Posted on 20 September, 2010

It will be the first time Kilsyth Basketball has hosted a junior National Championships and the Association is honoured to be selected to host such a prestigious event.  It shows the faith, respect and understanding Basketball Australia has in the Kilsyth Basketball community.

The Under 16 Australian Junior Championships provide young athletes with the opportunity to play in an elite tournament representing their State on the National stage.

Australian Junior Championships have been an important stepping stone in the career pathway of Australian basketballers. Many of Australia’s best players took part in Australian Junior Championships before going on to represent Australia at Olympic or World Championships level, including Opals Lauren Jackson and Kristi Harrower and Boomers Patrick Mills and Mark Worthington.

Kilsyth Basketball General Manager Grant Wallace is excited that one of the Association’s key objectives has come to reality. “We identified the 2011 Under 16 National Championships as a key event that the Association could host at the soon to be completed Kilsyth Sports Centre redevelopment.”

“We worked closely with the Shire of Yarra Ranges and the State Government, specifically James Merlino (Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs) and David Hodgett (Kilsyth MP) to secure funding for new courts at the Kilsyth Sports Centre which could provide the Association with the capacity to host event’s such as this. We look forward to, repaying the faith Council and the State Government has shown in the Association and, their partnership in conducting these Championships.”

“The Association is geared up for the challenge of hosting a successful Championships and creating an ongoing legacy which ensures the Association, the Yarra Ranges Community and future Championship hosts can benefit from the seeds we will plant for years to come,” concluded Wallace.

The Yarra Ranges and Maroondah communities are set to benefit economically from the Championships with over 1,500 guests from all around Australian are expected to visit the region throughout the Championship week.  Kilsyth Basketball has already begun working with both Councils and will is to work with local businesses and organisations to identify synergies to support the Championships.

In the near future we will also begin a volunteer recruitment program. Any individual interested in assist with the 2011 Under 16 National Championships should contact Ben Turner on ben.turner@kilsythbasketball.com.au or our website for more information.

Stay tuned to www.kilsythbasketball.com.au for volunteers opportunities and updates.