FORD AUSSIE HOOPS
Skills Sessions
We’re expanding and refining our weekly skills sessions to better support players at every stage of their journey. This new structure introduces three dedicated programs designed to match developmental needs more precisely:
– Rookies (Ages 4–6): A fun and active introduction to basketball focused on movement, coordination, and simple ball skills. Perfect for our youngest players who are just starting out.
– Rising Stars (Ages 7–9): Designed for primary school players, these sessions build essential skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and basic teamwork in a fun, engaging setting.
– All Stars (Ages 10–12): Targeted at older beginners or developing players, these sessions provide more structured skill development, introducing players to game situations and concepts.
Each age group will have its own sessions, specifically tailored to their stage of development, with a focus on:
– Building core basketball skills (dribbling, passing, shooting, movement)
– Developing game understanding through fun, engaging activities
– Supporting new players in a non-competitive, encouraging environment
To ensure quality coaching and individual attention, we will be capping numbers in each session to maintain a strong coach-to-player ratio. In addition, we are aiming to run more sessions across the week to offer families greater flexibility and make it easier for every child to participate consistently.
These programs are ideal for beginners, returning players, and anyone looking to strengthen their foundation before or alongside academy play.
Program Details | Term 3 2025
All programs run for 8 weeks. Commencing Week 2 of Term 3.
Special 2025 introductory price: $75 per term (new and returning players)
Saturdays from 12:00pm–1:00pm
Commencing 02 August and concluding 20 September
Tuesday evenings 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Commencing 29 July and concluding 16 September
Our Friday ‘Skill Builder’ sessions have been rebranded as our Aussie Hoops All-Stars program.
There will be no other changes this term – but will start to introduce the Aussie Hoops curriculum to provide more structure to these sessions.
Friday afternoons 4:10pm-5:00pm
As this is still part of the original Winter season program it will run for 9 weeks commencing 25 July 2025 and concluding 19 September 2025.
Gear Included for New Participants
To help create a sense of belonging and identity from day one, all new participants in our development programs will receive a Blue Mountains Basketball-branded gear pack as part of their enrolment. Each pack includes:
– A custom reversible training singlet
– An age-appropriate basketball
This gear is yours to keep and is designed to follow players throughout their time in the development pathway. As children grow, larger-sized uniforms and basketballs will be available for one-off purchase when needed.
🆕 Custom Gear Launching in Term 4
Our gear packs will be introduced from Term 4 2025, and thanks to sponsorship support, will be provided free of charge to all Term 4 participants.
While many Aussie Hoops programs use generic national gear, we’ve chosen to develop our own Blue Mountains-branded equipment to help build a stronger connection between players and our club. This custom approach requires additional lead time — which means:
🕒 Term 3 Programs Will Run Without Gear Packs
Players participating in Term 3 pilot programs will not receive gear as part of their enrolment.
These early sessions are focused on getting players on court while we finalise our full launch in Term 4.
💰 Gear and Fees from Term 1 2026
Starting in 2026, gear will be included in a one-time New Starter Fee for new participants. Returning players who already have their gear will pay a reduced Returning Player Fee, keeping the program affordable for families over time.
