JASON Lincoln has stepped into the breach at NIAS and has come up with some big ideas as the academy adds three separate codes of football to its roster this year.
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On Saturday night the academy celebrated its annual awards night and the new executive officer was impressed by the depth of talent that the region boasts.
The former economist turned teacher already had a fair idea after spending the last 13 years at TAS, where he was the co-curricular director as well as First XV coach and manager.
“It is a testament to those who support the athletes as well,” Lincoln said.
“The families, the coaches, the managers and everyone else.”
Lincoln’s roots in rugby will stay as he will also manage the rugby program in its return year.
Soccer and AFL is also set to join a stable that now has nine sports and a Lone Star Program for individual sports.
“It is exciting news for NIAS to introduce this many new programs at once,” Lincoln said.
“Our aim is to deliver pathways for as many young people as we can.”
On Sunday the academy inducted a record 172 athletes into the 2015 program, with the AFL squad still to come.
“We want the programs to act as a conduit between club level and the chance to represent their state or country.”
“The introduction of the new sports will add new dimensions to all programs.”
Lincoln is also looking into creating some more local events and opportunities for the athletes to engage more with the broader community.
“I have got a few ideas that I need to put to the board first,” Lincoln said.
“They will hopefully bring out the best of NIAS and the region.”
“So many people have put a lot of time and energy into this and it is an honour to be part of it and continue the legacy.”
