Basketball Illawarra is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with Tread Right Podiatry & Biomechanics for 2025 and 2026. This marks the first time the podiatry clinic has signed a two-year contract with IBA, reflecting the deepening commitment to supporting the growth and development of basketball in the Illawarra community. Peter Macfarlane, Director and Principal Podiatrist of Tread Right Podiatry & Biomechanics, shared his enthusiasm about the extended partnership: "Although we have been sponsors since 2022, this year is a first for us, signing a 2-year contract. It is such a special opportunity to be able to give back to our community, not only in a financial capacity, but through implementation of educational presentations assisting our up-and-coming sports stars in reducing ankle injuries and getting more from their legs and feet to improve their skills." The sponsorship aims to benefit both the local community and the players by offering ongoing support to IBA's mission, with a focus on injury prevention, education, and foot and ankle health. Tread Right's dedication to helping all athletes thrive is evident through the hands-on podiatric care provided, including specialised treatments for knee, ankle, and foot injuries that help players stay at their best. "The aim of our sponsorship with IBA was for Tread Right Podiatry & Biomechanics to give back to our Illawarra community. When we started our small business some 13 years ago, we had always set our minds on being able to get the business to a position to give back,"  Peter continued. "This sponsorship has exceeded that dream. The IBA community has been a blessing to us. They have allowed us opportunities to celebrate their wins through invitations to home games, presentation evenings, and to develop relationships with players who have entrusted us in providing our hands-on podiatry care for their sore knees, ankles, and feet." The partnership has not only allowed Tread Right to contribute to the community's success but has also fostered lasting relationships with players, coaches, and staff, reinforcing a shared commitment to the health and well-being of young athletes. Executive General Manager at IBA, Nathan Loveday, expressed his pride in the continuation of such a great partnership between the two organisations: "Illawarra Basketball is extremely proud to have Tread Right Podiatry back on board for 2025. Pete and Hayley have been fantastic supporters of our association and we are stoked to have them on board. They are a fantastic organisation and someone we are proud to have associated with us and we hope all our members maximise the benefits of this fantastic partnership" . Peter concludes, "We can’t wait to see where this 2-year sponsorship takes us both, and are looking forward to the current relationships that will be strengthened and new ones that will grow." Illawarra Basketball Association looks forward to another successful partnership with Tread Right Podiatry & Biomechanics, with the goal of enhancing the health, performance, and longevity of local athletes for the coming years.

The Illawarra Basketball Association (IBA) is delighted to announce Ella Dent's return to the Illawarra Hawks for the 2025 season. A product of our junior program, Ella has been a pivotal player since her debut in 2021. Known for her exceptional skills and leadership on the court, Ella has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the team's success. Her dedication and passion for the game have made her an integral part of the Hawks' lineup. Expressing her enthusiasm, Ella shared: "Coming back for another year with my junior club and getting to play alongside some of the girls I grew up playing with and watching is pretty exciting. I’m very much looking forward to a competitive season and seeing how far we can go." In addition to her contributions to the Hawks, Ella has been involved with the Sydney Flames' "Future Flames" program, an initiative aimed at bridging the gap between rising talent in New South Wales and professional opportunities. This program provides aspiring athletes with access to professional-level coaching, strength and conditioning programs, and mentorship, offering a comprehensive pathway to the professional ranks. Head Coach Rod Tremlett also commented on Ella's return: "I am very excited to have Ella sign with the Hawks again for the 2025 season. Ella is an outstanding young player and is widely recognised as one of the best young prospects in NSW. After a stint with the Future Flames Academy, it was a high priority for the Club to gain Ella’s signature again for the upcoming season. Not only is Ella an outstanding young player on the court, she is also a role model off the court, very giving with her time and universally loved at IBA. I can’t wait to get to work with Ella and the team to see what we can achieve this season!" IBA looks forward to the contributions Ella will bring, anticipating a dynamic and competitive season ahead. Stay turned for more NBL1 Signings.

Basketball Illawarra is thrilled to announce the 2025 Junior Representative Teams ! We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the athletes who participated in this year’s trials. The effort, dedication, and passion displayed on the court were truly inspiring. A big thank you also goes to the families of these athletes for their unwavering support throughout this process. This year’s selection process was very competitive, with an incredible level of talent and commitment from all involved. Congratulations to those selected, this is a fantastic opportunity to represent Illawarra Basketball at the highest levels of junior competition. A special mention must go to our amazing volunteers and coaches who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Your hard work and dedication have been instrumental in ensuring a smooth and professional trial process, and we couldn’t have done it without you. The 2025 season promises to be an exciting year, and we can’t wait to see our teams take the court and represent the Illawarra with pride. To all our athletes, we encourage you to continue working hard, supporting one another, and striving for excellence both on and off the court. The full list of teams can be found below. Let’s make 2025 a season to remember!

Illawarra Basketball Association (IBA) is proud to announce the appointment of Matthew Flinn, affectionately known as “Flinny,” as the new Head Coach for the NBL1 East Men’s team for the 2025 season. A homegrown athlete and coach, Flinny’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the senior men’s program at IBA. Flinny's basketball journey began in the Illawarra region, where he grew up honing his skills at the Snakepit as an 8-year-old through the Illawarra Junior Rep Program, a multiple NSW rep and ultimately an NBL player with the Illawarra Hawks. Flinny has experienced firsthand the power of the Illawarra basketball pathway.  “I’m incredibly honoured to be stepping into this role, I was born and bred here so naturally there will be some extra motivation to rep the place that I grew up in, if it wasn't for the pathway established all those years ago through this place I would not be here.” Flinny said. “This is not just about coaching a team, nor is it about me, it’s about building a legacy and trying to re-create a pathway for our athletes to reach the NBL and beyond. Having walked this path myself, I understand the opportunities in front of young athletes, if you can see it and touch it , you can be it. I am so pumped that the Hawks NBL team are a part of this thing". Flinny brings a wealth of experience to the program, having served as a long-term NBL assistant and former head coach of the Illawarra Hawks. He also built the Darwin Salties in the NBL1 North competition from scratch, a team that made the playoffs all three years of its existence. His track record includes developing emerging talent, fostering team cultures built on hard work and resilience, and creating competitive programs that aim for national recognition.  His vision for the senior men’s program is bold: establishing it as a premier pathway for basketball athletes and building a competitive program nationally. Central to this vision is the integration of IBA’s junior and senior pathways, ensuring local talent can see a clear and achievable path to the NBL and beyond. “Our goal is to create a men’s program that not only the Illawarra community can be proud of, but truly a linear pathway for talent, it won't be a short term fix, We’ll be fostering a competitive environment while maintaining a strong focus on player development, providing opportunities for athletes to thrive at every level. Not too many people know this but our club has produced more NBL players than nearly any other association in Australia, we want to continue that” The Snakepit has long been a place where talent is nurtured and celebrated, and with Flinny at the helm of the Men's program, IBA is poised to strengthen its position as a leader in basketball development. His appointment is a testament to the Association’s commitment to supporting its athletes and fostering a culture of excellence across all levels of the game. “We’re thrilled to have Matt lead our NBL1 Men’s team,” said IBA Head of Basketball, Ben Bagoly. “His deep connection to the region, combined with his professional expertise and passion for player development, aligns perfectly with our vision for the program and the IBA Pathway.” As Flinny steps into this pivotal role, the future of the Illawarra NBL1 Men’s program looks brighter than ever. With his leadership, the team is set to build on its proud history and solidify its place as a cornerstone of basketball in the region. Flinny’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for basketball in the Illawarra region. Six months ago, IBA and the Illawarra Hawks formalised a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering basketball development from the grassroots to the professional level. As a current assistant coach for the NBL Illawarra Hawks, Flinny’s two roles further bridge the connection between the two organisations. His appointment as NBL1 Men's Head Coach strengthens the collaborative efforts outlined in the MOU, ensuring that young athletes in the region benefit from a cohesive and supportive basketball ecosystem. “This is an exciting appointment, not just for IBA, but for the Illawarra Hawks and the broader basketball community in the region,” said Illawarra Hawks CEO Stu Taggart. “Matt is uniquely positioned to drive the expanding alignment between our two organisations, helping to create stronger elite player and coach development pathways to enable consistent NBL1 on court performance while also supporting the shared delivery of signature Illawarra Hawks and IBA community programs.” Flinny’s leadership will not only drive the success of the NBL1 Men's program but will also play a crucial role in enhancing the region’s basketball pathways. His involvement will ensure that the partnership between IBA and the Hawks continues to flourish, paving the way for future generations of Illawarra athletes. With Flinny at the helm, the Illawarra NBL1 Men's team is poised for a dynamic 2025 season, one that will inspire the local basketball community and solidify the region's reputation as a basketball powerhouse. NBL1 Trials start this weekend for more info and to register click the link below.

Notice is hereby given for the 2024 Illawarra Basketball Association Annual General Meeting which will be held at the Sage Hotel on Tuesday 26th November 2024 at 6pm. For all relevant information please click on the link below.

Basketball Illawarra is excited to announce the trial dates for our 2025 NBL1 Men’s, NBL1 Women’s, and Youth League teams! This is your chance to be part of our senior representative program, showcase your skills, and represent Illawarra at the highest level. Trial Details: NBL1 Men Age:  Opens Location:  The Snakepit Trial 1:  Saturday, 23rd November (2:30 pm - 4:30 pm) Trial 2: TBA NBL1 Women Age:  Opens Location:  The Snakepit Trial 1:  Saturday, 23rd November (12:00 pm - 2:00 pm) Trial 2:  Saturday, 30th November (12:00 pm - 2:00 pm) Youth League Men Age:  Year of Birth 2003 - 2007 Location:  Warrawong High School Trial 1:  Tuesday, 19th November (7:15 pm - 8:45 pm) Trial 2:  Tuesday, 26th November (7:15 pm - 8:45 pm) Youth League Women Age:  Year of Birth 2003 - 2007 Location:  Warrawong High School Trial 1:  Tuesday, 19th November (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm) Trial 2:  Tuesday, 26th November (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm) What to Bring: Drink Bottle Basketball  (if you have one) Reversible Training Singlet  (if you have one) Sweat Towel Important Information: All players must acknowledge and agree to the policy and guidelines outlined in the 2025 IBA Representative Handbook . If any NBL1 athletes can not make any of the trials, please reach out to Ben Bagoly at ben.bagoly@snakepit.com.au . Exemptions for trials must be submitted in writing to Ben Bagoly (Head of Basketball)  at ben.bagoly@snakepit.com.au . Players may be cut from the trial squad at any time during the trial period. Ready to take your shot? Register now to secure your place! For any further information or queries, please contact Basketball Illawarra. Let’s get ready for an exciting 2025 season!

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Rod Tremlett  as the Head Coach for our NBL1 Women's team for the 2025 season. Rod joins us with an outstanding coaching pedigree and a deep passion for developing athletes at the highest level. Rod brings a wealth of experience to the Senior Women's Program, having served as the High Performance and Pathways Manager for Basketball NT, where he played a pivotal role in the development of emerging basketball talent across the region. On accepting the role of Head Coach, Rod Tremlett said, “I am really excited to accept the role of Illawarra Hawks NBL1 Women’s Head Coach for the 2025 season.  It’s certainly an honour to be a part off a basketball community that is passionate about the game, has great history in the sport and is developing such great local talent.  I’m looking forward to working with the Club to continue to build on the strong foundations that have been established by IBA by those before me. Can’t wait to get started and am looking forward to seeing as many players as possible at the upcoming trials !  GO HAWKS!!" In 2021, Rod took the reins as Head Coach for the Darwin Salties Women's team in the NBL1 North competition. Under his leadership, the team achieved significant milestones, including their first-ever finals appearance in 2023. His ability to inspire and develop players while maintaining a competitive edge makes him the perfect fit for our program. We are excited to see Rod bring his experience, energy, and vision to our NBL1 Women's program and look forward to a successful 2025 season. Please join us in welcoming Rod Tremlett to the Illawarra Basketball Association family!

Registration for trials for our Senior Waratah Teams is now open. Please read the below information for details on times and dates and the link to register. Details for trials What to Bring: Drink Bottle Basketball (if you have one) Reversible Training Singlet (if you have one) Sweat Towel As a part of the players' selection policy, all who trial must acknowledge that they & their parents (if minors) are prepared to operate within the policy & guidelines set out in the 2025 IBA Representative Handbook. Exemption Information If an athlete cannot attend any of the trial sessions, they need to apply for an exemption to the Head of Basketball at ben.bagoly@snakepit.com.au. With the reason and some supporting documents. Please note that players may be cut from the trial squad at any time during the trial period . Dates and Times for each age group are below. 2025 Youth League Men Age: Year of birth 2003 - 2007 Location: Warrawong High School Trial 1:Tuesday 19th November (7:15 pm-8:45 pm) Trial 2: Tuesday 26th November (7:15 pm-8:45 pm) 2025 Youth League Women Age: Year of Birth 2003 - 2007 Location: Warrawong High School Trial 1: Tuesday 19th November (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm) Trial 2: Tuesday 26th November (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm)

Are you ready to take your game to the next level? Basketball Illawarra is excited to invite girls from across the region to our Rep25 Trials ! Whether you're new to representative basketball or continuing your journey, the IBA program is dedicated to developing talent, building skills, and fostering team spirit. This is your chance to be part of a supportive and competitive environment that values hard work, growth, and community. Why Rep Basketball? As a parent, enrolling your daughter in rep basketball opens doors to lifelong skills and experiences. Representative basketball teaches resilience, dedication, and teamwork, which benefit players on and off the court. It also provides girls with structured training from experienced coaches, helps them build friendships, and gives them opportunities to challenge themselves in a dynamic and supportive environment. The skills they develop in basketball carry into their personal and academic lives, building confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of community. FAQ's 1. What is the time commitment for rep basketball? The IBA Rep Program requires a strong commitment, with at least two training sessions per week, along with weekend games and possible tournaments. The schedule is designed to help players steadily improve and enjoy consistent game time and practice. 2. What are the key benefits of the IBA Rep Program for my daughter? The program focuses on developing both basketball skills and life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. It also provides structured coaching in alignment with Basketball NSW’s pathways, giving young athletes a great foundation to pursue state and national levels if they choose. 3. Who will be coaching my daughter, and what qualifications do they have? All IBA Rep coaches are carefully selected based on their experience and qualifications and hold accreditations from Basketball NSW. Coaches participate in ongoing training and development to provide a high-quality learning environment for players. 4. What is the selection process for the teams? The selection process involves multiple trials, where athletes are evaluated by a panel based on skill, attitude, and potential. Players may be cut at different stages to ensure that each team is well-balanced, allowing athletes the best environment for skill development. 5. What financial commitments should I expect as a parent? Representative basketball does have associated costs, covering items like uniforms, travel, and registration fees. IBA provides a clear breakdown of costs upfront, and some fundraising and sponsorship options may be available to assist families. 6. How will the program support my daughter’s development both on and off the court? The IBA Rep Program prioritises holistic development, offering players guidance on mental resilience, physical conditioning, and technical skills. The environment encourages positive social connections and confidence-building, which benefits players in other areas of life. All information about our program can be found in our Handbook below. Registration Deadlines: Girls' trial registration closes at 3 pm on November 1. All trialists must commit to operating within the policies outlined in the 2025 IBA Representative Handbook, available on our Junior Rep page. Exemptions If an athlete cannot attend, please apply for an exemption by emailing the Head of Basketball at ben.bagoly@snakepit.com.au . Trial Dates and Times for Girls 📍 Location:  All sessions are at the Snakepit Wollongong, 37 Foley St, Gwynneville NSW 2500 U12 Girls  (Born 2014, 2015, 2016): Trial 1:  Saturday, 2nd November (9:30 am - 11:00 am) Trial 2:  Saturday, 9th November (9:00 am - 11:00 am) U14 Girls  (Born 2012, 2013): Trial 1:  Saturday, 2nd November (12:00 pm - 2:00 pm) Trial 2:  Saturday, 9th November (12:00 pm - 2:00 pm) U16 Girls  (Born 2010, 2011): Trial 1:  Saturday, 2nd November (3:00 pm - 5:00 pm) Trial 2:  Saturday, 9th November (3:00 pm - 5:00 pm) U18 Girls  (Born 2008, 2009): Trial 1:  Saturday, 2nd November (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm) Trial 2:  Saturday, 9th November (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm) What to Bring: Drink bottle Basketball (if available) Reversible training singlet (if available) Sweat towel and athletic shoes Let’s make Rep25 an unforgettable season for girls' basketball in Illawarra! Any questions please reach out to ben.bagoly@snakepit.com.au .

In an exciting new chapter for the Illawarra Basketball community, Wiseman Park Wollongong City Bowling Club has announced its sponsorship of Basketball Illawarra. This partnership brings a wave of support to our thriving basketball scene, with Wiso's taking on the prestigious role of naming rights partner for the Champions League and standing strong behind the NBL1 teams for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Located just across the road from the Snakepit in Gwynneville, Wiso's is more than just a bowling club; it's a community hub that champions local sports. This new partnership cements their commitment to fostering talent and creating more opportunities for players at all levels. “Wiso’s Wollongong is proud to come onboard as a sponsor of Illawarra Basketball. Our strategy is to support other local sporting clubs in the area to build positive community relationships that will also benefit our club" says Mark Crossingham, Executive General Manager of Wiso's. He continues " There have been some great sportspeople who have come from the Illawarra and we hope that this sponsorship can assist in increasing participation for local Basketballers. We look forward to seeing the Champs League competition grow over the next few years & we wish the NBL1 team all the very best for the 2025-26 season". This partnership between Wiso's and Basketball Illawarra represents more than just corporate sponsorship – it’s a reflection of the shared values of teamwork, passion, and community pride. As neighbors, both Wiso's and Basketball Illawarra have long served the region, each bringing people together through sport and entertainment. Executive General Manager of the Illawarra Basketball Association, Nathan Loveday, expressed his pride in the new sponsorship, saying, "The Illawarra Basketball Association is extremely grateful to welcome Wiso's on board as naming rights partner of our Champions League as well as a proud supporter of our NBL1 Team. This partnership is fantastic and we encourage all of our members to sign up and take advantage of the fantastic facilities. We look forward to hosting our season launch for our Senior Reps with a barefoot bowls night in the new year as well. Mark has been fantastic to work with and we are looking forward to developing a long-term partnership with both parties". Find out more about Wiso's here .

Illawarra Basketball are proud to share a special offer from SAUNAUS.  Saunaus are thrilled to share with you today a 50% off offer for your first session with us. As a thank-you to the great businesses, communities and individuals who have welcomed us warmly since we opened in late January 2024. We wanted to give something back by providing access for Illawarra Basketball Members at half price. You are welcome to share this attachment/offer with your teams, customers, friends and family or anyone for that matter you may feel would benefit from a contrast therapy session with us at Saunaus. We offer a communal traditional sauna, private infrared sauna, ice baths, massage chairs and recovery spaces right here in Wollongong. The voucher is valid until December 31st for first time guests, T&C's on the document itself.  Simply call us or email the details below in the signature to arrange your first session with us. Follow us on Instagram on the saun_aus handle below in signature to stay up to date to special events and promotions.

IBA TRANSITION TO BASKETBALL CONNECT Illawarra Basketball Association (IBA) is excited to announce our transition to the new Basketball NSW-endorsed platform, “Basketball Connect,” starting in Term 4 of 2024. Basketball Connect, delivered by World Sport Action, has been endorsed by Basketball NSW as the official competition management solution for basketball in NSW, under a 3-year partnership. As part of our commitment to providing the best experience for our players, coaches, and the broader basketball community, IBA will be progressively transitioning all of our competitions, programs, and registrations to Basketball Connect. This new platform offers a streamlined and enhanced user experience, making it easier than ever to engage with all aspects of basketball at IBA. What to Expect with Basketball Connect The Basketball Connect platform includes a user-friendly app that allows our members to quickly access fixtures, results, and stats. The app will be available on both the Apple Store and Android, providing a range of features designed to simplify and improve your basketball experience: ( Apple Store & Google Store ) User guide   here . Real-Time Updates and Live Scores : Basketball Connect provides real-time updates on scores and match details, ensuring that players, coaches, and fans are instantly informed, without having to wait until after the game. User-Friendly App Interface : The app is designed with users of all technical skill levels in mind, making it easy to navigate and access features like game schedules, team rosters, and the latest basketball news. Expanded Payment Options : Basketball Connect offers flexible payment options, accommodating various methods for registrations, merchandise purchases, and more, simplifying the financial process for everyone. Comprehensive Integration : The platform seamlessly integrates with other sports management tools, reducing redundancy and minimizing errors, which streamlines the administrative process for IBA. Automated Notifications : Receive instant updates if a match is postponed, cancelled, moved, or forfeited. Communication Tools : Stay connected with your basketball community through in-app notifications, email, or news features. In-App Chat Functionality : Communicate seamlessly with coaches, team managers, and administrators without needing external apps like WhatsApp or TeamApp. Electronic Player Sign-On : Streamline match day processes with electronic sign-ons. Event Organisation : Coaches and team managers can easily schedule training, team events, and other activities within the app. Player Availability : Players can quickly indicate their availability for matches and training sessions. Detailed Stats & Ladders : Access real-time match and player statistics, draw, and ladder standings. Incident Tracking : Stay informed with real-time incident tracking. Transition Timeline Aussie Hoops & Mini Hawks : These programs are already using Basketball Connect. Senior Competitions & Development Programs : These will transition to Basketball Connect in Term 4 of 2024. Junior Competitions and other programs : By the start of 2025, all IBA activities will be fully integrated into Basketball Connect. Registration Process As part of the transition, members registrations will also be updated: Member Registration into Basketball Connect: Existing financial members’ details will be transferred from the current GameDay platform. Members will verify their profile information when registering. New members can easily register by selecting the new user option. Payment options will include Active Kids Vouchers. How to register a player - First Time Via Basketball Connect How to register a Team All information regarding Team registrations will be sent out by the IBA's Competitions Coordinators to all members closer to the starting date. Any concerns or questions please reach out to one of our Competition Coordinators via our Staff page. Supporting Our Community We understand that transitioning to a new platform may come with challenges. IBA is committed to working closely with our members to ensure a smooth transition. Our staff is undergoing training on the new system, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We appreciate your ongoing support and patience during this period. If you have any questions, please reach out to our team, and we will be happy to assist you. Kind regards, Ben Bagoly Basketball Operations Manager Illawarra Basketball Association