Inclusive partnership expands into 2024

THE region’s largest basketball association will further commit to diversifying and improving options for all-abilities basketballers, following the inception of a new basketball competition in 2023.

Leisure Networks and Geelong United Basketball have announced an official partnership for 2024, with the aim of delivering greater impact to individuals and communities in the basketball space.

“Geelong United Basketball is committed to driving growth and development of the sport at all levels,” Geelong United Basketball chief executive officer Mark Neeld said.

“This partnership is an important piece in how we are making basketball accessible to all Australians, empowering individuals and communities through the love of the game.”

With basketball’s rapid rise in the Australian sports market continuing, approximately 1.3 million people play basketball across the country.

In Geelong alone, more than 10,000 people participate in basketball.

Geelong United and Leisure Networks were also responsible for creating the region’s first all-abilities competition here in Geelong.

Before 2023, the All Abilities community had skill development programs available, but people living with disability could not join a team or play for a club.

The inaugural competition took off in October last year, as the two organisations launched the Geelong United All Abilities Basketball competition catering to players with a disability over 14 years of age.

In the first season, the competition courted teams from five local clubs, supporting seven teams in total to play in the summer season.

“That is key to what we are doing through our all abilities access model across AFL, netball and now basketball,” Leisure Networks chief executive officer David Meade said.

“Playing sport is fantastic, it’s great for both physical and mental health, but what we are doing goes further.

“We are creating sporting competitions that sit within established regional sports associations.

“We are working with established clubs so that we can drive greater inclusion and diversity in these clubs and the communities that surround them.

“What this means for the players is that not only are they participating in a genuine community competition, they are also active, included members of their clubs.”

For more information on Geelong United’s All Abilities Basketball competition, head to geelongunitedbasketball.com.au/competitions