Midnight Basketball is a diversionary initiative that has taken off across the country and is designed to give ‘at-risk’ teenagers something to do and has proven popular in a number of centres across Australia

Designed for children between the ages of 12 to 18 the tournament runs for eight weeks from 7.30pm to 12pm on Friday nights and consists of a healthy dinner, life-skills workshop, heaps of tournament basketball and transport home at the end of the night. Local co-ordinator Kirsti Furner said the committee was seeking volunteers to help with the organisation and week-to-week running of the program, which would start at Dubbo PCYC on May 6.

“The idea of the program is to keep these kids off the streets and give them something enjoyable to do,” she said.

“It also teaches them some valuable lessons about healthy ways to live their lives and about being responsible young adults.”

The program’s motto is “No Workshop, No Jump Shot” which means in order to play basketball, all participants must attend the nightly workshop dealing with teen-related issues ranging from areas such as conflict resolution, communication skills, health and wellbeing including drugs, alcohol and nutrition, through to job readiness and much more.

“We have found that Midnight Basketball fills a gap by attracting marginalised youth into the program. It provides a high energy, positive solution to boredom and disruption caused by having nothing to do on weekends,” Midnight Basketball Australia CEO Tess White said. “It’s great to offer a program that both the youth participants and the community respond, in such a positive way, to a common problem in our communities”.

The Dubbo Midnight Basketball committee has worked hard to get the tournament approved, but the program still needs local support.

“We are looking for local sponsors, and volunteers including team managers, referees, bus drivers and caterers,” Ms Furner said.

If you are able to help, or would like more information, contact Ms Furner on 0417 321 014.