If you’ve got a kid who’s ever bounced a ball against the wall, tried to make a shot at the park, or just shown a flicker of interest in basketball – chances are you’ve wondered where they could go in the Southern Highlands to explore it further. Somewhere welcoming, low-pressure and genuinely about letting kids have fun while they learn.
That’s exactly what Southern Basketball Academy [based at the Gillick Sports Complex in Mittagong, home to some pretty incredible local facilities] is all about.
Founded by two passionate coaches – Coach Doc and Coach Sami – it’s quickly becoming the go-to spot in the Southern Highlands for kids who want to give basketball a go, develop new skills, and build confidence along the way.
1:: Not Just Expert Coaches – Mentors Who Understand Kids
One of the best things about Southern Basketball Academy is that you don’t need to travel to the big smoke to find incredible coaches with a wealth of experience. Right here in the Highlands, kids can learn from accredited, experienced and passionate coaches who know the game inside out – and know how to connect with young people, too.
Coach Sami has been immersed in Australian basketball for over 20 years as a player, coach and mentor. His experience spans local, state, and international levels – including playing for NSW School Boys, winning state titles, and representing Australia overseas. Today, he leads several elite teams across NSW, including Marrickville Spirit’s Under 18s Men’s Div 1 team [recently second in the NSW Metro comp], as well as head coaching roles at UNSW and the AUSA Academy.
Beyond the accolades, Coach Sami stands out for his commitment to nurturing young players – developing not just their skills, but their confidence, mindset and personal growth. He’s known for creating tailored training plans that match each athlete’s age, ability, and stage of development. Before coaching full-time, Coach Sami spent five years working in children’s services, giving him a deep understanding of how young people tick and what they need beyond drills and tactics. [this is brilliant!]
Coach Doc is just as committed, bringing strong leadership and experience coaching winning teams. Known across Sydney for his passion, common sense, and fundamental coaching style, he’s worked with players at all levels – from beginners to professionals – helping develop thousands of young athletes.
Currently, Coach Doc coaches daily as a professional skills and development coach focused mainly on Sydney’s youth. He’s Head Coach of the U12 Marrickville Spirit Representative Team, which went undefeated in 2024 to win both the Metro and State Cup championships.
He also leads the Marrickville Spirit Skills Development Program, nurturing young talent with tailored coaching and a supportive approach.
[What a power couple!]
Together, Coach Sami and Coach Doc create a space [some might call it a vibe!] at Southern Basketball Academy that’s supportive, encouraging and focused on helping every player find their own game – no matter what level they start at.
2:: For Every Player, At Every Level
One of the best things about Southern Basketball Academy is how they get that childhood is a time for exploration. By that we mean, you don’t have to be amazing at basketball straight away – or even know if you’re going to love it forever. What matters is getting stuck in, trying something different and seeing where it leads. Their programs cater to a diverse range of players, from beginners learning the fundamentals to advanced athletes refining skills for higher-level competition.
The Academy’s programs reflect this philosophy beautifully. From “Learn to Play” sessions for total beginners, through to group sessions and one-on-one coaching, there’s U8 to U18 training, after school training and school holiday camps, as well as skill-specific coaching for older kids – everything tailored to meet kids where they’re at.
And it’s not just about physical skills. The academy places a big focus on building confidence, teamwork and resilience. No pressure, just plenty of chances to dribble, shoot and have fun.
“We meet every player where they’re at,” says Coach Sami. “Whether they’re just starting out or pushing for rep level, we tailor the coaching to suit their age, stage and confidence – there’s something here for everyone.”
3:: A Community Hub Where Everyone Belongs
The Southern Basketball Academy isn’t just a place to train – it’s a hub for the local basketball community. Holiday camps, out-of-school-hours programs and fun group sessions mean there’s always something happening for kids of all ages and skill levels.
If your child is curious [even just a tinsey bit!] it’s a great place to let them have a go and see what sparks their interest. The coaches’ hands-on, caring approach means every child feels valued and parents get to see their kids thrive in a safe, positive environment.
4:: More Than Just Basketball – Preparing Kids for Life Off The Court
What sets Southern Basketball Academy apart is their focus on the bigger picture – they place a big focus on building confidence, teamwork and resilience.
Sure, it’s about making shots and improving skills [the physical stuff]. But it’s also about helping kids develop discipline, time management and leadership – all the things that help in school, friendships, and beyond.
The academy’s qualified and experienced coaches [that’s Coach Sami and Coach Doc to you!] don’t just bring top-level playing and coaching experience; they work closely with each player to identify what they want to improve and support them on and off the court to reach those goals – helping kids become the best players and teammates possible.
“Basketball is the perfect vehicle for teaching life lessons – because the stuff you learn on the court translates off it,” Coach Doc explains. “Whether it’s sticking to a training schedule, handling wins and losses, or learning to communicate with teammates, those skills set kids up for success in life.”
[Cause it’s about humans too – not just hoops!]
5:: Give It a Go – You Never Know!
If you’re thinking your kid might be keen to try basketball [or maybe just a little curious about the sport] Southern Basketball Academy is the perfect place to start. Their trial sessions and holiday camps are designed to welcome kids of all skill levels and interests.
What’s great about Southern Basketball Academy is that it’s not about pushing every kid to be the next basketball star [no mini Globetrotters required!]. Instead, it’s about building skills, confidence and a genuine love for the game, while giving kids the space to discover if basketball is their thing.
Talk about a slam dunk for the kids of the Southern Highlands!
Wow – this is such a safe and supportive space for kids to try something new.
Sounds pretty brilliant if you ask us.
So, if you’ve got a kid dreaming of slam dunks – or just one keen to give something different a go – B-ball might be for them and this might just be the perfect place to start.
Find out more at Southern Basketball Academy and get your kids hooping with Coach Doc and Coach Sami soon!
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