From the Court to the Career: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

In October of 2025, Abdul, Daryoush and Czar, joined our Game Changers program at The Huddle. After previously engaging with our pilot youth designed and lead program, Huddle In, they sought to develop their own leadership, professionalism and transferrable skills through the project development and management opportunities offered in Game Changers. Further opportunities to develop their skills and experiences were available post-program through a paid work experience placement.

In partnership with Wyndham Basketball Association (WBA) and funding partner Wyndham City Council, the three participants were offered paid work experience supporting the WBA’s All-Abilities program. As part of the boys’ time there, they ran basketball drills, planned training sessions, worked with participants from varying backgrounds, ages and abilities. They gained valuable interpersonal and leadership skills while also making connections within the community. WBA’s Inclusion and Welfare Officer, Kylie Bozanic agrees, saying, ‘It’s been great having the boys as part of our program. Teaching them and guiding them to learn how we run our programs, having them on court and having them as part of our coaching team has been beneficial’.

One of the central aims of the Game Changers program is enhance career outcomes for young people through the power of sport while empowering them to have agency in shaping their future careers and employment pathways. Throughout the group’s time with the Game Changers program at the WBA, they learnt how to effectively lead drills in a way that is safe, inclusive, adaptable and engaging for participants with varying abilities. Czar learnt transferable skills including ‘patience, communication and making sure everyone is included’. These experiences demonstrated how the power of sport can be used as a tool to inclusively engage with young people, while ensuring appropriate safety standards were maintained.

Game Changers is also a place where young people can connect socially and strengthen their professional networks. Abdul reflected on how the program provided him the opportunity to meet new people from different cultures, backgrounds and age groups. These relationships extended beyond the program itself with Abdul saying he has ‘Met a lot of new people and made a lot of friends’ that he regularly sees outside of Game Changers, and have provided him with valuable teachings and opportunities that he can apply in professional settings.

The group agreed that the skills gained from their experience at Game Changers were transferable into their futures and were excited to explore next steps.