Australia's first youth Indigenous All-Stars basketball team unveiled their custom jerseys at PCYC Auburn last Friday, celebrating their final training session before departing for their historic tour of the United States later this month.
PCYC's Indigenous All-Stars sporting pathways program is an inaugural initiative providing talented young Aboriginal players with a structured pathway beyond the local courts.
This year, the first team of 10 First Nations players aged 14 to 16 will tour across Nevada, California and Utah in the USA — a first for First Nations' sporting youth on the international stage.
On Friday, PCYC Auburn hosted the team's official jersey presentation before their final group training session on Australian soil. The jerseys, featuring the Southern Cross stars, were custom-made by Luke Penrith Arts and Designs.
"The figures and stars represent our ancestors watching over us and guiding us," said Wiradjuri player Jurrah Penrith on behalf of his father, Luke Penrith.
"Their spirits are always present, offering strength, wisdom, and protection. The stars and ancestors in this piece remind the players that the journey is not just about athletic achievement, but about carrying the pride and tradition of our people.
"As the players cross over the ocean to compete, they carry with them the stories, strength, and resilience of their community. The cross will always guide them home, reminding them of where they come from and the people who are with them in spirit."
Ahead of the group's departure, players shared their excitement for the program.
"Indigenous All-Stars means a great deal to me because it represents pride, connection, and growth," Dharug player Cody Smith said.
"It's more than just sport, it's a way to celebrate culture, showcase Indigenous talent, and inspire the next generation."
With players handpicked from PCYC's Nations of Origin sporting tournament, Indigenous All-Stars represents four First Nations from six locations across New South Wales including Lake Macquarie (Awabakal), Taree (Biripi), Hawkesbury (Dharug), Bathurst (Wiradjuri), Wellington (Wiradjuri), Wagga Wagga (Wiradjuri Mawang Gaway).
"As soon as I found out the news, I had no words. I was running around the house. I was so excited," Awabakal representative Jarvis Watson said.
"It's a really good opportunity to go out there and represent your culture on the big stage. It's such a good feeling that you know you're going over there and you're representing our mob, sharing our wisdom and all that."
The excitement is shared by PCYC NSW CEO Ben Hobby, who expressed his pride in the program.
"It's a very proud moment for us, and I think for them as well. It's never been done before in Australia, which is quite extraordinary," Mr Hobby said.
"Indigenous All-Stars is designed to be a life-changing and developmental experience for young Indigenous players.
"We're looking forward to watching the team reach their full potential, whilst sharing our First Nation culture with those of other cultures they will meet as they tour across multiple U.S. states."
Mr Hobby said the initiative intends to grow into a long-term program.
"We want this to be enduring just like anything else that PCYC undertakes," Mr Hobby said.
"Next year, we have a vision for 2027 that, in addition to this team, we'll be taking an all-Indigenous female team on tour to the US, which has also never been done before. So we're trying to elevate as much as we can in areas that will provide young people with life-changing experiences."
