Tweedie – Rugby Union (Darwin)
20. Sharon Jennings – Rugby Union (Darwin)
21. Aden McGrath – Sailing (Palmerston)
22. Timothy Few – Swimming (Palmerston)
23. Taylia Sheridan – Swimming (Darwin)
24. Leslee Reif – Triathlon (Darwin)
25. John Lay – Volleyball (Darwin)
26. Joshua Manzie – Weightlifting (Palmerston)

Officials

27. Lelania Acres – Basketball (Alice Springs)
28. Courtney Green – Basketball (Palmerston)
29. Rachael Fisher – Equestrian (Palmerston)
30. Carly Ross – Netball (Alice Springs)
31. Amy Rodda – Netball (Darwin)
32. Sarah Robertson – Offroad Motorcycle Racing (Alice Springs)
33. Glen Frew – Pistol Shooting (Palmerston)
34. Angus Cram – Rugby Union (Palmerston)
35. Edmond Vincent – Sailing (Darwin)