Basketball

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The NIAS Basketball program is delivered in partnership with Basketball NSW and the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network.

This program provides a high‑performance development pathway for talented young Basketballers, focusing on technical skills, strength and conditioning, athlete education, and personal growth. It aligns with the Basketball NSW Development Pathway and connects athletes to state and national pathways.

Athletes receive targeted skill development, seasonal training support, and preparation for high‑performance trials. The program includes practical education in areas such as S&C, nutrition, sports psychology and injury management, along with opportunities to represent NIAS at events, inter‑academy sessions and camps.

Program Partners

Tamworth_Toyota
Basketball_NSW_Logo

Selected athletes receive:

  • High‑quality coaching in a squad environment
  • Access to quality training facilities
  • Strength & Conditioning assessment and programming
  • Sports science testing and high‑performance training support
  • Opportunities to represent NIAS at events
  • Academy uniform kit (additional cost)
  • Participation in Your Local Club Academy Games and Inter-Academy Basketball activities (invitational only)
 

Additional NIAS benefits:

  • Access to Lumin (Academy athlete performance and management platform)
  • Support for award and scholarship nominations
  • Community engagement and corporate partner exposure
  • Promotion through NIAS media channels

Program Eligibility Criteria

Athletes must:

  • Be aged 13-14 in 2027 (born 2013 and 2014) to be in the U14-U15 Squad
  • Be aged 15-17 in 2027 (born 2010-2012) to be in the U16-U18 Squad
  • Participate in representative basketball.
  • Be a registered member of a Basketball club within the Northern Inland region.
  • Reside in one of the following LGAs: Armidale, Glen Innes Severn, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Uralla, Walcha and Warrumbungle.
  • Satisfy BNSW talent identification criteria and Basketball NSW BLUES values.
 
The athlete levy contributes towards the overall cost of delivering the Academy programs. Within our high performance programs are items including: 
 
  • Coaching*
  • Access to training facilities*
  • Strength & Conditioning assessments and programming*
  • Sports science testing*
  • Access to Academy Games* (relevant sports/age groups only)
  • Insurance
* Please note, Items marked with an Asterix are components supported through NSW Government grant funding. The grant contribution from the NSW government is limited to costs and activities identified in the approved Project Plan. The remaining portion of the athlete levy contributes towards costs associated with delivering and administering the Academy that are not covered by the NSW Government grant funding.
 
The 2026/27 NIAS Basketball Program levy will be approximately $500 GST. Payment plans will be available.  Further information will be provided following squad selections.
 
Uniform costs are additional, with Basketball‑specific and NIAS items purchased through the official supplier. Additional event costs may apply for Academy Games and Basketball NSW pathway events.

Key Events (Indicative)

  • Trials – Tamworth Sports Dome – October 17, 2026
  • NIAS Induction Day
  •  NIAS Annual Awards (Date TBC)

U14-U15 Squad

  • Basketball camp in Port Macquarie in February 2027 (date tbc)
  • Your Local Club Regional Academy Games, 9 -11 April in Tamworth – Note- A final Games squad of 10 male and 10 female athletes will be selected to represent NIAS.

U16-U18 Squad

  • Basketball camp in Tamworth in December 2026 (date tbc) Should the NIAS U16–U18 Basketball squad not compete at the 2027 Regional Academy Games; athletes will participate in a joint educational and development camp with the North Coast Academy of Sport squad.
  • Basketball camp in Port Macquarie in February 2027 (date tbc)

 

STAFF
Kane Butler – Boys Head Coach
Brad Ralston – Girls Head Coach
Ben Monckton – Assistant Coach
Chris Mann – Assistant Coach
Rosie Stokeld – Program Manager

To be confirmed