Basketball NSW recently held an array of various activities around the state throughout the last action-packed Term 3 School Holidays, which saw in excess of 1,500 kids take to basketball courts to learn skills, drills and put them into action.
The Legacy Programs returned for another school holiday period, which are co-funded by the NSW Government, as a pilot program for the wider Legacy Programs being rolled out. These free programs encompass the I AM A GIRL Come ‘N’ Try & Come ‘N’ Play activations, 3X3 Basketball Camps presented along with Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA), and a Community Basketball Clinic.
There were over 800 girls that attended the I AM A GIRL camps statewide, which is a huge reception for the activations! These free sessions give all girls (regardless of skill and ability) a taste of all the different aspects of basketball, in a safe and supportive learning environment, created to inspire the next generation of female basketballers. In addition to this, some young basketballers were treated to a Q&A panel at Port Macquarie with aspiring referee Maddy Prowse, experienced coach Kaz Irwin and emerging superstar Isla Juffermans. The girls got an up close perspective of what it takes to make it to the next level no matter where you come from.
The Far North Coast and Riverina region saw a high number of boys and girls lace up their shoes for some 3X3 action, as the BNSW and IBA school holiday 3X3 tournaments were held in Albury, Wagga Wagga, Narrandera, and Tweed Heads; as well as a Community Basketball 3X3 Clinic at PCYC Wagga Wagga. With over 350 players participating across the locations, the energy at each tournament was palpable! Thank you to the Narrandera Shire Council, the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga and 54 Reasons for their support at the events. Basketball NSW would also like to give a special mention to the referees across the region who made these games possible, as well as the local associations whose help has been imperative to the success of the tournaments.
Another huge highlight of the school holidays was both the Southern and Northern 2023 Under 12 John Davidson Country Jamborees, held in Griffith and Port Macquarie. Both Jamborees brought together more than 370 talented athletes, 40 dedicated coaches, and 40 skilled referees – with the selection process taking place during the July school holidays, offering country players and officials a valuable opportunity to enhance their skills in a High-Performance environment. The vision of the Jamboree encompasses more than just a high-level competition; and rather fosters participation and ensures all players derive joy from the game through various social activities, enriching coaching clinics and engaging games that aim to give junior country basketballers a captivating and holistic basketball experience.
In addition to the above programs, there were opportunities for both country and metro ballers to hone in on their skills and receive expert coaching, in order to perform at their best. The Leeanne Palmer NSW Country Development Program Day Camp took place in Port Macquarie to 35 athletes from the Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 age groups. The NSW Metro Under 12 Hotshots program ran in two locations and focused on the basics of basketball, whilst having fun, with the 100 girls and boys that attended. Thank you to the Head Coaches; Chris Jones, Jake Sagi and Tim Mallon for their support and delivery of these programs over the holidays.
Amongst all the programs, Basketball NSW also had 3X3 Street Hustles across the state. This road-trip saw five locations visited in Queanbeyan, West Wyalong, Shoalhaven, Niagara Park and Merimbula, with 94 teams participating to try and claim the gold medal! Each instalment was full of fun and excitement, with participants showing up with a diverse range of experience and skill levels. Thank you to every association that assisted in each Hustle! Make sure to keep an eye out for the upcoming 3X3 Big Hustle Qualifiers, which will be happening from mid-November to mid-December.
With another school holidays done and dusted, make sure you stay connected with BNSW through our social channels, so that you are in the loop with any other upcoming programs! With an abundance of camps, events and activations – there will be a program coming to a place near you next holidays!
If you have any questions about I AM A GIRL, please contact Amy Nolan (Community Growth Programs Administrator) at [email protected], and visit the page Here to learn more. If you have any questions about BNSW & IBA basketball camps, please contact Darren Allie (ICALD Program Manager) at [email protected], and visit the page Here to learn more.