The Snakepit
From Mini Hawks and Aussie Hoops to NBL1 East under the lights — every pathway in Illawarra basketball starts at Beaton Park.
What's on
Spring School Holiday Camps
Join us for an exciting holiday camp with player appearances from the Illawarra Hawks
Camp details →
Prep-4-Rep 2027
Bridge the gap between club and representative basketball ahead of the 2027 rep season.
Times & dates →
2027 Junior Rep Trials
Registrations open for U12–U18 Junior Hawks trials. Read the Representative Handbook before trialling.
Trial information →On Court Today
Court 1 · Treadright Podiatry & Biomechanics
- 4:30 pm The Agency All Stars v WarriorsUnder 16 Boys Division 1
- 5:30 pm Eagles v PistonsUnder 16 Boys Division 1
- 6:30 pm Airballs v RookiesChampionship Women
- 7:40 pm Blazers v Cobra KaiChampionship Men
- 8:50 pm Garlic Sauce v Bartlett & Co PropertyChampionship Men
Court 2 · South Coast Family Law Group
- 4:30 pm Running Redbacks v SpiritUnder 16/18 Girls Division 2
- 5:30 pm Opals v BlazersUnder 16 Girls Division 1
- 6:30 pm Blazers v North BullsUnder 16 Boys Division 1
Court 3 · Innovatus Projects
- 4:30 pm North Bulls v ThunderUnder 18 Boys Division 1
- 5:30 pm Wizards v BlazersUnder 18 Boys Division 1
- 6:30 pm Pistons v RaptorsUnder 18 Boys Division 1
Court 4 · Gateway Ford
- 4:30 pm Waves v CelticsUnder 16/18 Girls Division 2
- 5:30 pm Phoenix v LynxUnder 16 Girls Division 1
- 6:30 pm Storm v SparksUnder 18 Girls Division 1
- 7:40 pm BUCS v SparkiesChampionship Men
Times from Basketball Connect via GameTime · updates every few minutes
Where do
you start?
Pick your age and we'll show you the right program. White stops are community basketball — open to everyone. Red stops are the Hawks representative pathway, entered by trial or selection.
Mini Hawks
A delightful introduction to the game for 3–5 year olds. Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.
Learn moreFORD Aussie Hoops: HAWKS TAKE FLIGHT
Basketball Australia's introduction to the game. Fun, structured, no experience needed.
Learn moreJunior competitions
Weeknight competitions for boys and girls from Under 10 to Under 18, played at the Snakepit.
Learn moreNext Gen Hawks
Skills, confidence and fun for 10–14 year old girls and boys of all levels. Saturdays at the Snakepit.
Learn moreJunior Hawks
The IBA representative program — a clear pathway to state, national and elite basketball.
Learn moreSeniors, Waratah & NBL1
Open-age social and divisional competitions, walking basketball, and the Hawks NBL1 East program.
Learn more
We need a hand with...
Electrician wanted – power upgrade
Our canteen has become a great asset to the association, providing hot food for NBL1 games, Rep rounds, and events. The only problem is…
I can help →
Electrician wanted — DATA CABLING
We need a licensed electrician to run some new data cabling to the Stadium Office computers and Canteen.
I can help →
Carpenter required — new grandstand stairs
We need a step up! Can you assist with a retractable step for the grandstand?
I can help →Frequently asked
How do I book a court at the Snakepit?
All court bookings are made through our online booking system (Skedda). If a time is not showing as available, the stadium or court is not available for public hire at that time.
What does it cost to play juniors?
The 2026 Spring competition fee is $295 plus Basketball Connect transaction fees, payable in full or as a $25 deposit and four instalments of $67.50. A BNSW registration (6 or 12 months) is also required for insurance.
Can I use an Active Kids voucher?
Yes — apply the voucher number at checkout when paying the full competition fee. If you choose instalments, email the voucher to competitions@snakepit.com.au instead.
Is there a family discount?
10% off the second child and every child after. Email competitions@snakepit.com.au with your payment option and we will send a discount code or refund the difference after instalment one.
We’re struggling with fees — is there help?
The Illawarra Hawks Nest Egg fund and payment plans are available for families experiencing financial hardship. Email competitions@snakepit.com.au — all applications are confidential.
How do I buy NBL1 home game tickets?
Online through Basketball Connect tickets, or at the door on game day. Season members get entry to all home games.
What do memberships include?
Adult $90, Kids $50, Family $250 and Junior Rep $25 passes — all include season entry, a members-only merch item and canteen or bar discounts. See Memberships & Ticketing.
When does the 2026 Spring junior season run?
20 July to 18 December 2026. Grand finals are played in the final week of term 4 (14–18 December).
I don’t have a team — can I still play?
Yes. Complete the boys or girls Competition Player EOI and we will waitlist you for a place in an existing team. Please do not register or pay until your team placement is confirmed.
Which night does my age group play?
Under 10 girls play Monday and boys Tuesday; Under 12 and Under 14 mid-week; Under 16 and Under 18 Wednesday (Div 1) or Friday (Div 2–4). See the full table on the Junior Competitions page.
How old do I need to be to referee?
Usually Year 7 or above; Year 6 students are considered case by case. Initial training is about four hours, then a 4–6 week on-court mentor program.
Do referees get paid?
Yes. Referees are paid by accredited level and experience, and accreditation gained at Basketball Illawarra is recognised across Australia.
When is the 2026 senior season?
13 April to 25 September 2026. Games are played during school holidays.
How do teams pay game fees?
Game fees are paid per team per game through the Teampay app (plus Teampay transaction fees). Championship Men $130, Championship Women $120, Division Men/Women $85, Social $80.