Bullets open third Academy hub at Toowoomba's Downlands College

The Brisbane Bullets are proud to announce the addition of a third hub to the Brisbane Bullets Athlete Academy, expanding the club’s elite development pathway to Downlands College in Toowoomba.

Following the successful establishment of Academy hubs at Brisbane’s High Performance Centre and on the Sunshine Coast at Sunshine Coast Grammar School, the Bullets are continuing to expand their high-performance model to provide more young basketballers across Queensland with access to professional development opportunities.

Working alongside Downlands College, the Brisbane Bullets Academy will give athletes access to high-performance coaching while supporting their journey as basketballers and athletes.

Like the two existing hubs, the Academy in Toowoomba will run programs at the U14, U16 and U19 level, with sessions focused on game-relevant skill development and strength and conditioning.  

Brisbane Bullets Community and Development Manager Olly Reid said establishing a third Academy hub represents an important next step in making the club’s pathway more accessible to young athletes across Queensland.

“Over the past 18 months, we’ve seen tremendous growth in our Athlete Academy program and an increasing number of young players wanting access to high-performance basketball,” Reid said.

“Several athletes from our Academy have already been involved in our Futures Program, training alongside the Bullets’ rostered locals during the off-season, or heading to college, which demonstrates the platform and support we can offer.

“Adding Toowoomba as our third hub allows us to take the program to another part of Queensland and create opportunities for athletes who may not otherwise have access to this type of environment.

“Downlands College shares our commitment to developing young people through sport, and we’re really excited about what we can build together.”

Downlands College Leader of Sport, Jorden Smith, said the partnership would benefit the entire sporting community.

"This is a wonderful opportunity, not just for our basketball teams, but for sport right across the region," Smith said.

"Welcoming the Brisbane Bullets Athlete Academy to Toowoomba means our students can access elite coaching and high-performance training close to home, which is something regional families have long hoped for.

"We're genuinely looking forward to building this relationship and to the doors it will open for our young athletes, both on and off the court."

Young athletes will have the chance to join the Brisbane Bullets Athlete Academy in Toowoomba through our Prospect Camp, for which you can register HERE.