The Victorian Junior Basketball League has endorsed Kyneton Basketball Association’s application to join the 2022/2023 season with teams entered across all age groups.
The addition of the VJBL competition will complement what KBA has already in place at both a local domestic level as well as continuing to be part of the Bendigo Junior Basketball competition.
“It will gives kids within our area who are wanting to take that next step with their basketball, an opportunity to further develop their skills and love for the game and mix it with the best players across the state every Friday night,” association president Luke Dietz said.
“KBA identified a real gap in our pathway for players to confidently adapt and transition from junior programs into the senior Country Basketball League for both their local women and men’s teams.
“We strongly believe that being a part of the VJBL program will allow us to build the required pipeline and necessary skills at the junior level, that will result in successful representation at senior competition.”
Dietz said the association’s small proactive committee was keen to grow KBA to achieve a sustainable and successful future within the community as well as Basketball Victoria.
“It is an exciting time, we are also announcing a partnership with the Central Victoria Basketball Academy, which is responsible for lifting the standards of basketball in our area over the past three years,” Dietz said.
Simon Liebelt has joined the KBA committee as the coaching director. Liebelt has a long history with elite basketball and will bring his skill set to KBA across all levels, supporting Aussie hoops, educating current Tigers coaches and also structuring up the VJBL pathway.
Rachel Wood is another new member joining the KBA committee in the role of coordinating the junior representative pathway.
KBA will be running community information session in May at the Kyneton Sports and Aquatic Centre. Sessions times and dates to be advised.
The aim of these sessions is to provide information on KBA’s future direction and pathway, with an emphasis on the VJBL program and the opportunity it will provide junior athletes.
