Kids fed and cared for at Midnight Basketball

After much hard work from local volunteers in organising the event, the Midnight Basketball program kicked off last Friday, August 9 at 7.30pm at the Active West Stadium on Eighth Street.

Don't worry if you or your kids missed out. You can still get along this Friday 16th August and register. Registrations are open to people aged 12-18. 

Midnight Basketball is a national, community-run program facilitated by the City of Greater Geraldton, which is held for eight weeks on Friday nights in a safe environment for 12-18 year olds.

Each tournament night includes a hot, nutritious dinner followed by a compulsory life skills workshop before the tournament basketball begins and a free bus home for all the players.

Midnight Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer, Tess White, said Midnight Basketball is a natural catalyst for breaking down barriers, meeting new people and building trust.

“We encourage both players and volunteers to get behind the tournament to give it a go and get the whole community involved,” she said.

“Throughout the tournaments we see communities get a great sense of satisfaction by building a great program together.”

Volunteers are the backbone of Midnight Basketball by providing a safe, happy and cooperative environment and also provide the chance for youth to engage in a diverse range of community members who impart knowledge, kindness, friendship and access to future opportunities.

Yvonne Lovedee, City of Greater Geraldton’s Community Development Coordinator and Chair of Midnight Basketball Geraldton, said the success of Midnight Basketball is made possible because of its volunteers.

“Without the support of our volunteers the program wouldn’t be possible,” she said.

“Volunteers commonly report that they find their experience rewarding because they can contribute their time in a way that will help youth find practical solutions to the issues they face.”

Come along and see how you can help! Each night requires 15 volunteers who assist with tasks like helping to serve dinner, setting up the workshop rooms, managing teams, scoring, refereeing and driving buses.

This Friday will be the last night new players can register, as teams will then be locked in for the remainder of the season. So get your kids along to Activewest Stadium this at 7:30pm this Friday.