Sports College SA to partner with Tjindu Foundation

Sports College South Australia (SCSA) is proud to announce a new education partnership with the Tjindu Foundation, strengthening opportunities for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through sport, learning and connection.

Through the partnership, Tjindu Academy participants will continue their SACE pathways, with the collaboration increasing the Academy’s capability to extend and include more SACE outcomes alongside its sporting and cultural programs.

The partnership builds on a shared commitment to empowering First Nations young people through culturally strong, meaningful learning pathways that support wellbeing, identity and achievement on and off the field.

SCSA Principal Matthew Daly said the partnership reflected a shared vision of creating opportunities where young people felt supported to thrive.

“We’re honoured to work alongside the Tjindu Foundation to support learning pathways that recognise the value of culture, connection, and sport,” Mr Daly said.

“This partnership strengthens Tjindu’s existing success by expanding opportunities through relevant, strengths-based experiences that support young people’s future goals.”

The collaboration enables students to engage in learning designed around sport, real-world experiences and personal development. Tjindu Academy athletes will continue to access the Academy’s sporting and cultural programming while benefiting from SCSA’s inclusive and flexible learning environment, which focuses on confidence, leadership and life skills.

Tjindu Foundation CEO Kellie Graves said the partnership brought together two organisations united by a shared vision for empowering young people through alternative education pathways.

“Tjindu Foundation are thrilled to walk alongside Sports College as our education partner moving forward in 2026 and beyond,” Ms Graves said.

“The coming together of two organisations that share a unique vision of alternative modes of delivery to drive educational success and empower young people is something that unites our two organisations and strengthens us as leaders within our industries.

“Partnering with Sports College South Australia has allowed the Tjindu Foundation to extend our programs to include more First Nations young people, increase days of delivery and remain self-determining. We look forward to a future that’s bright for both organisations.”

Mr Daly said SCSA looked forward to working closely with the Tjindu Foundation, Academy participants and families to support strong futures for Aboriginal young people through education, sport and connection.

The collaboration follows partnerships formed late last year with two of the state’s most prestigious sports programs – the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy and the Natalie von Bertouch Academy – to help develop high school students focused on careers in sport.

SCSA is delivering netball and cricket programs with both these prestigious partners, working closely with students to provide more opportunities to grow their skills and knowledge of netball and cricket, and to further enhance their personal and athletic development.