Ford Aussie Hoops is the perfect starting point for kids of all abilities to discover the joys of basketball in a fun, structured and inclusive enviroment.

With over 18 000 participants across 100 delivery centres in Victoria this year, we're celebrating the amazing coaches and volunteers who've helped introduce the next generation to our sport. Let's give a big shout out to those making basketball magic happen!

Basketball Victoria is proud to announce our Victorian state winners of Ford Aussie Hoops Coach of the Year and Ford Aussie Hoops Centre of the Year for 2024. Our state winners have gone through as Victoria's nominees for Basketball Australia's overall winners.

Basketball Australia will announce the national winners for 2024 - today!

Coach of the Year

The Ford Aussie Hoops Coach of the Year award aims to acknowledge those coaches who are committed to developing basketball skills and instilling enthusiasm in young hoopers who are engaged in the program.

Congratulations to Victorian Joint Winners - Ford Aussie Hoops Coach of the Year 2024

*** Chelsea Schreuder *** - Pakenham Basketball Association

Chelsea is dynamic and dedicated. Coaching six sessions a week, she seamlessly balances her responsibilities across various programs, including an all-girls session and one in a rural town, ensuring accessibility for every young basketballer. Her energy and vision have also brought the All Girls Aussie Hoops Initiative to life, providing young girls with a safe, supportive, and inspiring space to develop their skills and love for the game.

Her commitment doesn't stop there. She leads the "All Girls Can Play" holiday camps, a groundbreaking program designed to celebrate and encourage participation of girls in basketball. Through her guidance, young players not only sharpen their basketball techniques but also build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the sport.

Her dedication to inclusivity and community-building makes her an influential role model for young players, boys and girls alike, and her tireless efforts are shaping a brighter future for basketball in the Cardinia Shire.

*** Louise Brown *** - Warrnambool Basketball Association

Louise was instrumental in increasing the participation numbers in Warrnambool from 67 (Term 2, 2024) to 123 (Term 3, 2024). Louise loves to see the participants learn and develop whilst having fun. She does this by creating engaging session plans and directing a team of coaches.

Warrnambool Ford Aussie Hoopers can experience personal success and development as well as enjoying game play and learning about teamwork throughout the term. Girls' participation has remained a focus of the program averaging over 30% across all terms.

Starting her junior playing career at Warrnambool before reaching the heights of US college and WNBL Louise Brown is the perfect example of a dedicated volunteer, she is keen to share her love of the sport with her community. She is also a life member of Warrnambool basketball. Not only does Louise coach and mentor other coaches in the Ford Aussie Hoops program, but she is also an integral part of domestic basketball, coaches the senior representative team (Big V Mermaids), and in her spare time coaches a junior representative team.

Centre of the Year

The Ford Aussie Hoops Centre of the Year award recognises those centres that excel in player development, community engagement, coaching support, and volunteerism.

Congratulations to Victorian Winner - Ford Aussie Hoops Centre of the Year 2024

*** Pakenham Basketball Association ***

Pakenham Basketball Association Ford Aussie Hoops Centre has rapidly evolved into a shining example of grassroots basketball success, experiencing extraordinary growth from 74 participants overall in 2021 to an impressive 800 in 2024. Through innovation, community engagement, and a passion for basketball, the program has become a cornerstone of player development throughout Cardinia Shire.

Offering 10 diverse programs tailored to meet the needs of players from all backgrounds and skill levels, this centre ensures that basketball is accessible to everyone. Its reach extends beyond urban centres, bridging the gap to rural communities and bringing quality coaching and opportunities to underserved areas.

In addition to this focus on player development, the program provides valuable employment opportunities for local talented basketball coaches, with 75% of the coaching roles held by women and girls. These coaches inspire and mentor the next generation of players, while also fostering leadership and professional growth within the local basketball ecosystem.

With an unwavering commitment to growth, inclusion, and pathways, the Pakenham Basketball Ford Aussie Hoops program has firmly established itself as a vital part of the basketball community, making a lasting impact on players, coaches, and on the sport as a whole.

Basketball Victoria's Women and Girls Participation Coordinator Kat Gourley was delighted to see all recipients engaging in programs designed to increase the participation of girls in basketball.

“It is excellent to see the recognition of two talented women coaches in Chelsea and Louise, and the wonderful work undertaken by Pakenham Basketball Association. The effort that is put in to ensure that Victorian Ford Aussie Hoops participants have a safe and welcoming place to learn basketball is exceptional. I hope that all recipients continue to be supported in their goal to ensure that basketball is everyone's game."

Congratulations Chelsea and Louise, and Pakenham Basketball Association!

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