Basketball NSW has concluded a highly successful September/October school holiday period, delivering a wide range of programs and activations across New South Wales. From Metro to Country NSW, hundreds of young athletes, families, and community members took part in activities that showcased basketball’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, development, and participation at all levels.
Across the two weeks, Basketball NSW staff, coaches, and volunteers delivered a diverse range of programs from Assist All Hoops & I AM A GIRL & Our Mob Our Game Come ‘N’ Try and Come ‘N’ Play sessions, to U12 Jamborees, U13 Skills Days, and our Metro and Country Development Programs. Each initiative shared a common goal: to provide fun, inclusive, and accessible opportunities for everyone to experience basketball.
Our I AM A GIRL sessions encouraged young girls to step confidently onto the court, building friendships and a sense of belonging through sport. At the same time, Our Mob Our Game sessions gave players aged from 8-21 years a chance to connect through basketball while proudly representing their communities.
The inaugural U12 Metro Jamboree and return of the U12 Northern John Davidson Jamboree were standout highlights, with hundreds of athletes, coaches, and referees coming together for three days of competition, learning, and teamwork. The U13 Skills Days and development programs across metro and country areas further strengthened the foundation of the sport, ensuring players continue to grow and develop under quality coaching in a supportive environment to aid in bridging the gap from U12s to U14s basketball.
But perhaps one of the most powerful moments of the holidays came from our Assist All Hoops program. Designed to support athletes with intellectual impairments, the Assist All Hoops Come ‘N’ Try and Come ‘N’ Play sessions provided a safe and fun space for participants to enjoy the game, no matter their ability or experience. Basketball NSW also partnered with the NSW Department of Education School Sports Unit to deliver basketball at their Multi Sport Days, further expanding opportunities for students of all abilities to experience the game in a welcoming environment. At one recent Assist All Hoops session, a particularly special moment occurred when a non-verbal child spoke for the first time while participating. It was a heartwarming reminder of the power of sport, how the simple act of playing, being supported, and feeling included can unlock confidence and joy in ways that reach far beyond the court.
Stories like this capture exactly what Basketball NSW stands for: basketball as a sport for everyone, celebrating all skills, all abilities, and all backgrounds. None of it would be possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of the incredible coaches, volunteers, parents, and staff who continue to make these programs thrive.
Basketball NSW extends a sincere thank you to everyone who joined us throughout the school holidays. Whether you were a first-time participant, a returning player, or one of the many volunteers helping make these experiences possible, your support is what keeps our basketball community strong and growing.
To stay involved and find out what’s coming next, keep an eye on the Basketball NSW Events Calendar for upcoming programs, development opportunities, and community activities across the state.