More than 5000 competitors, officials and supporters will descend on Adelaide in July next year for the 2027 School Sport Australia Games which organisers say will be the biggest ever staged.

The Games, being held from 22-30 July 2027, bring the nation's best young sporting talent together while combining education, leadership and wellbeing through sport.

An opening ceremony will welcome athletes from across Australia to Adelaide for what will be a huge celebration of school sport which is expected to inject $7 million into the South Australian economy. This year’s event is being staged in Melbourne.

The Games will be staged at a number of premier Adelaide venues including the South Australian Aquatic & Leisure Centre (SAALC), State Basketball Centre, Mate Stadium, Lights Community and Sports Centre and the ServiceFM Stadium.

At least nine sports will be featured, including Australian Rules Football, football (soccer), basketball, netball, hockey, volleyball, bowls, swimming and diving. 

The announcement comes as the SAALC undergoes a $23 million upgrade to ensure it remains one of the world's leading aquatic and leisure facilities.

The rejuvenation works at SAALC are taking place for remainder of the year and will deliver an upgraded leisure pool, learn to swim pool and 50-metre competition pool.

Since opening 16 years ago, SAALC has welcomed more than 17 million visits, contributing more than $156 million in economic benefit to South Australia through major events, tourism, employment and local spending.

The centre has played a role in the development and preparation of athletes responsible for more than 143 medals across the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, Youth World Championships and Youth Commonwealth Games.

While works are carefully staged to minimise disruption for members and visitors, reciprocal memberships for the SAALC and Adelaide Aquatic Centre are also in place, where members are encouraged to use this alternate facility if required.

This second stage builds on stage one works which included major upgrade of the indoor 55-metre diving pool and dive tower, refurbishment of the 25-metre program pool and spa, changeroom upgrades and the refurbishment of steam and sauna facilities and waterslides.

Quotes attributable to Phil Reeves, Executive Office, School Sport Australia

The School Sport Australia Games have evolved into much more than national championships. They have become one of Australia's premier youth sporting festivals, bringing together competition, education, inclusion, wellbeing and community engagement in a truly unique national event.

South Australia, through the focus and support of the State Government, is fast becoming known as the home for major events and it great that our SSA Games can add to those lists. We sincerely thank the South Australian Government for its vision and support in securing the Games.

Quotes attributable to YMCA Aquatic General Manager Adam Luscombe

SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre means a lot to the people who use it every week.

After 16 years and 17 million visits, these works are an important investment in keeping the centre safe, welcoming and fit for the future.