By Alesha Capone
A record number of participants playing in junior and senior domestic team competitions have taken to the court for the Wyndham Basketball Association’s winter season.
Wyndham Basketball’s general manager, Craig Armstead, said the association has seen “amazing numbers return to the court” following the pandemic.
The WBA competitions returned with restrictions in place in December last year, but Armstead said the 2021 winter season would be the WBA’s first full-length season since COVID-19.
“We have an incredible 462 junior teams and 151 senior teams, combining for a WBA record 613 teams – and more than 4000 players,” he said.
The competitions run for six days per week for players under-8 through to open age, at Eagle Stadium in Werribee.
“The entire Wyndham Basketball community has been thrilled to return to the court after what was a difficult year for everyone,” Armstead said.
“It has been wonderful to see the hustle and bustle of the stadium return and the smiles on faces – particularly our junior players – as they have returned to the sport they love.”
He said the WBA’s winter 2021 season would run until September, before the summer season begins in October.
The general manager of Eagle Stadium, Rod Gaut, said that the facility was continuing to follow all COVID safety measures required by the government, in addition to the safety measures recommended by Basketball Victoria.
“Thankfully these have eased over recent months allowing for a less restrictive COVID-normal experience for players, spectators and staff,” Gaut said.
“We are currently abiding by a density limit of one patron per two square metres and all patrons entering Eagle Stadium are required to register their attendance for contact tracing purposes.
“We also have safety attendant team members on shift throughout our trading hours, maintaining a high level of cleanliness and sanitation in all areas of the facility.”
Eagle Stadium also hosted the 2021 Australian Under-18 Championships and Kevin Coombs Cup last month.
The events saw the nation’s best junior basketballers play in Werribee.
Details: wyndhambasketball.com/, eaglestadium.wynactive.com.au/
