Wyndham Basketball Association’s Coaching & Program Coordinator, Jackie Gibson, is leading a group to develop female basketball coaches.

REGISTER BY CLICKING HERE

Not only does Jackie work here at WBA, but she’s also our U18.1B’s head coach, an assistant coach for our Champ Men Big V Basketball team and part of Basketball Australia’s emerging coaches program.

In other words – she knows what she’s talking about! 

The program is free and open to any current or aspiring female coach of domestic or representative team. It’s a chance to learn, network and improve in a fun and safe environment. 

There’s still time to register and we are running sessions every second fortnight but because we know everyone is busy,  there is no obligation to come to every session – you can drop in and out as your schedule allows!

We’re thrilled to announce Victoria University (VU) is officially a major partner of the Wyndham Basketball Association.

As the biggest community sports organisation in Wyndham, the WBA hosts more than 4600 players each week for male and female, and junior and senior teams in all abilities, offering pathways that are affordable, accessible and inclusive.

With participation numbers booming 36% since 2015, the WBA provides much needed and valued programs in Melbourne’s west, one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.

The partnership will see the VU logo incorporated into a new ‘Big V’ uniform design for players, and provide opportunities for VU researchers to expand on projects that promote social inclusion through sport.

WBA General Manager Craig Armstead says the collaboration showcases a shared commitment by both partners to growing and strengthening the communities of Melbourne’s west.

The objectives and goals of VU’s Sports Strategy 2019-2023 align perfectly with the Wyndham Basketball Association Strategic Plan. There are multiple opportunities that we cannot wait to develop with VU, both on- and off-court.

In addition to branding opportunities, VU researchers will follow up a joint evaluation of the WBA’s Gender Inclusion Strategy and Practices in 2020 with further projects.

“WBA’s engagement in research and evidence-based understanding of basketball in the western suburbs has strengthened its relationship with VU. WBA is an exemplar organisation that recognises the importance of its role in the Wyndham community,” said lead researcher on the Change Makers Project, Associate Professor Brent McDonald.

New research will explore sustainable solutions to promote basketball to more girls and women, and empower migrants and refugees through sport participation via an Australian-Government-funded project, Change Makers.

 Wyndham Basketball is delighted to share with our members the full report of the “Evaluation of Gender Inclusion Strategy and Practices” prepared by Dr Brent McDonald, Dr Fiona McLachlan and Sophie Byrnes, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University. 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT

In November 2020, the WBA Executive approved the establishment of a Gender Inclusion Sub-Committee to be responsible for analyzing the recommendations in the report. The Sub-Committee will review the key findings and implement changes in line with the report’s recommendations. 

Since November 2020, the sub-committee has met on several occasions to discuss and prioritize the recommendations. The sub-committee have prioritized the recommendations as per below: 

1. Develop policies and practices to reduce the levels of hostility and aggression that are apparent at all levels of the game at WBA, including zero tolerance for referee abuse 
2. Build a community of practice model between Domestic clubs to harness collective problem solving and develop an inclusive and supportive sporting culture 
3. Ensure that the WBA website and social media communications content is 50/50 gender representative 
4. Establish that reporting on targets becomes a standing item on the agenda of all WBA meetings 
5. Provide specific women only coaching courses 
6. Set clear participation targets (ratio) for girls and women for 2025 
7. Develop competition structures that overcome the talent differentials between purely domestic and representative players 
8. Conduct active research program with Domestic clubs and coaches to enhance their capacity to ensure change occurs and targets are met 

The sub-committee has established the following initial actions below to address some of the recommendations: 

• Develop a campaign to improve the behavior of our members within the WBA community 
• Review and implement changes to existing policies and procedures that will support the behavioral improvements by all members within the WBA community 
• Implement the Female Coach Development Series 
• Review the outcomes of the Basketball Victoria – Female Coaches Survey 
• Review the current WBA products available to female participants 
• Develop a campaign to increase female participation in all areas of the association 

To enable the association to be successful in achieving a change of culture, an increase of gender inclusion within our programs and a clear pathway for players, coaches and officials, the sub-committee will be developing a three year strategic plan to achieve these goals. 

The sub-committee also encourages domestic clubs to work cohesively with the WBA and other members of the association, to implement these changes and work to establish a friendly, diverse and exciting environment. 

The Executive Vice-President and chairperson of the sub-committee, will provide further updates at the upcoming Domestic Committee meeting on Thursday 20^th May 2020. 

Domestic clubs and members of the association unable to attend the Domestic Committee meeting can provide feedback or ask questions by emailing the sub-committee via info@wyndhambasketball.com. 

Mario Costa 

Vice-President
Wyndham Basketball Association 

With JUNE/JULY school holidays just around the corner, check out our exciting WBA holiday camps!

AUSSIE HOOPS CAMP

REGISTER HERE

Wyndham Basketball is hosting an Aussie Hoops Camp at Eagle stadium from 9am until 11am on Tuesday June 29.

Our Aussie Hoops Camp provides participants from ages 5 to 10 years old of beginner skill levels; the opportunity to experience what our Aussie Hoops program is all about. Coaches will take participants through a 2 hour session covering a wide range of skills and games to imitate what a real Aussie Hoops session would be like. After the session, our Basketball Development Officer will explain to you how you can go about registering your child for our Term 2 Aussie Hoops program if you do not already know how to do so.

This Aussie Hoops session will feature all you favourite Wyndham Basketball’s coaches.

DETAILS
Date: Tuesday 29th of June 2021
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Venue: Eagle Stadium, 35 Ballan Road Werribee
Cost: $15.00
Age group: 5yo – 10yo
Skill level: Beginner
What to bring: Basketball If you have one, drink bottle & lunch

SUPER CAMP

REGISTER HERE

Our Super Camp provides participants from ages 5 to 12 years old and of all levels; the opportunity to work on their in-game skills, individual and team offence and defence – all while having plenty of FUN!

SIGN UP TO BOTH DAYS – $50.00

CAMP DETAILS – DAY ONE
Date: Wednesday 30th of Jule, 2021
Time: 9:00am-11:00am
Venue: Eagle Stadium, 35 Ballan Road Werribee
Cost: $30
Age group: 5yo – 12yo
Skill level: Beginner to experienced domestic players
What to bring: Basketball, drink bottle

CAMP DETAILS – DAY TWO
Date: Wednesday 7th of July, 2021
Time: 9:00am-11:00am
Venue: Eagle Stadium, 35 Ballan Road Werribee
Cost: $30
Age group: 5yo – 12yo
Skill level: Beginner to experienced domestic players
What to bring: Basketball, drink bottle

DOMESTIC SHOOTING CAMP

REGISTER HERE

Athletes at this shooting camp will:
* Learn the Basketball Australia National Shooting Technique
* Receive individualised feedback on shot

Date: Monday, 5th of July, 2021
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Venue: Eagle Stadium, 35 Ballan Road Werribee
Cost:$30 per athlete
Age group: U/10 – U/18 targeted at athletes who play domestic basketball & want to improve their shooting!
What to bring: Basketball & drink bottle.

This is an outstanding development opportunity for domestic athletes to be exposed to elite level coaching & improve their shooting this school holidays!

Any questions about any of the holiday camps can be emailed to Billy Akalo: billy.akalo@wyndhambasketball.com

VJBL REP CAMP

REGISTER HERE

The camps will aim to help athletes prepare for the start of the VJBL season. With a focus on teaching, athletes advanced skill development and core concepts from the Wyndham Way Club Curriculum.

This camp is being run by the WBA Player & Coach Development Manager, Gerard Hillier with the help of some of our qualified Big V players and other WBA coaches.

GIRLS CAMP
Date: Tuesday the 6th of July, 2021
Time: 9:00am-11:30am
Venue: Eagle Stadium, 35 Ballan Road Werribee
Cost:$45* per athlete
Age group: U/12 – U/18 rep only athletes.
What to bring: Basketball, drink bottle.

BOYS CAMP
Date: Thursday 8th of July, 2021
Time: 9:00am-11:30am
Venue: Eagle Stadium, 35 Ballan Road Werribee
Cost:$45* per athlete
Age group: U/12 – U/18 rep only athletes.
What to bring: Basketball, drink bottle.

Questions can be directed to Coaching & Programs Coordinator, Jackie Gibson
Email: jackie.gibson@wyndhambasketball.com OR Phone: (03) 9108 5985

Wyndham Basketball has welcomed Dean Zardo into the new role of Technical Officials Development Officer.

Dean comes to Wyndham with an impressive resume in refereeing across some of Melbourne’s biggest associations and is set to use that experience to succeed in his role here.

Alongside a degree in Media and Communications, Dean has been President of Bulleen’s referee association and a referee coach for A and B grade referee programs at Waverley Basketball.

As a Level 3 referee himself, Dean said he was looking forward to guiding the next generation of officials here at Wyndham.

“I’m passionate about the development of referees, and I’m thrilled to have now aligned that passion with career” Dean explained.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone within Wyndham’s TOC branch and making sure we’re putting everything in place for all of our officials to thrive.”

Wyndham Basketball’s General Manager Craig Armstead said bringing Dean on board was an important strategic piece for the WBA.

“Having a staff member dedicated to growing and developing pathways for our officials is really going to strengthen our TOC going forward,” Craig said.

“Allison and her team are working hard getting us back after the Covid break and already Dean is providing great value in helping us return and grow.”

Organised sport is BACK in Wyndham.

The latest lifting of restrictions by the state government, community sport for both senior and junior competitions is back on court.

Team sports like basketball and netball play a critical role within the Wyndham community with massive numbers competing in a serious nature and casually.

Western Leisure Services, Wyndham Basketball Association and Wyndham Netball Association are excited to be able to again provide these competitions to our community and are all committed to doing so in a COVID-safe environment.

Competitions will look different, with player safety at the forefront of our organisation’s minds and number restrictions within the stadium still in place.

A good place to start is by viewing WLS’s stadium walkthrough video by CLICKING HERE.

Rules in place for Wyndham Basketball

• 10 players per team
• 1 coach
• 1 assistant coach
• 1 team manager
• 1 scorer

Junior competitors (aged 18 and under) can have one parent/carer per athlete as a spectator.

There are NO spectators allowed at senior competitions (aged 19 and over).

Junior players need to register with their club

Senior teams can REGISTER HERE

TIMING RULES

60 MINUTE GAME SCHEDULE

2 x 20 minute halves (U10’s through Seniors)

Warm Up Period: 2 minutes (timed on game clock)

Half time: One (1) minute

Time Outs: 1 per team per half. Time outs are not permitted in the last minute of first half and last three minutes of the second half.

Clock stops: Running clock for all competitions (clock doesn’t stop)
Game clock: All games will be run off a central clock; games will start and finish at the same time.

Rep Tryouts Dates & Times 

U21 – players born 2001 to 2003

Wyndham Basketball is pleased to open registrations for the 2020/21 Wyndham Junior Representative Program Tryouts.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR TRYOUTS

What is VJBL & what is Representative Basketball?

The Melb Utd. Victorian Junior Basketball League incorporates competitions conducted state-wide and provides the highest level of junior competition in Victoria. Melb Utd. VJBL boasts almost 1300 representative teams from over 55 associations across Victoria. The competition includes the U12 to U21 age groups, in a graded structure from Victorian Junior Championship League to the Regional Competition. The Victorian Junior Championship League serves as a benchmark for excellence in competition and is the premier competition for junior teams in Victoria. The VJBL has been a key pathway for many of Australia’s best players including Andrew Bogut, Penny Taylor, Andrew Gaze & Michelle Timms just to name a few.

Playing representative basketball requires attendance at 2 weekly practice sessions and a Friday night game. All Wyndham VJBL Representative Teams have coaches that are suitably qualified, holding a minimum level one coaching accreditation and a mandatory working with children check. All coaches work under the guidance of the Player & Coach Development Manager and the Representative Coaching Leads. Wyndham Basketball aims to have a program that strongly aligns with the Basketball Victoria and Basketball Australia player development pathway, and provides opportunities for all players to play at the highest level they can achieve.

Wyndham Basketball encourages all players looking to take their game to the next level to attend these tryouts.

• All players trying out must complete the online registration form
• Please ensure all information is accurate

Cost of attending tryouts

The tryout registration fee is $15.

Registering on the day of tryouts

We are encouraging all athletes to register prior to their first tryout, as numbers for tryouts may be limited. To avoid missing out please register online. If applicable, registration on the day must be paid for by a credit or debit card. No cash will be accepted on the day.

Information for players trying out from other associations

All players trying out from other associations must provide a signed “Permission to Train” (PTT) form. If this form is not provided, you will not be allowed to tryout. This form can be found on the VJBL website.

Information for players unable to attend tryouts

• Players who are injured are still required to register and attend tryouts to observe. Injured players must provide a medical certificate and apply for an exemption as above.
• Players who are ill must still register and pay online. Players who are ill or showing any symptoms MUST NOT attend any training sessions and stay home. You must still apply for an exemption.

Questions can be directed to the Coaching & Programs Coordinator, Jackie Gibson.

Email: jackie.gibson@wyndhambasketball.com OR Phone: (03) 9742 5440

Gerard Hillier will continue his decorated coaching career in 2021 as Wyndham’s new Championship Women Head Coach.

Gerard takes the reigns after a long stint with Southern Peninsula’s CW team and while continuing to coach at National level in 3×3 and within Basketball Victoria’s High-Performance Program.

He brings a wide range of experience and a passion for developing players to the role and is excited for the season ahead.

“Like everyone, it has been a frustrating year for the CW team. With all the momentum that comes with winning a championship, to not even get onto the court in 2020, that has been extremely difficult for the playing group, so I am focused on helping them return to the court and continue their winning ways” Hillier explained.

“With the outlook – in terms of being able to play – looking much brighter for 2021, I’m pumped to take over what has been such a successful program over the last couple of years, and equally as excited to promote some of the Wyndham local youngsters in to a more senior role within our program to ensure that our success continues well in to the future”

WBA General Manager Craig Armstead said the association was thrilled to be able to follow on Reece Potter’s successful stint as CW Head Coach with such an accomplished women’s coach.

“To have a coach with Gerard’s credentials on staff as our Player & Coach Development Manager, it made logical sense that he should coach our Championship Women.”

“He has coached at basically every level in Australia and has extensive knowledge and experience within the Champ Division. It was a really natural fit and the association is excited to see where Gerard can take the program,” Armstead said.

Gerard will be joined by returning Championship Men’s Coach and Boomers legend John Dorge.

At the Youth League level, as previously announced, Grant Duca will again lead the Youth Men, while Corey Michailidis steps up into the role of Youth Women head coach.

Wyndham Basketball is pleased to announce our 2020/21 VJBL coaches for our Junior Representative Program.

We again received a high number of applications to coach in the program this year and we thank all who applied. WBA would like to congratulate all coaches on their appointments and thank them for their commitment to our program.

Click the below links to see age-level and gender coaches:

U12 GIRLS

U12 BOYS

U14 GIRLS

U14 BOYS

U16 GIRLS

U16 BOYS

U18 GIRLS

U18 BOYS

U21 GIRLS

U21 BOYS

Please note: The WBA does not allocate coaches to specific teams (e.g. U12.3 boys) until the end of the Representative Tryout process. This is to ensure that we uphold the highest amount of integrity and transparency in our selection and tryout process. This method is also in place to protect coaches against scrutiny surrounding selection of teams being based on who they coached last year or players they have built relationships with. Finally it protects our parent coaches against accusations that their child only made the team because the parent is the coach.

Questions can be directed to the Player & Coach Development Manager, Gerard Hillier or Coaching and Programs Coordinator, Jackie Gibson.

gerard.hillier@wyndhambasketball.com or jackie.gibson@wyndhambasketball.com

The WBA’s 2020 AGM agenda and 2019 minutes are now available for all members:

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2020 AGM AGENDA

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2019 AGM MINUTES