Our youngest players (5+ years) start in their own mixed beginners group with the same coaches each week. This group spends most of their time playing physical games. Over the year we see them increase their coordination, begin to move with the ball and begin to shoot. Our other three groups are divided on age and skill level (we also run an all girls group). Here the focus is on fun while increasing confidence and learning the key foundation skills of basketball - dribbling, shooting, catching, passing and decision making. We keep groups the same for the term so players get to know each other and make friends. Groups rotate around coaches and learn a variety of skills and drills each week as well as play a modified game. 

Term 1: Now open

Term 2: Registrations open 23/02/2026

Term 3: Registrations open 27/05/2026

Term 4: Registrations open 26/08/2026

Registrations close once maximum numbers are reached - this happens every term. Please do not forget to register!

For the first few sessions wear any t-shirt and shorts your child is comfortable running in, joggers and bring a drink bottle (basketball is thirsty work!) If you have ordered an Aussie Hoops pack your child can wear their basketball singlet once it arrives.

No. The singlet isn’t required to take part. If your child is just trying basketball, register as a returning player to avoid the extra cost. If your child already loves basketball, the player pack is great value. It’s cheaper to register as a new player and receive the pack (correct size ball, named singlet and stickers) than to buy these items separately later.

It’s totally up to you and your child. However we do recommend a first name so coaches can quickly learn the names of players in their group on the run! Most players do have their first name (or preferred name) on their shirt. Going with a surname can be handy if you want to pass the singlet down to siblings later, so there is no hard and fast rule. Once they become a Ballina Breaker all rep players have their surname on their singlet.

Yes. You are given options to order singlets, basketballs and various other items at checkout as a returning player. You can also order singlets and balls for siblings at the Aussie Hoops shop on their website https://aussiebasketballstore.com/collections/aussie-hoops

No - not yet, but we are working on it, so watch this space!

Yes, but there are a few steps. Your child must be a member before taking the court. To trial Aussie Hoops, you’ll need to complete the paperwork and pay a non-refundable $10 fee, which allows your child to attend up to two sessions. Trials are only available in groups with space and places fill quickly, especially in younger age groups. For this reason, trials are usually offered late in the term BEFORE you intend to join.

To check availability, please email admin@ballinabasketball.com.au and our team will let you know suitable session times. Please do not show up at the courts without emailing first, unless of course your child is happy to just watch from the sidelines. We do not have spaces available every week.

Short answer: yes. This is for child safety. Our coaches can’t supervise large groups of young children and public amenities at the same time. Parents aren’t expected to help run sessions, but are responsible for their child if they are injured or need help using the toilets on site.

Please note there is no supervision before or after Aussie Hoops sessions, as coaches are setting up beforehand and then move straight into other competitions after. If you need to step away, please arrange with another parent to supervise your child in your absence. In genuine emergencies, let the coach know and we will assist where necessary.

The annual membership fee is paid through the club directly to Basketball Australia and Basketball NSW. It is used by them to pay all insurances and cover administration costs of the Aussie Hoops program.

Ballina Basketball must pay for hourly court hire through Ballina Shire Council for use of the BISC courts. We pay our head coaches a minimal amount to cover petrol costs, along with a small allowance for up-and-coming coaches and coaches-in-training. We are proud of the quality and quantity of Aussie Hoops equipment we offer each week and work hard to keep it in pristine condition — while keeping costs to the absolute minimum for our basketball family.

Aussie Hoops runs for 8+ weeks of the school term depending on the term. Check out our calendar to see when Aussie Hoops sessions will run.

Some of our club’s very best coaches are involved with our Aussie Hoops program. Because these same coaches are often required to help out with representative selections and programs, Aussie Hoops are not held during weeks of basketball representative selections, during preparation of representative finals series, or in weeks where some schools are already on holidays.

We’d love to run more Aussie Hoops sessions, but at the moment there’s no court space available early enough at the BISC for our youngest players. We’ve been trying for years to secure extra 4–6pm weekday times without success. You can help by lobbying your local council member to prioritise children’s sport during these key hours, especially for sports without outdoor alternatives.

We’re very grateful to Southern Cross Primary School for hosting us over decades, but access there is now limited too.

Think of Aussie Hoops as the training ground... Miniball is a modified competition for players U10 who are ready to challenge themselves with their first games. More details about our miniball program can be found here.

The short answer is - when they feel ready! Once your child is able to control the ball while dribbling, consistently shoot with some form (emu neck) and are showing an interest in miniball - they are probably ready. Ask a coach at an Aussie Hoops session if they can watch your child and see if they are ready to play miniball. We recommend joining both Aussie Hoops and miniball initially.