Media Release: Hoops Capital
Hoops Capital, owners of the Sydney Flames and Sydney Kings, and Basketball NSW are proud to announce the launch of the Harvey Norman Future Flames, a pathway program for young women to a professional basketball career.
The NSW-based program aims to build an expanded pathway to elite basketball for talented female basketball players.
The program will provide support to its athletes in the areas of training and development opportunities, mentorship, employment, and education.
“The Sydney Flames are the only professional women’s basketball team in New South Wales,” said Hoops Capital co-owner and chairman Paul Smith.
“We have a genuine responsibility to support the journey of any young woman who wishes to pursue a career in basketball.
“There are significant challenges and obstacles that exist for young women pursuing professional basketball careers.
“Whatever we can do to facilitate that journey will only make the outcomes more successful for these young women, and for the sport of basketball.
“We are committed to the success of women’s basketball, and we thank Harvey Norman for their unwavering commitment to promoting and supporting female athletes.”
Echoing Smith’s thoughts on this is Basketball NSW CEO Maria Nordstrom.
“We are excited to partner with Hoops Capital on the Future Flames program, with a big Thank you to Harvey Norman for their commitment and support to this initiative,” Nordstrom said.
“Our female athletes have had great success at a national level over the last five years, both at the Australian Junior Championships and in selections to Australian junior national teams.
“This is a testament to BNSW’s state development pathway programs and coach development programs.
“Having said we know these athletes deserve to have development beyond their junior development pathway and are excited to be able to work with Hoops Capital in providing this extended pathway development here in NSW.
“The program’s multifaceted approach thanks to Harvey Norman is key to Future Flames program success and we are committed to working with Hoops Capital and Harvey Norman on implementing this program over the next coming year.”
Key features of the Harvey Norman Future Flames Program include:
- Elite coaching and training opportunities: Dedicated Future Flames training sessions, access to Sydney Flames training sessions and opportunities to train alongside the Sydney Flames.
- Mentorship: Future Flames athletes will be paired with experienced female mentors who have excelled in professional basketball.
- Employment: Establishing Internships, and work experience programs for the Future Flames and Sydney Flames players across a range of industries.
- Education: Intent to partner with a NSW university on support and opportunities for Future Flames athletes to continue their tertiary education.
- Coaching internship: Opportunities to work alongside experienced BNSW high-performance coaches or community development teams in sports development and administration.
- The Flames experience: Sydney Flames full-season membership for all Future Flames athletes and their families.
“We look forward to welcoming members of the Future Flames at Harvey Norman to assist in developing their skills beyond the basketball court,” Harvey Norman CEP Katie Page said.
“We commend the Hoops Capital team in the creation of the Future Flames it is an innovative model that could be replicated beyond NSW.
“The Harvey Norman Future Flames will act as a grassroots magnet for younger girls who can aspire to join the Future Flames, in addition to being an exciting and dynamic pathway for talented players to the elite level.”
To get involved in the Future Flams Program, please register your interest here.
