Chargers to embark on USA trip of a lifetime

THE Surfcoast Chargers are preparing to embark on their maiden international basketball tour, with a group of under-18s to head to the United States over the Christmas break.

One boys’ team and one girls’ team will be joined by 15 parents and two coaches on the trip, with the group taking off on Boxing Day.

In a partnership with Aussie Basketball Travellers, the Chargers will take on high school teams across the west coast in Vancouver, Seattle and Portland over the course of two weeks.

The group will also experience home stays with American families, attend NCAA, NBA and NHL sporting games, and wrap up with a day at Disneyland in Los Angeles before heading home.

Representative basketball co-ordinator and trip organiser Mel Jackson said the time was right for the club to send teams on an American tour.

“This particular group is special. They were our very first cohort to start together as under-12s, and now they are graduating from junior basketball.”

“It just felt right to mark that milestone with something extraordinary.”

Jackson also pointed out the trip was a celebration for entire families, not just the players.

“These parents have spent years driving across Victoria on Friday nights for 9.40pm games in Bacchus Marsh or Somerville, early Saturday morning returns, endless tournaments,” she said.

“We have grown together. This trip is our big thank you to them as well.

“They bought sausages, raffle tickets, anything we put in front of them, to help these kids get here. Their generosity has been huge.”

Jackson hoped the tour became a biennial tradition that represented the Surfcoast Basketball Association and how far they have come in such a short time.

The trip is particularly timely as the club was awarded 2025 Medium Association of the Year at the Basketball Victoria Awards last week.

“This is about friendships, resilience, early mornings, late nights, long drives, big dreams and the spirit that defines our club,” Jackson said.

“No matter the results, this experience will shape these young people well beyond the court.”