This is 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
2026 Senior Competitions
Men, women, championship and social divisions, Monday to Thursday nights.
Senior comps →
2026 Spring Junior Competitions
U10 to U18, 20 July – 18 December. Grand finals 14–18 December. Late EOIs waitlisted for existing teams.
Competition info →
Spring School Holiday Camps
Kitty Hawks camp and NBL1 camp with Hawks players and coaches. Ages 5–14.
Camp details →
Prep-4-Rep 2026
Bridge the gap between club and representative basketball ahead of the 2027 rep season.
Times & dates →Where do
you start?
Pick your age and we'll show you the right program. Black stops are community basketball; red stops are the Hawks representative pathway.
Mini Hawks
A delightful introduction to the game for 3–5 year olds. Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.
Learn moreAussie Hoops
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
Home games at the Snakepit
Season memberships, single-game tickets and corporate hosting for the Illawarra Hawks NBL1 East men and women. Family-friendly, loud, and right in Gwynneville.
News
Major partners
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.