The Y NSW is making it easier for local Indigenous children to get involved in basketball these school holidays, thanks to a City of Sydney grant supporting access to the Junior Basketball Academy (JBA) program at Redfern's National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE).
The $3,500 grant will fund five fully subsidised places for Indigenous students, covering five days of participation in JBA's upcoming holiday camp. Running from Monday 29 September to Friday 3 October, the camp gives young people aged 5-14 the chance to build skills, confidence and friendships in a safe and supportive environment.
The Y NSW COO George Perry said the support will help remove barriers for families who might otherwise miss out. "We know that cost of living pressures can make it difficult for children to access structured holiday programs. This funding ensures more young people can experience the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport, and it gives them the opportunity to connect with others in their community in a positive and inclusive setting," Mr Perry said. "Thanks to this grant from the City of Sydney, we can strengthen our outreach and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. It's about opening doors and making sure every child has the chance to thrive,"
The Junior Basketball Academy has been running camps at the NCIE for 11 years and has been wholly owned by the Y NSW since June 2024. Over that time, more than 2,000 local children have participated. The NCIE is a trusted hub for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, providing a culturally safe environment that supports health, fitness and connection, and has become a valued part of the local community.
The City of Sydney's contribution will help extend this impact by directly supporting Indigenous participation. Councillors welcomed the program's focus on ensuring children from diverse backgrounds are included in local sport and recreation.
Each day of the camp includes dynamic warm-ups, skill-building drills, games and tournaments, with coaches who focus on both athletic development and personal growth.
Basketball has always been a part of the Y's story, from grassroots competitions held at various centres to the Junior Basketball academy. The Y NSW recognises how the sport empowers young people to grow, connect and thrive. With the YMCA's proud heritage as the birthplace of basketball, the organisation remains passionate about making the game affordable and accessible for all families. The City of Sydney's support allows this legacy to continue at the NCIE, breaking down barriers so that more Indigenous children can step onto the court, develop their skills and experience the joy of being part of the basketball community.
About us:
The Y NSW is a not for profit, vibrant, for-purpose organisation delivering cause-driven programs and valuable community services that help strengthen young people's lives, their families, and the communities in which they live. The Y is part of the largest youth organisations in the world, the YMCA, which operates across 120 countries
