96ers
Basketball
Club

Our 96ers Basketball Club was established in 1996 and is one of the most inclusive sporting programs in Victoria.

Each year, hundreds of young people from all genders and a diverse range of backgrounds build their confidence and fitness while connecting with the local community through our club.

We ensure that children and young people from low-socio economic backgrounds can access the opportunity to play sport by removing cost barriers and providing free access to uniforms and equipment.

Playing as part of the Westgate Basketball Association, our basketball program provides opportunities for physical activity through sport, in addition to the vital lessons of teamwork and tolerance to thousands of young people.

Aside from the fun of playing team sport the Foundation’s basketball program focuses on personal development, building confidence, teamwork, acceptance and leadership.

Many of our young participants have progressed onto bigger things, including overseas scholarships at universities in the USA, Philippines and one day we look forward to our first player making it to the NBA.

The 96ers offers young people aged 7-18 the opportunity to initially learn the basic fundamental basketball skills and then play in local competitions.

We aim to keep the costs as affordable as possible assisting many families to engage their children in active sport. We welcome all children to participate in basketball no matter what their ability is.

We also prioritise young people based on the following:

• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds
• Young people from families on low incomes
• Asylum Seekers
• Refugee Minors
• Young people with a disability

During 2019-2020, there were 375 young people enrolled in our basketball program. We also engaged 25 volunteer coaches and 8 referees to support over 37 junior teams and 8 senior teams