By ANEEKA SIMONIS
THE Upper Yarra Basketball Association (UYBA) is sending a clear message to the sporting community – the ball is in your court for the future of the sport in the area.
Basketball has been on a downwards trend over the past few years but UYBA’s Norman Orr wants to see that change at the association’s annual meeting this week.
“Certainly in Yarra Junction, the halcyon days of well over 100 teams are well gone … (we would) be lucky to have 40.
“Teams used to be from East Warburton to Woori Yallock and anything in between but a lot of young people are just not playing,” he said.
Mr Orr said the sport was suffering in the area as talented players were being lost to other stadiums down the line. “Too many people are going out of the valley to play at Kilsyth.”
Mr Orr said the lack of players had impacted the competition on the courts, reducing the appeal of playing in the Upper Yarra.
“The critical part is that there is absolutely no men’s competition. There were lots of young blokes who used to play but when it got down to four teams, they disbanded.
“We are trying to get that rejuvenated again,” he said.
Mr Orr said the Yarra Centre was a great indoors facility, convenient for parents and offered even competition for players.
School-aged kids are one group who have expressed interest in restoring the basketball culture in the Upper Yarra.
“I have been trying over the last month to have some clinics at schools and the kids are really keen … hopefully if we keep doing things like that, we can encourage them to come back.
The UYBA is inviting players, parents of players, coaches, referees and those passionate about the sport to come to the association’s annual meeting at the Yarra Centre on 23 July.
Starting at 7.30pm, the association will allow attendees to discuss and vote on ways to inspire basketball fever in the Upper Yarra again.
To cast your vote or suggest ways to enhance Upper Yarra’s basketball future, go to the meeting at the Yarra Centre this Wednesday.
