Beginners Programs

Beginners Programs

Eltham Wildcats Beginners Programs – Term 2, 2026

Program Overview

  • Program Dates: Monday 27 April – Saturday 20 June 2026
  • Program Duration: 7 weeks
  • Public Holidays:
    • ANZAC Day – Saturday 25 April
    • King’s Birthday – Monday 8 June (no sessions during this week)

Our Programs

  • Mini Cubs – An introduction to basketball for our youngest players, focusing on fun, movement, and basic skills.
  • Ford Aussie Hoops – A nationally recognised beginner program teaching fundamental basketball skills in an engaging environment.
    • Cub Squad – A development program for players to improve their core skills.
    • Game Ready – Designed to prepare players for real game situations, with a focus on teamwork and gameplay understanding.
    • Game Ready Scrimmage – A structured scrimmage environment where players can apply their skills in game-like scenarios.

Please read below for more information regarding each program, including registration, session times and dates for Term 2.

Mini Cubs (Ages 3–4)

Eltham Wildcats Mini Cubs is a fun and engaging introductory basketball program designed for kindergarten children aged 3–4. As the first step in our beginner development pathway, it helps young players build confidence, develop gross motor skills, and learn the basics of teamwork.

All sessions are suitable for players of all abilities, and classes are mixed-gender.

  • Duration: 7 weeks
  • Cost for New Players: $100.00 Registration + $20 Basketball (Size 4 basketball) + $5.00 Basketball Victoria Fee
  • Cost for Returning Players: $100.00 Registration + $5.00 Basketball Victoria Fee

Registration Link: https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/af2e88 

Note: Unfortunately, we do not have enough stock of Mini Cubs uniforms for Term 2. Once the shipment arrival is confirmed, an email will be sent to parents who wish to purchase a uniform.

Size 4 basketballs are still available for purchase.

Mini Cubs Weekly Session Schedule

Monday – Montmorency Secondary College (Court 5)

  • Mini Cubs: 4:30pm – 5:00pm

Dates:
27 Apr | 4 May | 11 May | 18 May | 25 May | 1 June | (Break 8 June) | 15 June

Thursday – Eltham High School (Court 3)

  • Mini Cubs: 4:30pm – 5:00pm
  • Mini Cubs: 5:00pm – 5:30pm

Dates:
30 Apr | 7 May | 14 May | 21 May | 28 May | (Break 4 June) | 11 June | 18 June

Friday – Eltham High School (Court 1)

  • Mini Cubs: 4:00pm – 4:30pm
  • Mini Cubs: 4:30pm – 5:00pm

Dates:
1 May | 8 May | 15 May | 22 May | 29 May | (Break 5 June) | 12 June | 19 June

Saturday – Eltham Leisure Centre (Court 2)

  • Mini Cubs: 8:30am – 9:00am
  • Mini Cubs: 9:00am – 9:30am
  • Mini Cubs: 9:30am – 10:00am
  • Mini Cubs: 10:00am – 10:30am

Dates:
2 May | 9 May | 16 May | 23 May | 30 May | (Break 6 June) | 13 June | 20 June

Ford Aussie Hoops (Ages 5–10)

All sessions are suitable for players of all abilities aged 5 – 10, and classes are mixed-gender or female only.

  • Duration: 7 weeks
  • Cost for New Players: $115.00 Registration + $30 Uniform Pack (T-Shirt, Singlet and Size 5 basketball) + $9.50 Basketball Victoria and Basketball Australia Membership Fee
  • Cost for Returning Players: $115.00 Registration +$9.50 Basketball Victoria and Basketball Australia Membership Fee

Registration Link: https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/d7cb9b 

Cub Squad

Eltham Wildcats’ Ford Aussie Hoops – Cub Squad is an introductory basketball program for children aged 5–10, suitable for all ability levels.

The program focuses on developing fundamental skills through fun, engaging activities, while promoting teamwork and individual growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Session Highlights

  • Learn essential basketball skills, including dribbling, shooting, passing, and teamwork
  • Participate in fun games that build confidence and encourage collaboration
  • Use modified equipment designed to support skill development

Game Ready

Eltham Wildcats Ford Aussie Hoops – Game Ready is designed to help players transition from Cub Squad into our Saturday Domestic (EDJBA) competition. 

This program is ideal for players who have completed at least one term of Cub Squad, and are ready to take the next step toward game play.

Session Highlights

  • Sessions are split evenly between training and gameplay
  • Focus on learning the basic rules of basketball to prepare for competition
  • Drills and game-based activities designed to build confidence and develop skills

Game Ready Scrimmage

Eltham Wildcats Ford Aussie Hoops – Game Ready Scrimmage is a session that gives participants the chance to learn the rules of basketball while playing in coached 5-on-5 matches. It’s designed for children who are ready to experience competitive basketball but haven’t yet joined a team. Games are played with modified rules and equipment to encourage free-flowing play, and all matches are refereed by our coaches for an authentic game experience.

Session Highlights

  • 5-on-5 scrimmage games
  • Beginner-friendly modified rules and equipment
  • On-court coaching to build confidence and understanding

Food Aussie Hoops Weekly Session Schedule

Monday – Montmorency Secondary College (Court 4)

  • Cub Squad: 4:15pm – 5:00pm
  • Game Ready: 5:00pm – 5:45pm

Dates:
27 Apr | 4 May | 11 May | 18 May | 25 May | 1 June | (Break 8 June) | 15 June

Thursday – Eltham High School (Court 2)

  • Cub Squad: 4:30pm – 5:15pm
  • Cub Squad (Girls Only): 5:15pm – 6:00pm
  • Game Ready: 5:15pm – 6:00pm

Dates:
30 Apr | 7 May | 14 May | 21 May | 28 May | (Break 4 June) | 11 June | 18 June

Friday – Eltham High School

Court 2:

  • Cub Squad: 4:15pm – 5:00pm
  • Game Ready: 5:00pm – 5:45pm
  • Game Ready (All Girls): 5:00pm – 5:45pm

Court 3:

  • Game Ready: 4:15pm – 5:00pm
  • Cub Squad (Girls Only): 5:00pm – 5:45pm

Dates:
1 May | 8 May | 15 May | 22 May | 29 May | (Break 5 June) | 12 June | 19 June

Saturday – Eltham Leisure Centre

Court 1:

  • Cub Squad: 8:15am – 9:00am
  • Cub Squad: 9:00am – 9:45am
  • Game Ready: 9:45am – 10:30am
  • Game Ready Scrimmage: 10:45am – 11:30am

Court 2:

  • Cub Squad (Girls Only): 10:45am – 11:30am
  • Cub Squad: 10:45am – 11:30am

Dates:
2 May | 9 May | 16 May | 23 May | 30 May | (Break 6 June) | 13 June | 20 June

More Information

For enquiries, please contact:
Alysha Naim and Kylie Jones  – Beginners Program Coordinators
Email: beginners@elthamwildcats.net.au

Register Your Interest for Term 3 Beginner Programs

Please fill out the form below to express your interest. You will be emailed as soon as registrations open.

https://www.cognitoforms.com/ElthamWildcats/Term3BeginnerProgramsEOI