FORD AUSSIE HOOPS
Skills Sessions
Our weekly skills sessions to better support players at every stage of their journey, this 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 has 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 4 2026 - learn to play
Term 4 sessions commence from October (check drop down menus for program dates). All programs have altered start dates, be sure to check the start date on your selected program.
SCHEDULE
DATES | TWO SESSIONS AVAILABLE
Tuesday – Commencing 20 October and concluding 8 December 2026. 4.00pm to 4.50pm – Court 2
Saturday – Commencing 24 October 2026 and concluding 12 December 2026. 9:00am–9:50am – Court 1
PRICING
| Fee | Returning Participant | New Participant |
|---|---|---|
| Term Program Fee | $95 | $95 |
| Core Pack | – | $50 |
| Basketball Australia Participant Fee | $5.50 | $5.50 |
| Basketball NSW Participant Fee | $5.50 | $5.50 |
| Total | $106 | $156 |
The $50 Core Pack is a one-off fee for new participants and includes their Aussie Hoops equipment pack (Jersey & Ball)
Please note that our program fees have increased slightly this term due to an increase in court hire fees charged by Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC). We have worked to keep this increase as minimal as possible while continuing to provide quality, affordable basketball programs for our community.
If you are transitioning from Rookies to Rising Stars you are considered a ‘Returning Participant’ therefore ensure you select that option in Rising Stars.
These session include both Rising Stars (7-9) and All Stars (10-12). Our coaches adapt drills and activities to match each player’s age and ability, helping everyone learn, improve, and have fun.
SCHEDULE
Rising Stars (7-9 yrs) and All Stars (10-12 yrs) – combined sessions
– Monday 4.00pm to 4.50pm – Court 2
– Tuesday 5:00pm to 5:50pm – Court 2
Rising Stars (7-9 yrs)
– Saturday 9:00am to 9:50am – Court 1
DATE | Monday session – Commencing 19 October 2026 and concluding 7 December 2026
DATE | Tuesday sessions – Commencing 20 October 2026 and concluding 8 December 2026
DATE | Saturday session – Commencing 24 October 2026 and concluding 12 December 2026
PRICING
| Fee | Returning Participant | New Participant |
|---|---|---|
| Term Program Fee | $95 | $95 |
| Core Pack | – | $50 |
| Basketball Australia Participant Fee | $5.50 | $5.50 |
| Basketball NSW Participant Fee | $5.50 | $5.50 |
| Total | $106 | $156 |
Please note that our program fees have increased slightly this term due to an increase in court hire fees charged by Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC). We have worked to keep this increase as minimal as possible while continuing to provide quality, affordable basketball programs for our community.
If you are transitioning from Rookies to Rising Stars you are considered a ‘Returning Participant’ therefore ensure you select that option in Rising Stars
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the sessions held?
All Aussie Hoops Skills sessions are held at Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre, Catalina Avenue, Katoomba. When you arrive, head into the basketball stadium and look for our Blue Mountains Basketball coaches. Sessions are held on either Court 1 or Court 2 – check your program details above for your allocated court.
How early should we arrive?
We recommend arriving around 5–10 minutes before your session so your player has time to get organised and be ready to start when the session begins.
What should my child wear?
Players should wear their Blue Mountains Basketball Aussie Hoops singlet, comfortable shorts and suitable sports shoes. New participants will receive a reversible singlet as part of their Core Pack.
What does my child need to bring?
Please bring your Aussie Hoops basketball and a clearly labelled water bottle to every session. New participants receive an age-appropriate basketball as part of their Core Pack.
We’re new – when will we receive our Core Pack?
New participants will receive their Blue Mountains Basketball Core Pack, including a reversible singlet and age-appropriate basketball. Packs can be collected at your session. To collect the Core Pack see the Coaches prior to the session – singlets can be tried on ensure a good fit.
Does my child need basketball experience?
Not at all! Aussie Hoops is designed for beginners as well as returning and developing players. Our coaches adapt activities to suit the age and ability of the players, with a focus on learning skills, building confidence and having fun.
Can my child try a session before we register?
Yes. We offer a free trial session so your child can experience Aussie Hoops before committing to the term. Please contact Blue Mountains Basketball to organise your trial.
What happens if my child misses a session?
That’s okay – we understand that families are busy and children may occasionally miss a week. However, we are unable to provide refunds or credits for individual sessions missed during the term.
Do parents need to stay during the session?
Parents and carers are welcome to stay and watch from the spectator areas. For our younger Rookies participants, we recommend that a parent or carer remains nearby during the session.
Can I bring a friend?
Absolutely! We love seeing our Aussie Hoops players bring a friend along to join in the fun. If your child has a friend who would like to give basketball a go, simply email us their name and the session they’d like to attend, and we can arrange a free trial session for them –
Can my child change to another session during the term?
If you need to change your regular session, please contact us. Changes may be possible depending on available places, as we cap session numbers to maintain appropriate coach-to-player ratios.
My child is moving from Rookies to Rising Stars. Are they a new participant?
No. If your child already has their Aussie Hoops gear and is moving from Rookies to Rising Stars, register them as a Returning Participant.
What happens after Aussie Hoops?
There are plenty of opportunities to keep playing! As players develop, they can progress into other Blue Mountains Basketball development programs and junior playing opportunities. Our coaches can also help you work out the best next step for your child.
Is there a discount when moving from Aussie Hoops into a competition?
Yes! If your child has completed Aussie Hoops and is ready to move into our 3×3 Competition, U13 Development League or Junior Local Competition, they may be eligible for a discount on their Basketball NSW Player membership.
This offer is available to players purchasing their first-ever BNSW Player membership. You can receive either:
– the full cost of a 6-month BNSW Player membership waived, or
– the equivalent value of a 6-month membership deducted from a 12-month BNSW Player membership.
Use code AHUPGRADEFREE2026 when registering.
Important: The discount must be applied at the time of registration and cannot be retrospectively applied or refunded after registration has been completed.
Gear 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 a 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.
