Iron Tigers Connect
Inclusive basketball for children and young people with disability
Iron Tigers Connect is an inclusive basketball program designed for children and young people with disability, including intellectual disability, autism, Down syndrome and other forms of neurodivergence.
Our program provides a welcoming and supportive environment where participants can develop basketball skills, build confidence, make friends and experience the benefits of being part of a basketball community.
Sessions are adapted to individual abilities, experience levels and support needs, ensuring participants have opportunities to learn, develop and enjoy basketball at their own pace.
Wednesdays | 4:30pm–5:15pm
Lake Haven Recreation Centre
Commencing Wednesday 14 October 2026
$150 Term Registration | $20 Casual
When | Where | Who | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Wednesdays
4:30–5:15pm | Lake Haven Recreation Centre | Children and young people with disability | $150 term
$20 casual |
What Is Iron Tigers Connect?
Basketball should have a place for everyone.
Iron Tigers Connect gives participants the opportunity to develop basketball skills, confidence and connection in an environment that can adapt to different abilities, learning styles and support needs.
There is no expectation that every participant learns, communicates or participates in exactly the same way.
Our coaches adjust activities to the individual and the group, helping each participant engage at a level that works for them.
Basketball Skills
Dribbling, passing and shooting activities adapted to participant ability
Movement
Activities supporting coordination, balance and fundamental movement skills.
Confidence
Opportunities to try new skills and progress at an individual pace.
Connection
Partner, small-group and team activities encouraging interaction and participation.
Modified Games
Simple basketball games with rules and activities adjusted where required.
Support
A higher coach-to-participant ratio than our standard basketball programs.
Who is Connect for?
Iron Tigers Connect welcomes children and young people with disability who would benefit from a supportive and adaptable basketball environment.
The program is designed to support participants with a range of abilities and support needs, including:
- Intellectual disability
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Down syndrome
- Other forms of neurodivergence
- Developmental disabilities and additional learning or support needs
No previous basketball experience is required.
Our coaches understand that participants may learn, communicate and engage differently. Activities can be adapted to individual abilities, with an emphasis on participation, confidence and personal development.
Parents, carers and support workers are welcome to discuss individual support needs with our team before attending.
Every participant deserves the opportunity to feel included, develop their abilities and experience the enjoyment of basketball.
The aim isn’t to fit everyone into the same session. It is to help everyone participate.
Experience Supporting Inclusive Basketball
Iron Tigers Connect is led by coaches with experience supporting athletes with disability and neurodivergent participants in both community and representative basketball settings.
Iron Tigers Director Matt Shorrock is the Head Coach of the NSW Ivor Burge Men’s state team, Basketball NSW’s representative program for athletes with an intellectual disability competing at the Basketball Australia national championships.
Matt previously served as an assistant coach with the NSW team, winning bronze at the 2025 championships.
He has also previously coached inclusive basketball programs with One Culture and Central Coast Basketball, supported Basketball NSW inclusive basketball activities, and worked as a support worker earlier in his career.
As a parent of neurodivergent children, Matt also understands the importance of creating sessions that are structured, adaptable and supportive of different learning and communication styles.
Iron Tigers Connect is designed around those principles, with a higher coach-to-participant ratio and activities that can be adapted to individual abilities and support needs.
Our approach recognises that success looks different for every participant. For some, that may mean developing a new basketball skill. For others, it may mean building the confidence to join a group activity, communicate with teammates or simply enjoy being on the court.
Connect is a community basketball program, not a therapy service
Our aim is to create an environment supporting confidence, participation, connection and enjoyment through basketball.
Using NDIS Funding
Can I use my NDIS funding for Iron Tigers Connect?
Some participants may be able to use self-managed or plan-managed NDIS funding for Iron Tigers Connect, depending on their individual plan, goals and funding arrangements.
Participation in Connect does not automatically mean the program will be claimable under an NDIS plan.
Self-Managed Plans
If your plan is self-managed, you can pay Iron Tigers directly and use the invoice when making your claim, where the program is consistent with the participant’s NDIS plan and goals.
Plan-Managed Plans
If your plan is plan-managed, Iron Tigers can provide an invoice for your plan manager where applicable.
We recommend checking with your plan manager before registering if you are unsure whether the program can be funded through your plan.
How Connect may support participant goals
Connect may support goals relating to physical activity, coordination, confidence, independence, social interaction, communication, community participation and developing basketball skills.
What documentation can Iron Tigers provide?
Where required, Iron Tigers can provide invoices, information about program activities and a letter outlining how the program is structured and what participants work on during sessions.
Interested in Iron Tigers Connect?
We welcome enquiries from families, carers, NDIS support coordinators, support workers and disability service organisations.
Before registering, we encourage families to complete our short expression-of-interest form.
This helps our coaching team understand each participant’s abilities, communication preferences and individual support needs so we can provide an appropriate and positive basketball experience.
Participants can register for the full term or attend a casual trial session.
If you’re supporting someone who may benefit from Iron Tigers Connect, we’d be pleased to discuss the program and how they can get involved.