School-aged children across NSW are gearing up for their chance to represent the Aboriginal nations they call home on the court, footy field and alongside one another.

Nations of Origin has grown into PCYC NSW's "marquee event" across its first decade, celebrating culture through sport and leadership.

Close to 900 youth arrived in Western Sydney for last year's competitions, with that number anticipated to be eclipsed at next month's event.

Basketball, netball and gymnastics is hosted at the PCYC in Hawkesbury, with rugby league played down the road at fields in Whalan.

All of the nearly 200 competing teams are endorsed by a local Elder, and require a 70-30 per cent split of Indigenous and non-Indigenous players.

Players must also have a minimum 80 per cent school attendance rate to head along.

Last year, there were more than 150 teams from 46 PCYC clubs across the state representing 25 Aboriginal nations.

Speaking in 2024, PCYC NSW chief executive Ben Hobby said from its foundations as an idea put forward in 2004 by the late Steve 'Bear' Hall, a NSW rugby league figure, coach, administrator, development officer and Indigenous youth high-performance pioneer, Nations of Origin has grown to the group's "marquee" yearly event.

"(Mr Hall) actually put forward the suggestion why couldn't we have a reconciliation type sporting event," Mr Hobby said.

"He said 'why can't we do something similar to state of origin, but do it with youth representing their nations'."

Harry Ryman has run out onto the footy field for the Gamilaroi Nation in previous years.

The 16-year-old "couldn't say no" to taking up a coaching role with the side coming down from Gunnedah in 2025 when the local PCYC manager reached out.

"I really enjoyed getting out with friends and playing while learning about my culture and my land – I also made heaps of new friends – you get a lot from it," Ryman said.

Long-time volunteer and girl's rugby league side coach Emma Costello last year told National Indigenous Times for the kids coming along each year, in addition to sport, "they're seeing their ability to achieve to thrive" and build resilience, confidence and valuable skills for all areas of life on the way to "building that next generation".

"I think it's a double reward. It's a reward for their school pathways, with attendance at school, their behaviours...and the reward is you get to come away, and you get to have these experiences," she said.

The participation of of Indigenous and non-Indigenous kids together in the sides was an important aspect; "building unity and respect within our communities", she said.

PCYC programs manager Cassandra Ewens flagged broader possibilities for building into a nation-wide tournament in future years.

While it remains NSW-based, it's still an annual gathering PCYC say is positively impacting the youth playing, and "strengthens community bonds through collaboration and shared cultural pride," Ewans said.

Mr Hobby added: "As the competition follows the celebration of NAIDOC Week, it is especially significant to honour the history, culture, and achievements of young people, continuing our reconciliation journey that will benefit the rising generation."

Nations of Origin is set for July 14-17 in Western Sydney.