Players Scholarships 2026 - Applications Now Open
The Players Scholarships programme returns for its second year in 2026, continuing our commitment to supporting the next generation of New Zealand athletes with performance gear, real backing, and belief in their potential.
Launched in 2025, Players Scholarships were created to help committed young athletes access trusted, high-performance gear from world-leading sports brands, removing barriers and allowing them to focus on training, competition, and development.
After a strong first year, the programme expands into 2026 with 12 scholarships available across six sports, each aligned with a specialist brand partner.
Eligibility Criteria
Players Scholarships 2026 are open to New Zealand-based athletes aged 10-15 years who are actively competing at school, club, academy, or representative level in one of the eligible sports.
Applicants must be aged between 10 and 15 at the time of application.
What Are the Players Scholarships?
Players Scholarships is a gear-backed athlete support programme run by Players Sports, a New Zealand-owned specialist sports retailer.
The programme exists to support athletes who:
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Are actively competing at school, club, or representative level
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Train consistently and show commitment to improvement
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Take pride in their sport and their team
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Would genuinely benefit from performance gear support
Each scholarship provides sport-specific equipment support from a leading brand for the 2026 season. This is practical support, not a cash grant, designed to help athletes train and compete with confidence.
Selection is based on commitment, attitude, and alignment with the values of Players Sports - not social following or profile.
Players Scholarships Available for 2026
A total of 12 Players Scholarships are available across the following sports and brand partners:
Cricket (2 Scholarships)
Supported by Gray-Nicolls and Kookaburra
Football (2 Scholarships)
Supported by adidas and New Balance
Hockey (2 Scholarships)
Supported by Grays and Kookaburra
Netball (2 Scholarships)
Rugby (1 Scholarship)
Supported by adidas
Rugby League (1 Scholarship)
Supported by ASICS
Tennis (2 Scholarships)
Supported by Babolat and Wilson
Each scholarship is sport- and brand-specific, ensuring athletes are supported with gear that genuinely suits their game and pathway.
Who Can Apply?
Players Scholarships are open to New Zealand-based athletes aged 10-15 years who are:
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Actively competing in one of the listed sports
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Involved at school, club, academy, or representative level
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Training regularly and committed to improvement
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Able to clearly explain why gear support would make a difference
You don’t need to be elite. You do need to care about your sport, your teammates, and your development.
How to Apply - Players Scholarships 2026
To apply, send an email to info@playerssports.co.nz with the subject line:
"Players Scholarship Application - [Scholarship Name e.g., ASICS Rugby]"
Applications should be written by the athlete themselves, in their own words. We’re keen to hear their voice - not an overly polished AI or parent response.
Please answer the following:
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Your full name, age, and location
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The Players Scholarship you are applying for (e.g., ASICS Netball, Wilson Tennis)
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Tell us about your sporting history over the past two years - What teams, clubs, or competitions have you been part of? Any notable achievements or milestones?
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What are your sporting goals for 2026 and 2027? - What do you want to accomplish in the next two years? How do you plan to improve and push yourself?
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Why have you chosen this specific scholarship? - What makes this sport and brand the perfect combination for you? Why is this brand your favourite?
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Who is your favourite player sponsored by this brand, and why? - What do you admire about them?
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Who is your biggest role model outside of professional sport? - A parent, coach, sibling, or someone else who inspires you?
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What does being a great teammate mean to you? - How do you support and encourage others in your team?
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What would it mean to you to be selected for this scholarship? - Why would this opportunity be special to you? How would you make the most of it?
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What was the last product you or your parent/guardian purchased from Players Sports?
Optional supporting content:
Applicants may include up to three photos and one video to support their application.
This is optional - strong written answers are perfectly fine.
Application Closing Date
Applications close at midnight on Sunday 22 February 2026.
Late applications will not be considered.
Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for additional information before final selections are confirmed.
How Applications Are Assessed
Applications are reviewed by the Players Sports team, with input from brand partners where appropriate.
We look closely at:
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Commitment to training and competition
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Attitude, values, and self-awareness
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Alignment with the sport and brand applied for
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How meaningful the support would be to the athlete
This programme is about backing young athletes who are putting in the work and taking responsibility for their development.
Why Players Sports Runs This Programme
Players Sports works with athletes every day - juniors, club players, and elite competitors chasing their next step.
We see how access to the right gear, at the right time, can remove stress, build confidence, and unlock progress. Players Scholarships is our way of investing back into New Zealand sport and backing young athletes who deserve support.
This is a long-term programme built on trust, effort, and genuine passion for sport.
Players Scholarships 2026 - Terms & Conditions
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Players Scholarships are open to New Zealand-based athletes aged 10-15 years at the time of application, as outlined in the eligibility criteria on this page.
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Applicants must be residing in New Zealand for the duration of the scholarship period.
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Each applicant may apply for one Players Scholarship only. Applicants should choose the scholarship that best aligns with their primary sport and preferred brand.
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Players Scholarships are valid for 12 months, commencing 1 April 2026, unless otherwise stated.
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Gear allocation, product selection, sizing, and availability are determined at the sole discretion of Players Sports and the associated brand partner. Gear cannot be exchanged, transferred, or redeemed for cash.
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Scholarship support is provided to the named recipient only and may not be shared or reassigned.
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Scholarship recipients must be willing to participate in reasonable promotional activity, including but not limited to social media content, photography, video, and in-store or digital marketing assets for Players Sports and participating brands.
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By submitting an application, the applicant and their parent or legal guardian confirm acceptance of these Terms & Conditions and consent to participation under the programme guidelines.
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Players Sports reserves the right to withdraw or amend a scholarship if eligibility information is found to be inaccurate or if programme terms are not met.
Apply Now - Players Scholarships 2026
If you or someone you support fits the criteria, we encourage you to apply.
Every application is read. Every story matters.
Applications close midnight Sunday 22 February 2026.
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Players Scholarships 2026 - Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Players Scholarships?
Players Scholarships are a gear-backed athlete support programme run by Players Sports. The programme supports young New Zealand athletes with performance equipment from leading sports brands to help them train and compete during the 2026 season.
Who can apply for Players Scholarships 2026?
Players Scholarships are open to New Zealand-based athletes aged 10-15 years who are actively competing at school, club, academy, or representative level in one of the eligible sports.
Applicants must be within the age range at the time of application.
What age do applicants need to be?
Applicants must be aged between 10 and 15 years at the time of application to be eligible for Players Scholarships 2026.
What sports are included in Players Scholarships 2026?
Players Scholarships 2026 are available for athletes competing in:
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Cricket
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Football
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Hockey
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Netball
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Rugby
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Rugby League
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Tennis
Each sport has a limited number of scholarships aligned with specific brand partners.
How many Players Scholarships are available in 2026?
There are 12 Players Scholarships available for the 2026 intake across six sports and multiple brand partners.
What does a Players Scholarship include?
Each Players Scholarship provides sport-specific performance gear support from the associated brand partner for the 2026 season.
This is not a cash scholarship.
How do I apply for Players Scholarships 2026?
To apply, email info@playerssports.co.nz with the subject line:
Players Scholarship Application - [Scholarship Name]
Applications must be written by the athlete themselves and answer the required questions listed on the Players Scholarships page (above).
Can parents or guardians apply on behalf of an athlete?
Applications should ideally be written by the athlete, as this helps assess motivation and mindset. Parents or guardians may assist younger applicants, but the athlete’s voice should remain clear.
Can I apply for more than one Players Scholarship?
Applicants should apply for one Players Scholarship only, choosing the sport and brand that best aligns with their goals and development pathway.
Can photos or videos be included with an application?
Yes. Applicants may include up to three photos and one video to support their application.
This is optional. Clear, thoughtful written answers are more important than visual content.
Do I need to buy something from Players Sports to apply?
No immediate new purchase is required to apply. However, applicants are asked to note the last product purchased from Players Sports by themselves or their parent or guardian.
When do Players Scholarships 2026 applications close?
Applications close at midnight on Sunday 22 February 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
How are Players Scholarships selected?
Applications are reviewed by the Players Sports team, with input from brand partners where appropriate.
Selection is based on:
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Commitment to training and competition
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Attitude and values
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Sporting pathway and goals
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How meaningful the gear support would be to the athlete
Social media following is not considered.
Is 2026 the first year of Players Scholarships?
No. 2026 is the second year of the Players Scholarships programme, following its launch in 2025.
Where can I get more information?
All official information about Players Scholarships 2026 is published on this page. For specific questions, you can contact the Players Sports team at info@playerssports.co.nz