Australian athletic underwear brand Step One has signed as a Supporting Partner of Ford Aussie Hoops – the national grassroots basketball program for children ages 5 – 10.
The partnership comes at an exciting time for basketball and participation across the country with recent AusPlay data detailing that over 350 thousand children play basketball.
Ford Aussie Hoops is often the introduction point for young participants and the evolution of nation-wide programs, led by the State & Territories is on the horizon.
David Simpson, EGM of Game Development at Basketball Australia spoke to the partnership and future of Ford Aussie Hoops.
“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,” said Simpson.
“This support from Step One, for our Ford Aussie Hoops Grants program will contribute significantly to getting more kids playing basketball, getting active and discovering a lifelong love of the game,” said Simpson.”
For Step One there was a clear alignment of vision and values presented with an investment into Aussie Hoops and the future of Australian basketball.
“At Step One, we’re passionate about movement, confidence, and supporting the next generation. Partnering with Ford Aussie Hoops was a natural fit - it’s a program focused on grassroots development, inclusivity, and getting young Australians active through basketball,” said Greg Taylor, CEO & Founder at Step One.
“That aligns perfectly with our values: promoting a healthy lifestyle, empowering from the ground up, and making a real impact in the community,”
Australian owned and operated brand Step One was founded by Greg Taylor in 2017.
Since then, the Australian owned brand has connected with a network of athlete investors, including 2025 Asia Cup captain Will Magnay and gold medal game hero Xavier Cooks.
Other stars including Nathan Sobey, DJ Vasiljevic and Alice Kunek from the Seven Consulting Opals have been involved.
“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,” said Taylor.
“That connection sparked broader conversations about how we could support the sport more holistically. Partnering with Ford Aussie Hoops - the foundation of basketball development in Australia - felt like the natural next step. It made perfect sense for us to be involved at the grassroots level,”
“For us, this is more than a sponsorship, it’s a long-term partnership built on shared values. We see this as an opportunity to support and inspire thousands of young athletes nationwide,”
“If we can help build confidence in young kids and support their passion for sport while introducing them to our brand along the way, then we see that as a win-win. We’re excited to grow with Aussie Hoops and help shape the next generation of Australian athletes.”
Ford Aussie Hoops x Step One
FORD AUSSIE HOOPS | Ford Aussie Hoops is the premier destination for basketball enthusiasts aged 5-10 in Australia. It offers programs for young players with experience or for those starting their basketball journey, Ford Aussie Hoops is the go-to program for developing skills, fostering a love for the game, and being part of a vibrant basketball community.
For more information on Ford Aussie Hoops and getting involved, click here.
STEP ONE | Step One is a leading direct-to-consumer online retailer for underwear. Step One offers an exclusive range of high quality, organically grown and certified, sustainable, and ethically manufactured underwear that suits a broad range of body types. Step One has transformed the underwear market with an innovative design and cult-like following and has quickly grown into a multinational company operating in Australia, the US and the UK.
Click through for more information or to shop the Step One range.
