Midnight basketball a winner

Midnight Basketball players at the Coffs Harbour Education Campus.

Steve Pratt

THE Midnight Basketball troupe has been busy carving up the court but not before enjoying some tasty tucker and educational workshops.

It’s been four weeks since they bounced off and Coffs Harbour’s Midnight Basketball has been deemed a success by committee members.

The initiative was designed to offer support, guidance and engagement to teenagers while steering them away from anti-social behaviour and crime.

Martin Densham said with the first tournament of 2011 half way through, they had about 50 volunteers and 50 players.

“Midnight Basketball has been a success thanks to a lot of tremendous help and participation and we are planning on having a second tournament this year,” Mr Densham said.

“It is an inclusive event which provides a free outlet for activities and the kids have said they’re enjoying it and have made lots of new friends.

“We bus kids from Sawtell, Toormina, Bray St and Northside Shopping Centre at around 7pm and have dinner which was BBQ chicken and fresh fruit last week.

“If they want to play basketball they must participate in the workshops which cover subjects like ethics, issues with drugs and alcohol and mental health.”

The events are open to youth aged 12 to 18 and there are still places for additional players to get involved.

For more information, visit http://www.midnightbasketball.org.au and choose Coffs Harbour from the list of locations.