Basketball South Australia has taken its Female Participation Strategy (FPS) on the road, delivering three days of basketball clinics, school visits and community engagement across regional South Australia from 26–28 October 2026.
In partnership with SA Country and with the support of the Adelaide Lightning, the regional tour travelled through Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Cowell, Port Lincoln and Tumby Bay, bringing basketball opportunities directly to girls and young women in regional communities.
The initiative aimed to encourage greater female participation in basketball, strengthen connections with regional associations and provide young athletes with opportunities to learn from inspiring women involved in the sport.
Joining Basketball SA representatives Courtney Schild and Madi Fleming were Adelaide Lightning WNBL26 players Jasmin Fejo and Ruby Porter, alongside FIBA and WNBL referee Jacqui Dover.
Together, the group delivered engaging, inclusive sessions focused on skill development, confidence, enjoyment and connection through basketball.
Bringing Basketball to Regional Communities
The tour tipped off on Monday 26 October with a visit to Mid North Christian College in Port Pirie, where students participated in basketball activities before the group continued to Port Augusta for an afternoon of clinics with local girls aged Under 10 through to Under 16.
On Tuesday, the tour continued across the Eyre Peninsula, visiting Cowell Area School before heading to Port Lincoln for another afternoon of association clinics at the Port Lincoln Leisure Centre.
The final day of sessions on Wednesday 28 October included a visit to Tumby Bay Area School and Port Lincoln Primary School providing further opportunities for regional students to get involved, develop their skills and connect with experienced women in basketball.
In total, the tour delivered 12 sessions across five regional communities, reaching 322 girls and young women and giving them the chance to learn from WNBL athletes, a FIBA referee and Basketball SA staff and see firsthand the different pathways available within the sport.
Inspiring the Next Generation
More than just basketball clinics, the regional tour was about creating positive experiences, building confidence and showing girls across regional South Australia that there is a place for them in basketball.
From those picking up a basketball for the first time to young players already involved in local competitions, the sessions celebrated participation at every level.
Basketball SA Events and Female Participation Manager, Courtney Schild shared;
“One of the best things about the tour was the mix of people the participants got to meet. Ruby and Jasmin were able to show the different pathways to playing at a professional level, Jacqui demonstrated that officiating could take you through to the international stage, whilst Madi and I got to share how you can build a career in basketball off the court. It was important for us to leave with every girl knowing there is a place for her in this sport.”
Strengthening Connections Across South Australia
The tour forms part of Basketball SA’s ongoing commitment to increasing female participation and creating welcoming, accessible basketball environments for girls and women across the state.
Basketball SA extends its thanks to SA Country, the Adelaide Lightning, participating schools, regional associations, and all the dedicated coaches and volunteers who helped bring the tour to life. Their time, enthusiasm and commitment to growing the game played an important role in creating positive experiences for girls across regional South Australia.
From Port Pirie to Port Lincoln the three-day tour was a celebration of basketball, connection and the opportunities that come from bringing the game to regional communities.
