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By Linda Abdi
Two First Nations teenagers from PCYC Hawkesbury have been selected for an Australian-first sporting pathways program that will see them travel to the United States in 2026 to compete in elite basketball competitions.
Fourteen-year-old Chase Neal and 16-year-old Cody Smith are among just ten young people chosen statewide for PCYC NSW’s newly launched Indigenous All-Stars program. The initiative marks the first time a 100 per cent First Nations basketball team from Australia will travel to the US to compete in varsity-level competitions.
The group was selected from a pool of more than 400 players scouted at PCYC’s Nations of Origin basketball event. Selection criteria extended beyond athletic ability, with participants required to maintain school attendance above 80 per cent, demonstrate strong connections to local Elders and PCYC clubs, and have no negative dealings with NSW Police.
Chase said being selected was a proud moment. “I felt pretty good to represent my culture on the national stage and play basketball,” he said.
Cody said the news was especially meaningful. “When I found out, I lit up about it because it has always been my dream. Finding out that I get to go overseas to play basketball is a big accomplishment for me,” he said.
The Indigenous All-Stars will travel to the United States in April 2026 for a basketball development tour, competing against high school varsity teams while experiencing American sporting culture and education pathways.
In preparation, the team will undertake an intensive training schedule, with final training sessions to be held locally at PCYC Hawkesbury from March 13 to 15, placing the Hawkesbury club at the centre of the program’s preparations.
