Wildcats Baseline Business | Training Alliance Group

A basketball clinic with Perth Wildcats stars Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Jesse Wagstaff gave South West families plenty to smile about, while introducing parents and carers to new opportunities through Wildcats Business Assist partner Training Alliance Group (TAG).

TAG’s Parent Pathways Basketball Clinic brought local families together, giving kids aged three to five the chance to shoot hoops, learn new skills and meet their favourite Wildcats players, with a special appearance from Wilbur himself!

While the kids enjoyed time on court, parents and carers spoke with TAG staff to learn about the education, training and employment support available to them.

TAG Chief Financial & Strategy Officer Nick Yeo said the clinic was exactly the kind of initiative the organisation hoped to deliver through its partnership with the Wildcats.

“At first glance, it looked like a fun basketball clinic, but it was really a chance for parents to find out about support they may not have known existed,” Yeo said.

“What was particularly rewarding was the response from families. Many told us how much they enjoyed the event and were already asking when the next clinic would be.”

The clinic offered a glimpse into the work TAG has been doing for more than a decade, helping Western Australians build skills, find employment and achieve their goals.

Its Parent Pathways program supports parents with children under six who receive eligible Centrelink payments, offering personalised mentoring, links to local services and financial assistance towards approved costs, including training, transport and obtaining a driver's licence.

Delivered across five WA regions, including Perth and the South West, the program helps parents work towards their education, employment and personal goals.

TAG's support also extends to young people entering the workforce through Transition to Work, people living with disability, illness or injury through Inclusive Employment Australia, and those looking to start their own business through Self-Employment Assistance.

TAG also delivers nationally recognised vocational qualifications to a diverse range of learners, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Yeo said the Wildcats' deep roots in the WA community made the club a natural fit for TAG.

“The Perth Wildcats were the right partner for TAG as they share our commitment to creating positive outcomes for people and communities across Western Australia,” Yeo said.

Throughout NBL27, TAG is building on the partnership through activations ahead of Wildcats home games, community events and initiatives including the All Abilities Carnival.

These activities provide a chance to meet people face to face, raise awareness of TAG's services and help more Western Australians access the support available.

While the partnership provides valuable exposure for TAG, Yeo said its success will ultimately be measured by the impact it has on the community.

“Success isn't just about brand awareness. It's about the number of people we've been able to engage, the community events we've participated in, and the positive outcomes that have come from those interactions,” Yeo said.

“Whether that's families attending basketball clinics, people learning about employment and training opportunities, or individuals joining one of our programs, those are the results that matter most.”

With more activities planned throughout NBL27, TAG hopes to build on the response and reach more communities across WA.