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A team of 10 talented First Nations young people, aged 14 to 16, is gearing up for the trip of a lifetime. In April 2026, they’ll tour the United States to compete in Junior Varsity-level basketball tournaments as part of PCYC NSW’s new Indigenous All-Stars program.
PCYC NSW CEO Ben Hobby said, “This is the first time a 100 per cent First Nations youth basketball team from Australia will tour the USA. Indigenous All-Stars is designed to be a life-changing and developmental experience for young Indigenous players. It provides exposure to international basketball opportunities while fostering leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. We're looking forward to watching the team reach their full potential, whilst sharing our First Nation culture with those of other cultures they will meet as they tour across multiple U.S. States.”
The All-Stars team represents four First Nations from six PCYC locations across New South Wales:
- Lake Macquarie (Awabakal)
- Taree (Biripi)
- Hawkesbury (Dharug)
- Bathurst, Wellington, Wagga Wagga (Wiradjuri/Wiradjuri Mawang Gaway)
The itinerary spans Nevada, California, and Utah, and includes:
- Basketball training and tournament games
- Strength and conditioning coaching
- Visits to College and NBA games
- Meetings with College and professional athletes
- Community service and one-on-one mentorship sessions
16-year-old Dharug player Cody Smith said, “Indigenous All-Stars means a great deal to me because it represents pride, connection, and growth. It’s more than just sport—it’s a way to celebrate culture, showcase Indigenous talent, and inspire the next generation.”
14-year-old Chase Neal added, “This opportunity will open doors, build my network, and give me the motivation to keep working hard towards my goals on and off the court.”
The program is largely funded by the NSW Government, with additional support from Hoops Capital. Executive Director Matthew Denholm said, “We are proud to support PCYC NSW and emerging First Nations talent. This is an incredible opportunity to experience the best of international basketball, and the team will no doubt inspire their peers and the next generation of basketball players. With the soaring demand of basketball across Australia, we hope this will support stronger pathways for First Nations players into professional basketball.”
The All-Stars tour kicks off on March 31, 2026, marking a historic first for Indigenous youth basketball in Australia.
