STEP ONE sign as Supporting Partner of Ford Aussie Hoops

Australian athletic underwear brand Step One has announced a multi-year partnership with Ford Aussie Hoops, the national grassroots basketball program for children aged 5-10.

This collaboration reflects a strategic alignment between the growing participation in Australian basketball, which currently involves over 350,000 child participants, and Step One’s brand values focused on fostering physical activity and confidence.

The partnership designates Step One as a Supporting Partner of Ford Aussie Hoops, involving a direct investment into the program’s Grants initiative.

This financial commitment is designed to support the expansion of grassroots basketball, serving as a critical entry point for young athletes into the sport.

Commenting on the importance of this collaboration, EGM of Game Development at Basketball Australia, David Simpson, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Step One as a part of Ford Aussie Hoops.”

“Their commitment to community, building confidence and getting people moving aligns perfectly with our vision for grassroots basketball.

“Contribute significantly to getting more kids playing basketball, getting active and discovering a lifelong love of the game,” Simpson said.

Brand Integration and Target Market Access

For Step One, this partnership offers direct access to a valuable demographic: families and young participants in community sport. By associating with a national grassroots program, the brand can embed itself within the lifestyle of active Australians from an early age. 

Investment in Participation and Sport Development 

Step One’s financial contribution to the Aussie Hoops Grants program provides support for increasing participation at a foundational level.

This directly benefits Basketball Australia by enabling more children to engage with the sport, which is vital for developing future talent pathways, expanding the overall fan base, and ensuring the long-term health and commercial viability of basketball in Australia.

Authenticity Through Athlete Investors

The partnership is further boosted by existing relationships between Step One and prominent Australian basketball players, some of whom are athlete investors and shareholders in the brand.

Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership, Founder of Step One, Greg Taylor, commented: “Our relationship with Australian Basketball has grown steadily over the past few years.”

“It began with many NBL players choosing to wear Step One and even becoming shareholders in the brand,” Taylor mentioned.

Long-Term Brand Investment 

By aligning with a national participation program and leveraging authentic athlete connections, Step One aims to secure long-term market presence while actively contributing to the growth of Australian basketball.

In addition, Step One will also be joining the long awaited Women in Sport Summit at The Star on Gold Coast 27-28 August, to further solidify their investments not only in grassroots but also women in sports.

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