FORD AUSSIE HOOPS
Development Academies
Our Aussie Hoops Development Academies are the next step in our development pathway.
These sessions combine targeted skill work with modified, coach-supported gameplay. While still non-competitive, the focus here shifts toward applying skills in a game-like context.
Coaches actively guide players during games, with the freedom to pause play to teach, correct, and reinforce learning. This format helps bridge the gap between training and competition, ensuring players are prepared—physically and mentally—for their next step, whether that’s domestic competition or representative basketball.
To learn more about our Academy programs please read the 2025 Development Program Overview
Program Details | Term 1 2026
Term 1 sessions commence from Saturday 31st January 2026.
SCHEDULE | Saturday – 9am to 10.00am – Court 2.
DATES | Commencing 31 January 2026 and concluding 28th March 2026
IMPORTANT NOTE | We will be hosting the Western Junior League at Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre on the weekends of 14th February and 7th March therefore we will be unable to run our Academy on those weekends. The price has been adjusted accordingly.
PROGRAM OUTLINE
Our new Rising-Star Academy is a formal ‘Mini-Ball’ program that is designed to help young players in the Rising Stars age group (7-9) make the transition from skills training to real-game scenarios in a supportive, coach-led environment. This stage acts as a bridge between learning the basics and playing the game.
Each weekly session includes two key components:
Skill Session (20 minutes):
Before each game, players will take part in a structured, age-appropriate training block. This allows coaches to focus on fundamental skills and team concepts such as passing, spacing, defending, and movement without the ball.
Sessions are progressive, building on prior weeks and giving players time to absorb and apply new techniques.
Modified Games (20 minutes):
Following the skill session, players will participate in structured, coach-supervised games. These games use simplified rules designed to promote learning rather than competition. Coaches may pause the game at appropriate moments to correct positioning, reinforce decision-making, or highlight teachable moments.
Key Features:
– All games are non-scoring and non-laddered: the focus is entirely on development
– Coaches are active and involved on the court to support learning
– Rules are adapted to support game understanding (e.g., ensuring all players handle the ball, encouraging team play)
– New teams are created each week, giving players the opportunity to play with a wide range of teammates and styles
The All Star Academy is split into boys and girls sessions.
SCHEDULE | Saturdays:
– Boys – 10.00am to 11.00am
– Girls – 11.00am to 12.00pm
Times are subject to change depending on numbers.
DATES | Commencing 31 January 2026 and concluding 28th March 2026
IMPORTANT NOTE | We will be hosting the Western Junior League at Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre on the weekends of 14th February and 7th March therefore we will be unable to run our Academy on those weekends. The price has been adjusted accordingly.
PROGRAM OUTLINE
We have transitioned our U12 competition into a Coach-Led Academy for the All Star age group (10-12). Each All-Star Academy session will consist of:
Skill Session (20 minutes):
All teams will begin with a structured training block led by a qualified coach. These sessions focus on reinforcing key individual and team skills: ball-handling under pressure, passing and moving, defense, offensive spacing, rebounding, and basic team strategy.
Coach-Supervised Games (30 minutes):
Following training, teams will play a full-court 5v5 game. However, unlike traditional competitions, these games will be led by a coach who can pause play at any time to:
– Reinforce key concepts
– Correct positioning or decision-making
– Ensure all players are actively involved
– Encourage team play and communication
Games will be non-competitive (no scoring or ladder) and officiated in a development-friendly way.
The Academy runs under a club-formed team model, to ensure that:
– Every player is welcomed and placed into a team, regardless of background or social circle
– Teams are balanced based on skill level and experience
ACADEMY FEES
– Returning Participants – $70 + BNSW Registration. This option applies to players who have previously participated in BMBA Academy programs and it also includes players who are new to the Academies but have completed a previous term in a BMBA Aussie Hoops Skills program (Rising Stars or All Stars Skills). These players are also classified as Returning Participants for Academy programs and should select this option when registering.
– New Participants – $120 (which includes Aussie Hoops Jersey & Basketball). This is a one-off mandatory cost for uniform and ball for all new registrations + BNSW Registration. This option for for Players who are completely new to Blue Mountains Basketball (and not previously completed our Aussie Hoops Skills or Academy programs).
BNSW REGISTRATION FEES
Annual | $140.50 Ages 8-11 | $155.50 Ages 12+
6 monthly | $110.50 Ages 8-11 | $125.50 Ages 12+
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 reversible singlet
– An age-appropriate basketball (size 4 or 5)
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.
Gear is included in the one-time New Participants fee. Returning players who already have their gear will pay a reduced Returning Player fee, keeping the program affordable for families over time.
