Less than 12 months ago, the fledgling Romsey Lancefield United Basketball Club made a big step forward with six junior teams being accepted into the strong Sunbury Basketball Association competition.
Now, such has been the level of interest and enthusiasm generated, at least 16 RL United teams will compete in the winter season.
And there’s no sign of United’s expansion stopping in the Macedon Ranges.
On Saturday, Aussie Hoops (five to eight-year-old girls and boys) had their first practise session for 2025.
Overall, the club is catering for about 140 youngsters, spread across the successful Hoops and older ones competing in the SBA.
They come from about 80 different families.
Foundation president Nathan Slater and current president Cameron Austin, both Romsey residents, have been prime movers in the new club’s success story. They reflected on the club’s growth at the weekend.
SPORTING OPTIONS
Both have had a long involvement in various sports, including basketball, and have a strong belief in young people being given sporting options.
Put simply, they recognise kids are far better pursuing some combined activity they can enjoy, rather than being at loose ends.
Club formation convener Slater came up with the Romsey-Lancefield United name, and endorsed the distinctive light blue uniforms — totally different from the long-term red, yellow and black combinations in many sporting clubs in the two towns.
This identity colour appears to have been widely accepted by players, coaches and supporters in the new club.
Slater and Austin said having a strong committee had been very important, as had volunteer coaches and sponsors.
Sponsors have provided about $9500 in the past year, and this helps keep club fees at a very acceptable level.
Currently the club is seeking more sponsors for the next two seasons (this year), and businesses and individuals interested in helping can contact Cam Austin for further information.
Right now there’s about 140 young players on the club’s list, spread across about 80 families.
The majority come from Lancefield and Romsey areas, with a number from other centres where basketball is already well established.
In an arc, there’s significant basketball played at Kilmore, Wallan, Riddell, Sunbury, Gisborne, Macedon, Woodend and Kyneton.
The multi-million dollar regional sporting precinct at New Gisborne has been a big boost to basketball and other sports.
RL United won two premierships in its first season with Sunbury, in the Under 12s girls and boys.
The progress made by some of the young players has been considerable; some had never tried basketball before and are now well and truly ‘hooked’.
Clinics have helped, and the club is appreciative of the work of all of the coaches.
Some of the proficient younger players have already shown their skills at coaching.
Jaxson Cole and Kobe Pitts are coaching the Under 18s, and Cooper Jordan is in charge of an Under 10s side.
Club leaders would like to see training and playing space dedicated entirely to basketball at some stage in the future.
RL United appreciates the strong support received from Sunbury Basketball Association president, Glenn Ogston, Romsey Primary School, Riddells Creek Basketball and Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
With the population growing, it is anticipated about 1000 students will be attending the three primary schools at Lancefield and Romsey.
These schools are seen as a growing supply source of players in the future, and still largely untapped.
“The good thing about playing basketball, is that everyone gets a go,” Slater said.
The high-profile international sport is very flexible, with players having the chance to try out various positions.
Next season begins in Term 2, with registrations now open. Further details from Cam Austin on 0407 524 505.
