Hoops for all on the Surf Coast

A NEW basketball facility will throw its doors open for the first time tomorrow (Saturday, July 12), ready to offer a unique sporting experience for all.

Surf Coast Hoops on Boneyards Drive in Torquay is a purpose-built basketball centre where both children and adults will be able to chase their basketball dreams.

Max Zalakos is the passionate founder and head coach of Surf Coast Hoops.

Max has represented Victoria Metro and Victorian Country in basketball and spent a year playing college basketball in the United States.

His coaching journey began at Hoop City Geelong, where he spent three years developing young athletes before embarking on this project.

During that time, he was mentored by some of the most respected coaches in Australia, shaping his dynamic and player-focused approach to coaching.

Zalakos said the new sporting hotspot has been born out of a desire to get more people playing on the Surf Coast.

“With the shortage of courts around here, it will be amazing to give these kids a hub where they can play.

“All my coaching sessions used to be outside at Wurdi Baierr and kids just kept coming. We thought ‘Why not try and bring our own Hoop City to Torquay?’

 

“We just want every kid around the area to have the opportunity to get into a basketball stadium, improve their skills and get about it.”

Surf Coast Hoops will offer something for everyone, including individual coaching, group programs, court hire, holiday camps, birthday parties and more.

The facility will have a half size court with a ring, another ring with half a three-point line to use the corners to shoot from, as well as a Doctor Dish shooting machine.

“During winter, we want parents, teams, coaches and players to be able to come in and use our facility,” he added.

“We want it to be as accessible to the town as possible.

“We will have the Doctor Dish able to be hired out whenever you want, as well at the same time having teams able to use the half court.

“Whether they’re touching a basketball for the first time or an elite up and comer, we will suit all abilities.”

To celebrate the launch, Zalakos is hosting four free one-hour basketball sessions tomorrow for local children to jump on the court, meet the coaches and experience the space.

After each session there will be a barbecue running for everyone to enjoy.

For more information and to book, head to surfcoasthoops.com.au