By RUSSELL BENNETT
ONE of Victoria’s oldest basketball clubs is constantly looking for ways of encouraging new people into the sport.
The Springvale Basketball Club, or ‘The Vales’, has been in operation each year since 1958, catering for both children and adults from all backgrounds.
Essentially, the club welcomes anyone who wants to develop or improve their basketball skills.
The Vales are structured as a non-profit incorporated association, run by an honorary committee and a team of volunteer coaches and team managers.
The club currently has 50 senior and junior teams participating in local associations across Dandenong, Cranbourne, Frankston and Westernport; and also operates junior development programs from its base at Springers Leisure Centre in Keysborough.
“The club differs from others because we never say no to anyone who wants to play – for kids who, for whatever reason, feel like they couldn’t play,” said club stalwart and Administration Officer Jane Hong, who added that the Vales had just two teams eight years ago but now run their own ‘Aussie Hoops’ program.
“We want every child in the area playing sport, whether that be basketball, cricket or tennis,” she said.
Jane has been involved at the club since her daughter was 10. She’s now 16 and loving her time at the Vales.
Jane, herself, was recognised as the Vales’ best club-person recently but she wasn’t there to accept the award because she was out volunteering for the club.
The Vales are run simply through the hard work of their dedicated volunteers who relentlessly apply for grants through organisations such as the Bendigo Bank, but also the City of Greater Dandenong – which has been a huge support.
The club’s volunteers are on a simple mission: To form a family group for everyone, regardless of age or cultural background.
The Vales have two Aussie Hoops training sessions every Wednesday: Prep to Grade 2 from 4.30pm to 5.15pm, and Grade 3 to Grade 6 from 5.15pm to 6pm.
They also have a goal to operate a free basketball clinic on Tuesdays.
For more information about the Vales – including the competitions and associations they’re involved in – visit www.vales.com.au.
