1 September 2026

Iron Tigers Basketball Club is launching a new inclusive basketball program at Lake Haven in Term 4, creating another pathway for players of all abilities to get involved in the game.

Iron Tigers Connect will commence on Wednesday 14 October 2026 at Lake Haven Recreation Centre and is designed to provide a welcoming, supportive environment where participants can build confidence, develop basketball skills, stay active and connect with others.

Iron Tigers Director Matt Shorrock, who was recently appointed Head Coach of the NSW Ivor Burge Men’s state team, said the program was about creating a genuine place in basketball for people who may not be suited to traditional team or competition environments.

The Ivor Burge Championships are Basketball Australia’s national championships for athletes with an intellectual disability, with state and territory teams competing against each other at national level.

Shorrock previously served as an assistant coach with the NSW Men’s team, which won bronze at the 2025 championships, before being appointed Head Coach for the next national campaign.

“Basketball should have a place for everyone,” Shorrock said.

“Working within the Ivor Burge program has given me an even greater appreciation of what basketball can provide when we create the right environment for the individual.”

“We want Connect to be somewhere participants can come in, feel comfortable and enjoy being on a basketball court. Success might look different for every person who attends, and that’s completely fine.”

The new program also follows Iron Tigers’ involvement in the recent Department of Education Multi-Sports Inclusion Day at Niagara Park, where Shorrock assisted Basketball NSW with the delivery of inclusive basketball activities.

“That day reinforced how much interest there is in accessible sporting opportunities across the Central Coast,” Shorrock said.

Connect sessions will include adapted basketball fundamentals, movement and coordination activities, simple games and opportunities for participants to develop at their own pace.

Iron Tigers Connect will run on Wednesdays from 4:30pm to 5:15pm at Lake Haven Recreation Centre, beginning Wednesday 14 October 2026.

Term registration is $150, with a $20 casual attendance option also available. Active and Creative Kids vouchers are accepted, with NDIS self-managed and plan-managed invoicing available where applicable.

Registrations are now open:

https://irontigersbasketball.com.au/product/all-abilities-connect/

Ends

Media enquiries
Amanda McDonnell
Operations Manager
amanda@irontigersbasketball.com.au

Photo Credits:
Three Point Shots Photography