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Applications Open for ORSR Riverland Future Sports Leader Program

Published 29th May 2026
Expressions of Interest are now open for the inaugural free ORSR Riverland Future Sports Leader Program, providing 10 young people from across the Riverland with the opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain practical experience within local sport and recreation.

The program is designed to support young people aged 15–17 to develop leadership skills through volunteering, workshops and involvement within local sport and recreation clubs. The program also aligns with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award framework and provides participants with the opportunity to attain 10 SACE credits upon successful completion of program requirements.

The program contains four key components:

  • Physical Recreation
  • Voluntary Service
  • Skill Development
  • Adventurous Journey

Participants will be required to complete:

  • A minimum of 13 hours of physical recreation participation (approximately one hour per week over three months)
  • A minimum of 13 hours of volunteering within a local sporting club
  • A minimum of 13 hours of skill development activities through workshops
  • An Adventurous Journey component, including an overnight leadership camp designed by the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing in partnership with AFL Max at West Beach, Adelaide, and a tour of the South Australian Sports Institute’s facilities at Mile End

Skill development opportunities will focus on:

  • Understanding how sporting clubs operate
  • Creating welcoming and inclusive club environments
  • Personal leadership and self-development
  • Assertive communication
  • Supporting the health and wellbeing of club members
  • Coaching and officiating courses

Two participants will be selected from each of the Riverland’s five major townships, including Berri, Barmera, Loxton, Renmark, and Waikerie, to ensure broad regional representation.

The program aims to identify and develop young leaders who are passionate about their local community and interested in contributing positively to the future of Riverland sport and recreation.

Expressions of Interest are open to young people aged 15–17 who currently attend secondary school within the Riverland region. To apply, please complete the online expression of interest form by clicking here.

Important Dates

  • Expressions of Interest Open – Sunday 24 May 2026
  • Expressions of Interest Close – Sunday 14 June 2026
  • Successful and unsuccessful applicants notified by Friday 26 June 2026
  • Proposed Program Delivery Period – July 2026 to April 2027

Important Links

For further information, please contact Travis O’Shaughnessy, Connected and Active Communities Project Officer:

0447 750 529
toshaughnessy@lwdc.sa.gov.au

The Riverland Connected and Active Communities Program is funded by the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing and delivered in partnership with the District Council of Loxton Waikerie, Berri Barmera Council and Renmark Paringa Council.