30/07/2026
EXCITING NEWS
We are excited to officially launch the Taree Basketball Academy, our new junior development program designed to build a strong high-performance culture while providing quality coaching opportunities for players of all abilities.
The Academy is an intensive development program that will run throughout the representative off-season (August to February), replacing representative training during this period. Players will be graded based on ability, receive individual feedback throughout the program, and have access to our new Dr Dish Shooting Machine as part of their development.
Whether you're new to basketball, looking to improve your skills, or aspiring to play representative basketball, this Academy is for everyone. It provides an excellent opportunity for all players to receive quality coaching, develop their basketball fundamentals, build confidence, and continue improving in a structured, high-performance environment.
Registrations Required ASAP
All players wishing to participate must register through Taree Basketball as soon as possible so we can finalise groups and schedules before the program begins.
Program Information
The Academy will run across:
โข Term 3 2026
โข Term 4 2026
โข Term 1 2027
Players can access coaching through:
โข Graded Group Sessions (ability-based coaching)
โข Private Sessions (1:1 or small group coaching)
โข All Athlete Sessions focusing on technical game skills
Academy Fees
โข All Athlete Sessions: $15 per week
โข Graded Group Sessions: $25 per week
โข Private Sessions: $30 per session
All Academy payments will be made directly through Taree Basketball.
Important Date โ Compulsory Academy Meet & Greet
Monday 17 August.
All participants intending to join the Taree Basketball Academy must attend the compulsory Meet & Greet on Monday 17 August, accompanied by one parent or carer.
The Meet & Greet will provide families with an opportunity to learn more about the Academy before training commences. During the evening we will:
โข Meet the coaching staff and fellow Academy participants.
โข Outline the Academy structure, expectations and player pathway.
โข Explain how graded groups and private coaching sessions will operate.
โข Set individual goals and development plans.
โข Complete player evaluations and beep testing.
โข Sign the Academy commitment agreement.
โข Confirm session groups and payment arrangements.
โข Answer any questions from players and parents.
Regular Academy training sessions will commence following the Meet & Greet.
2027 Representative Players
Any player intending to trial for the 2027 Taree Tornadoes Representative Program is expected to attend the Academy, as it will play a significant role in player development leading into representative trials.
Academy Coaches
The Academy will be led by Bernie Slattery, bringing more than 40 years of coaching experience at representative, state and national levels. Bernie will work alongside Taree Tornadoes Head Coaches Elisha Radburn and Jordan Kelleher to develop players across all age groups.
Important Information
โข Players aged 9 years and over are encouraged to register.
โข Players must wear a Taree Basketball reversible singlet (Tornadoes representative uniforms are not permitted).
โข Participants will receive an Academy T-shirt and development workbook.
โข All Academy payments will be made directly through Taree Basketball.
โข A No Pay, No Play policy applies.
The Taree Basketball Academy has been developed to create a clear pathway for player development while fostering a positive, hardworking basketball culture. No matter your current ability, every player will have the opportunity to learn, improve and reach their potential.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please don't hesitate to contact me.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Academy and helping our players continue to grow both on and off the court.
Anyone requiring further information or to register for our Academy, please email Amy [email protected]
