The Euroa Basketball Association (EBA) has enjoyed a fantastic year of growth following the success of its recent 12-week junior “Winter Warmup” program and the upcoming launch of a brand new domestic basketball competition for Term four.

Across the winter months, more than 40 young athletes took part in the Sunday junior clinics designed to build basketball fundamentals, teamwork and confidence. President Tim Burton said the feedback had been overwhelmingly positive and the energy on the court 'fantastic'.

“The program was a great success," Burton said.

"Across 12 weeks, we had 40 kids involved in our Winter Warmup program.

"The focus was on building fundamental basketball skills, confidence, and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment.

"It’s given us great momentum heading into the new domestic season.”

Burton said some of the biggest highlights were seeing how much the players developed, not just in skill, but in confidence and enjoyment.

“We saw huge improvements in dribbling, passing, shooting, defence, and overall fitness.

It was great to watch athletes who started the program unsure of themselves finish with confidence and purpose on the court,” he said.

“But really, the friendships formed and the smiles on faces each Sunday summed up what the program was all about.”

With that momentum, the EBA is now gearing up for its Term four domestic basketball competition, kicking off Tuesday, 14 October and running through to 24 March 2026, with a short break over the school holidays.

The competition will cater for Under 10s through to Under 18s in the junior grades, with plans to grade players by both age and skill level to create an inclusive and fair competition.

Seniors will also have opportunities to play, with hopes to field both men’s and women’s competitions.

“Everyone is welcome to register; even if they aren’t entering as part of a team, we can assist with team allocations,” Burton said.

“We’re all about making sure people of all abilities can enjoy basketball locally.”

Games will be held each Tuesday evening, with juniors starting from 4.30 pm, and senior games following later into the night.

A full fixture will be released once team numbers are finalised.

Registration costs are $130 for juniors and $150 for seniors, plus Basketball Victoria fees of around $37–$52.

“Registration covers the full season of games, insurance, stadium hire, uniforms, and professional referees,” Burton explained.

“We’ve worked hard to keep basketball affordable and accessible for local families.”

Burton said that newcomers are always welcome, both on the court and behind the scenes.

“New players and families are always welcome.

"The Euroa Basketball Association promotes ‘basketball for all’, and we aim to foster athletes throughout their basketball journey,” he said.

“If you’re keen to play, referee, coach, or just lend a hand behind the scenes, we’d love to have you involved.

"Community volunteers are the backbone of the EBA.”

The association is also exploring opportunities to run a skills program for younger children (born after 2017) in Term one, 2026, with more details to come.

Although Euroa was unable to field representative teams this year, several local players have been selected to play with surrounding associations including Shepparton, Benalla, and Wodonga.

“We’re really proud of those athletes taking that next step,” Burton said.

“While our own representative program is on pause, we’re maintaining strong ties with neighbouring associations to help our athletes access elite pathways.

"Our Winter Warmup program has built the foundation for Euroa’s next wave of future basketball stars.”

Burton said the EBA’s long term vision is to grow basketball opportunities for all ages, with a focus on player development, coaching support, and community engagement.

“We want Euroa to have a thriving basketball scene where kids and adults can play in a fun, competitive, and supportive environment,” he said.

“Over the next few years, we’ll be focusing on junior development pathways, a possible junior academy, more holiday clinics, and upskilling our volunteer coaches and referees.

"Long term, we want to ensure Euroa basketballers have the opportunities to fulfil their potential locally, in representative programs, and beyond.”

Registrations for the Term four domestic competition are now open and close on 10 October.

To register or get involved as a volunteer, visit the Euroa Basketball Association Facebook page or contact the committee directly.

Basketball in Euroa is back — stronger than ever.