Midnight Basketball Grand Final
Midnight Basketball sees teenagers get together, have dinner, play competitive basketball, get coached and stay up late. Sounds like a pretty fun way to spend Saturday night.
The program started in Darwin two years ago and now involves up to 70 players aged 12-18, as well as volunteer coaches, caterers and assistants.
“There are a good percentage of players that have been involved from start to finish. It’s popular, there’s a waiting list of 50,” says Richelle Hedstrom, Youth Engagement Coordinator at the City of Darwin.
This month, the season’s grand final will be an exciting finish to the tournament with the best teams playing off at Marrara Stadium.
The grand final is a big deal, says Hedstrom. The teams have been playing together every Saturday night for months, all of it building up to a final between the two top teams.
Although registrations have closed, anyone who wants to join the cheering squads is welcome to come along.
Midnight Basketball originated in the United States and is now operating right round Australia, running free basketball games, with an educational component, at the times when youth are most at risk – Friday and Saturday nights. Dedicated volunteers, including members of the Army, Rotary Club and parents of players, help out at the program.
“They give up a Saturday night, which is a refreshing outcome. It’s good to meet people who want to do their bit,” says Hedstrom.
