Basketball is booming in Bacchus Marsh, but clubs are concerned a lack of courts is stifling the game’s future.
The Bacchus Marsh Basketball Association recently registered its 900th player, but it struggles to schedule games for all its teams on the two courts at Bacchus Marsh Leisure Centre.
President Paul Wilson said the association formed in 2012 with about 200 members.
“Since then, the number of registered players has continued to grow with each new season.
“The association now has five clubs with 750 registered members playing weekly.
“With basketball so popular in Bacchus Marsh, we’re looking to get a commitment to increase the number of courts so this sport can continue to grow now and into the future.”
Mr Wilson said the association was using every available court, with competitions running all day Saturday and Sunday, with senior games on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
“The association also uses an additional Bacchus Marsh Primary School court regularly to accommodate our need for additional courts,” he said. “The current Bacchus Marsh stadium is good and presents very well, even though it’s a bit long in the tooth … but it’s just not big enough.”
Continuing to grow
Coaching director Wayne Slack said the interest in basketball continued to grow in Bacchus Marsh.
“The association just registered its 900th player, six-year-old Coco Munesti, which is a significant milestone,” Mr Slack said.
“Basketball in Bacchus Marsh is alive and well. It’s a sport that’s here to stay. But there are still many challenges facing us, which, if not addressed, will stifle future growth.”
Moorabool council resolved at its June meeting to set aside funds to undertake a study into the feasibility of constructing more courts.
The report will be used to back up an application for a further $30,000 from the state government.
