Melton-based basketball club the Spartans are looking for ways to make them more than just a basketball club.
With 20 teams, ranging from under-8s to seniors, the club has made a focusof being involved in the community as well.
Community events and being part of Djerriwarrh Festival Parade are just some of the things the club is looking at doing.
Having formed in 2011 as a new club for the Melton Basketball Association, the Spartans have continued to grow.
The club split in two in 2015 due to the number of players and a new team was formed. Three years on, the Spartans have grown to 20 teams again.
One of the main focuses of the club is to increase the numbers of girls playing the sport.
As a club, 42 per cent of the players are female, but they represent just 30 per cent participation in some ages groups.
As part of the club’s female push, two-time Olympian Rachel Jarry recently visited the club.
Jarry ran a training session with some of the club’s girls while also answering questions.
The other two main focuses for the club is coach development and making sure the club is an inclusive place for children to learn.
The club’s focus over the next couple of weeks will be on finals of the summer season.
Thirteen of the club’s 20 teams made it through to the finals, with five straight through to a grand final.
Another five teams are through to the preliminary finals, with the grand finals held on March 24.
The new basketball season is due to start in the coming weeks.
