Are you the next rising talent we’re ready to back?

Welcome you’re in the right place.

At Upstate, we believe in the transformative power of sport, its ability to uplift, inspire and connect our community. We are seeking to partner with a promising local athlete who embodies the values of ambition, authenticity, and performance, someone with not only talent but drive, discipline and heart.

For our 2026 sponsorship, we’re on the lookout for an emerging athlete to join our team. Whether you’re a rising sports star, a next-gen dancer or a standout in your field, if you’ve got the passion, presence and potential, we want to help you reach new heights.

Meet the Upstate Team

As our newest Upstate Athlete, you’ll join an elite group of individuals who represent excellence, resilience and community spirit.

Vaughn Hardwick

Snowboarding

Mateo Tapia

Boxing

Rene Galloway

Surfing

These athletes are pushing boundaries in their disciplines and we’re proud to support them both on and off the field. If you think you’ve got what it takes to join this lineup, we want to hear from you.

How to Enter

Submit a short video (15 seconds – 3 minutes) introducing yourself, showcasing your skills and sharing why you’d make the perfect Upstate Athlete. Your entry must be original and purpose-made for this competition.

Complete the official entry form and upload your video before 11:59pm Friday 31 October 2025.

What We’re Looking For

Young Talent (12–16 years old) – You’re already making waves locally and showing promise in your sport.
An Upstate energy – Confident but humble. Grounded but driven.
An athlete on the rise – You’ve got talent, momentum and a future worth investing in.
Goal-oriented – You’ve got a personal best to beat and the discipline to get there.
Partnership potential – You understand sponsorship is a two-way street: performance meets brand.
Social presence – Active, polished, on-brand, and able to authentically connect with your audience.

Selection Process

All entries will be reviewed by our Marketing Team. A shortlist will be created, with final selection to be made by our Upstate Directors. The successful applicant will be welcomed as our official Upstate Athlete for 2026.