Basketball programs for schools · Adelaide, SA
We use basketball to help young people build confidence, resilience and the skills to succeed in school, sport and life.
Who we are
Competitive sport is positive and challenging. We use that environment to help students work through the mental, social and behavioural challenges they face at school and in their communities.
Basketball gets students engaged and keeps them coming back. What we really want is for them to understand themselves better, cope with setbacks and make positive choices. Every session pairs skill development with emotional literacy, life skills and mentoring, in a space that is structured, challenging, fair and emotionally safe.
Est. AdelaideBetter attendance, trust and participation.
Self-esteem, coping strategies and a growth mindset.
Self-regulation, respect and accountability.
Stronger links with peers, school and community.
How it works
One session each week, split between time on court and time talking together.
One coach runs the group and the flow of the session. The other gives extra support to students who need it.
In term one we build trust and connection. In term two we build on that with harder challenges. Term-long programs are also available.
Extra coaching and mentoring for students who need more attention and support.
The curriculum
A sample cycle. Every week has a focus that runs through the drills and the conversation.
Exploring "Who am I?" and finding personal strengths.
Identifying emotions and healthy outlets for them.
Calming, grounding and responding thoughtfully to stress.
Building supportive peer relationships through cooperation.
Understanding boundaries and personal dignity.
Standing firm in your values under social influence.
Realistic short- and long-term goals in sport and life.
Healthy ways to resolve disagreements and repair relationships.
Equity, respect and safety in all interactions.
Understanding other perspectives and cultivating compassion.
Learning from mistakes and overcoming challenges.
Picturing a positive future and leading by example.
Our programs
Every program is built around your school's needs and wellbeing frameworks, and each one is designed for a specific group of students.
Open to every student whatever their background, gender or skill level. It combines basketball with emotional literacy, life skills and mentoring so every student feels seen, supported and able to grow.
Builds positive behaviour, resilience and emotional intelligence in the early years, before negative patterns set in. Sessions use structured play, team challenges and a short reflection at the end.
Challenges harmful stereotypes about masculinity and replaces them with respect, emotional intelligence and positive leadership. Boys learn to manage anger, resolve conflict without aggression and take ownership of their choices.
Helps young women build confidence, resilience and leadership, and deals directly with body image, social media pressure and friendships. Female coaches, mentors and guest speakers lead and support the program.
A calm, predictable and highly adaptable program for students with neurodiversity, trauma, disability or emotional-regulation needs. It aligns with each student's IEP and works at their pace.
Not sure which program fits? We'll work with your wellbeing team to design the right mix of group sessions and one-on-one mentoring for your students.
Talk to us
Measuring impact
Every program includes structured evaluation, so your school can see the difference it makes.
After every session, each coach writes a report on the group's engagement, behaviour and performance.
Students set personal goals and review them regularly with their coaches.
We compare attendance, referrals and classroom behaviour at the start, middle and end of the program.
Teachers, support staff and families (where appropriate) receive mid- and end-of-program summaries.
What schools say
“Students have demonstrated improved engagement in school, stronger peer connections and more positive behaviour.”
“The program has created a supportive and motivating environment for students who may otherwise be at risk of disengagement, and we believe it would be a valuable initiative for other schools seeking to strengthen student wellbeing and participation.”
Unley High SchoolProgram endorsement
Meet the founders
Luka and Armand both struggled in school with bullying and self-confidence. Basketball gave them belonging, structure and resilience. They started Big Change Sports to give young people the same thing.
Luka was bullied in his early school years, and basketball became his safe space. It taught him teamwork, leadership, discipline and self-confidence. Since 2023 he has coordinated and delivered basketball programs across Tasmania and South Australia, working with disengaged and at-risk young people in schools and juvenile correctional facilities.
Armand struggled with self-confidence, bullying and emotional setbacks growing up. Basketball gave him structure, focus and a way to build resilience. Since 2024 he has worked closely with disengaged students in schools, guiding young people who need extra structure and encouragement.
Safety & standards
Our first priority is a safe environment for students, school staff and coaches.