EMERGING SHARKS PROGRAM
The Sutherland District Basketball Association is excited to share a new structure for Junior Athlete Development and High Performance for 2026.
Our High-Performance Program has been operating and supporting our athletes consistently for the past three seasons. With the growth of basketball over this period a new vision and pathway for basketball was developed by the Association to realign our athlete support programs and to enhance our athlete development in 2026.
The current High-Performance Program (HPP) will continue in 2026 and will be re-named to the Emerging Sharks Program.
The Emerging Sharks Program will take on a similar look and feel with weekly morning sessions from January – August increasing into two sessions per week between August & November, quarterly school holiday camps, physical testing and athletic performance monitoring as well as access to an extensive array of experienced program coaches.
The Emerging Sharks Program will focus on basketball fundamentals, concept play and key association themes as we prepare our athletes to represent the association at the highest levels.
A maximum of 100 Emerging Sharks’ places will be available to male & female U12 – U18 athletes,
TRIAL DATE: Saturday 13th December Sutherland Basketball Stadium
· 5pm-645pm U12 & U14 Boys & Girls
· 645pm – 830pm U16 & U18 Boys & Girls
PROGRAM COST: $750.00
COMMITMENT: 10 Month Program
** Only open to 2026 Sharks Representative Players
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HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM
In 2026 the Sutherland District Basketball Association will introduce a re designed High-Performance Program providing an advanced platform for high achieving male and female athletes aged between 14 (bottom age U16s) -20 yrs old. The High-Performance Program (HPP) is an advanced development program designed to adequality prepare our players for higher representation, NBL1, state, national and international competition.
The program brings together highly experienced coaching staff, world-class training methods, and a comprehensive athlete-development model aimed at maximizing performance.
Partnering with the PCYC Sutherland selected athletes will receive specialised instruction in weekly Skill Development, Strength and Conditioning, Performance Psychology, Leadership, Nutrition, Wellbeing, and Game Strategy.
“This program represents a major investment in the future of basketball at our Association,” said General Manager Adrian Dark. “We are committed to providing a truly professional environment that prepares our athletes to excel at the next level, whether that’s the NBL1, State or National competition, college pathways, or professional leagues.”
Key features of the High-Performance Program include:
· Elite Coaching & Mentorship: Training led by accredited coaches with experience in NCAA, NBL/WNBL, state, national and international competition.
· Advanced Athlete Plans: Tailored development frameworks based on athlete profiles, performance metrics, and long-term goals.
· Sports Science Integration: Strength and conditioning support, recovery protocols, sports psychology, and performance analysis.
· Holistic Development: Focus on leadership, wellbeing, resilience, and academic balance.
Selection for the High-Performance Program will occur through the upcoming Emerging Sharks Trials, ongoing performance evaluation and coach recommendations throughout the year. Selection to this program will be based on athletes who demonstrate strong basketball potential, high levels of commitment and a desire to compete at the highest level.
“This is more than a training program, it’s a pathway to our elite teams,” added Adrian Dark. “We’re building an environment that challenges athletes, nurtures their growth and prepares them for success at every stage.”
PROGRAM COST: $1200 (Includes PCYC Gym Access)
COMMITMENT: 12 Months (Minimum 2 sessions per week)
TRIALS: As per Emerging Sharks (Note: U20 athletes do not trial and are instead considered based on coach feedback, performance evaluations, training history, and overall suitability for the demands of the program)
**Only open to 2026 Sharks Representative Players (U16 to U20)
This is an exciting step for basketball development at the Sharks, we want all our athletes to share in the movement, its going to be a fantastic year ahead!!!!!!
For all the information on both programs visit sutherlandbasketball.com.au/shark-reps/junior-sharks
GO SHARKS!
