Harvey Norman Future Flames to reach new heights in year two
Sydney is excited to announce that their highly successful Harvey Norman Future Flames program is back for a second season, solidifying the pathway of the state’s next generation of stars to the WNBL.
The program, run in partnership with Harvey Norman and co-developed with Basketball NSW, aims to bridge the gap between the rising junior talent across the state and provide pathways to elite basketball and a pipeline into the WNBL, highlighted by year one alum Carla Pitman.
Head of the Future Flames program Renae Garlepp said the transition to senior basketball was tough due to the jump in intensity and expectation.
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Garlepp, who is also the Flames’ assistant coach, said Future Flames provided a clear pathway from juniors all the way to the pro level.
“Without the right environment, many players stall or drop out. Future Flames fills that gap – it keeps athletes developing, learning and believing they belong at the next level,” Garlepp said.
“Through the Flames, we now have a chance to create real opportunity to help more NSW juniors stay in the game, keep developing, and chase their dream of playing in the WNBL.”
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Future Flames brings together top emerging talent in NSW, fostering real competition and exposing players to the professional standards of the Sydney Flames.
The program includes on-court skill development, WNBL-level scrimmages, strength and conditioning and education around fuelling.
Hoops Capital co-owner and executive director Matthew Denholm said the program was about helping the next generation of Sydney players to find their full potential.
“We are passionate about creating pathways and nurturing talent in Sydney,” Denholm said.
“The Future Flames program really positions Sydney as the Hoops Capital of Australia.”
READ MORE: MARTYN HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF FUTURE FLAMES
Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page said it was great to see the return of Future Flames, and Harvey Norman was thrilled to continue its support.
“Harvey Norman is again pleased to partner with the Sydney Flames on a program that supports the development of girls and women at this really important juncture in their careers,” Page said.
“The Sydney Flames and Hoops Capital should be commended for their commitment to the program.”
Flame #223 Carla Pitman, who played her junior career with Hornsby and Norths, was part of last year’s Future Flames program.
Pitman, who was named the Flames’ Co-Defensive Player of the Year sponsored by AAMI, Coaches Award and Hardest Working Player Award at Hoops Capital’s 2024-25 awards evening, said the program was key to improving her confidence.
“Future Flames allowed me to take the next step in my career,” Pitman said.
“It’s such a fantastic program for players transitioning from junior basketball to a professional career.
“It allowed me to improve in a professional environment alongside athletes and helped me achieve my dream of playing professionally.”
General manager coach and development at Basketball NSW Brett Coxsedge said the organisation was again looking forward to supporting the program.
“This program has been designed to support and inspire the next generation of elite female basketballers with a focus on athletes graduating from BNSW’s performance pathway,” Coxsedge said.
“It connects players with the extended pathway to support their skills and development both on and off the court, providing a transition from the junior pathway to the elite pathway and potentially the Sydney Flames WNBL program.”
To choose the athletes for this year’s program, the club will host a pair of trial dates, on June 12 and 19, from 10am-12pm at Hoops Capital East.
Selected athletes will then take part in a 10-week program, held on Thursdays between July 10 and September 11.
Expressions of interest in this year’s Harvey Norman Future Flames are now open via here and close at 5pm on May 29.