Perth Wildcats Launch Believe & Belong Strategy

For the Perth Wildcats and the Red Army, basketball has always meant more than just what happens on the court.

Anyone who has experienced a packed-out arena, cheering alongside other Wildcats fans, knows it’s about passion, connection, and seeing first-hand how the basketball community can bring people together around a love of the game.

Now, the club is building on that belief with the launch of Believe & Belong, a Social Impact Strategy
focused on strengthening connections with fans and making a real difference in uniting the diverse WA community.

Through this strategy, the Wildcats are determined to create moments and opportunities where fans,
families, and communities feel seen, supported, and proud to be part of the Red Army.

Believe & Belong focuses on four key areas where the club believes it can make the biggest impact: Belonging Beyond the Court, Inspiring the Next Generation, Championing Community, and Growing the Game.

Belonging Beyond the Court is all about making sure every Wildcats fan feels welcome and included.

The club is committed to creating a family-friendly and inclusive environment through events like Indigenous and Heritage Rounds, Pride Round, the All Abilities Carnival, and community days that celebrate diversity and the shared love for basketball.

Jodi Collins from Newton Moore Education Support Centre says, “The Perth Wildcats All Abilities Carnival was a true celebration of everything young people with disability can achieve when given a chance.”

Inspiring the Next Generation is focused on helping kids and young people stay active, dream big, and make healthy choices.

Fans will see the Wildcats continuing to run holiday clinics, school visits, youth outreach, and the Inspire Program, which gives students experiences and opportunities that build confidence and life skills.

SEDA student Declan Justice said, “I have developed many valuable work skills such as time management and organisation, and I feel that my confidence has grown.”

Championing Community reflects the Wildcats’ commitment to standing alongside causes that matter to fans and the wider community. 

Through events like Pink Round raising funds for Breast Cancer Care WA, RUOK Day, anti-racism campaigns, and countless charity partnerships, the club is determined to use its platform to bring people together and shine a light on important issues. 

Max Clarke, CEO of Breast Cancer Care WA, added, “The support and generosity from the Wildcats and their Red Army has meant thousands of people affected by breast cancer have benefited from the services we provide.” 

Growing the Game is about making basketball accessible to everyone. The Wildcats believe that anyone who wants to play or be involved should have the chance, no matter where they come from. 

Through coach development clinics, partnerships with Basketball WA and NBL1 West, and the Rio Tinto Wildcats Academy, the club is helping create pathways for young talent and building the future of basketball in WA. 

Wildcats Academy graduate and High Point University recruit Josh Ibukunoluwa said, “You’re in a pro-environment every day. You get taught how to be a pro. It’s helped me with nutrition, strength and conditioning, and you get to play with the best young players in WA and get coached by the best coaches in WA too, so you get the best of both worlds.” 

For Wildcats fans, Believe & Belong means more chances to connect with the team and each other, to be part of events that reflect the club’s values, and to know that supporting the Wildcats also means helping create positive change.

It’s about making sure being part of the Red Army is as much about community as it is about competition.

Take a closer look at the Perth Wildcats Social Impact Strategy here