There has been a noticeable shift on Saturday afternoons in the SACBA Community Competition junior grades, with more girls than ever wanting to play basketball over the summer.
One of SACBA’s clubs, Emmaus Christian College, has had natural growth in this area according to Sports Co-Curricular Coordinator Jason Roberts – a known face around the South Australian Christian Schools Association competitions (SACSA).
“Emmaus joined the SACBA Competition to give our young people an opportunity to compete in a domestic program that has the additional benefit of expectations on behaviours and sportsmanship.” Jason shares.
“Students have developed a strong foundation through the weekly games. The consistent and repetitive activities week-on-week have allowed them to improve and enjoy their games at a faster rate.”
The growth of the teams, particularly at Emmaus, has inspired girls to pick up basketball, opening the door for future growth of girls’ and women’s teams at a community grassroots level.
“Having the all-girls teams has been fantastic and has really grown a community of girls who are now giving so many more sports a go. We equally encourage all sports here at Emmaus, but it is exciting to see the freedom that the girls have found in basketball, to attack and defend without restrictions.”
There are many benefits to all-girls competitions, from participation, to social and encouragement standpoints. These benefits have the association prioritising the provision of better opportunities for female players across its community competition and district pathways with the SA Church Stars.
“The biggest benefit that we have found is the community that has been forged among the girls,” Jason claims.
“We have seen that no matter the age group, the girls support and encourage each other as they work towards a common goal to play the best they can – at times this has been a positive observation to many an onlooker.”
SA Church Basketball Association is inviting interested women and girls to come and play for churches, schools, and community groups, in a longstanding organisation that values community, faith, and basketball.
Commencing in 1950 and continuing today – SA Church Basketball has a rich history and an exciting future ahead, playing a role in Basketball South Australia’s Female Participation Strategy.
Get involved through introductory basketball programs and camps, becoming an official, and by playing juniors or seniors in the SA Church Basketball Community competition. The competition has multiple locations across metropolitan Adelaide on Saturday afternoons and Tuesday nights.
There is also the opportunity to become a player or coach for SA Church Basketball’s district club, the Stars, who participate in the Basketball SA district competition.
SA Church Basketball is about ‘more than basketball’ and encourages the spirit of community and teamwork. For more information and to get involved, visit www.sachurchbasketball.com.au.
