He has a unique chance next week to learn from the nation's leading basketball program, an insight he plans to bring back to the Ballarat Basketball Association.

Cunningham will embark for Canberra tomorrow for a week-long observation of the Australian Institute of Sport's women's basketball team.

The seasoned state junior representative coach was awarded an annual AIS coaching scholarship for a week of his choice at the institute.

Only one coach in Australia is offered the chance each year.

Cunningham was shocked to learn he was accepted, not knowing he was nominated by Country Victoria.

But he definitely planned to absorb as much as he could for the benefit of Ballarat sport.

"To me, it's just a good reward for 30 years of coaching and hard work," Cunningham said.

"Ideally the scholarship is for someone aspiring to coach at higher levels - most past winners have gone on to work with the Sapphires or Gems - but it becomes a bit difficult when you've got to work

and earn a living."

Cunningham coached the Victorian Country under-18 girls for four years, except for this season's national championships in Ballarat.

He has moved into a development role at the BBA as a liaison between the association's junior representative squads through to the Lady Nuggets and Lady Miners.

Cunningham has selected a week when the AIS will contest a mid-week Women's National Basketball League match against Sydney Flames for his scholarship program.

This will enable Cunningham to work in preparation, match-day and recovery sessions alongside women's coach Dean Kinsman.

Cunningham was particularly interested in weight training for young players and how to improve core stability.

Plus, he hoped to pick up some specialised drills for Ballarat Lady Miners coach Kym Cassells.