Spartans Youth Leadership Program 2025
The Spartans Youth Leadership Program is a 12-month development initiative designed to empower young leaders within our basketball community. This unique program offers hands-on experience in coaching, officiating, game day operations, and event management (including opportunities at NBL1 games). You’ll also develop essential leadership and communication skills through mentoring from experienced coaches and officials, leadership workshops, and paid opportunities in development programs. With potential alignment to school leadership programs such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, this is a unique opportunity to build skills, give back to the game, and shape future career pathways in basketball.
Program Objectives:
· Develop leadership skills in young athletes
· Provide coaching, officiating, and event management experience
· Create hands-on opportunities in basketball operations
· Foster personal and professional growth through mentoring and workshops
· Strengthen connections to the Spartans community
Eligibility
· Applicants born in 2008 & 2009 are eligible to apply
· Open to existing members of the Southern Districts Spartans Community
Program Pathways:
1. Coaching Pathway
o Development/ Assistant coaching opportunities in junior teams
o Technical coach opportunities
o Leadership roles in holiday camps
o Mini Spartans program involvement
2. Officiating Pathway
o Referee development program
o Score table training and certification
o Game day officiating roles
o Statistics training
3. Game Day & Event Management (Including NBL1 Opportunities)
o Gain experience in customer service and event operations
o NBL1 game day operations (team bench support, event setup)
o Support game day logistics including crowd flow and venue management
o Learn the fundamentals of event planning and execution in a professional basketball setting
o Sponsorship and community engagement event support
4. Leadership Development
o Leadership workshops
o Conflict resolution and communication training
o Community engagement initiatives
5. Personal Growth & Career Development
o Mentoring with experienced coaches, referees, and administrators
o Paid opportunities in development programs
o Potential recognition through Duke of Edinburgh and school leadership programs
Time Commitment:
The time commitment for the Youth Leadership Program will vary from week to week based on program activities, events, and individual involvement. We understand the importance of balancing school, sport, and personal commitments, so participation can be individualised to accommodate other schedules while ensuring meaningful engagement in the program.
Program Benefits:
✅ Hands-on experience in coaching, officiating, and event management
✅ Paid opportunities in basketball development programs
✅ Potential school leadership hours accreditation
✅ Career pathway guidance and networking
✅ Exclusive NBL1 game day involvement and behind-the-scenes experience
To apply, please click the link here and complete the application form.