By Laura Michell
Junior basketballers returning to training at the Broadmeadows Basketball Stadium for the first time in 15 weeks had their court time cut short after the 3047 postcode was placed into lockdown again.
The Broadmeadows Basketball Association had been cleared by Basketball Victoria and Hume council to begin its school holiday clinic and training for the Junior Broncos on June 29, with a range of competitions and clinics to be rolled out throughout July.
But just two days into the school holiday clinic, the association was told the stadium would once again be closed after COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were issued from Broadmeadows, Jacana and Dallas.
Broadmeadows Basketball Association operations manager Todd Anderson said the juniors were excited to return to the court on June 29 after so long away from the sport they loved.
He said many of the clinic’s sessions were booked out.
“It was exciting and we made a big deal out of [the return to play],” Anderson said.
“Within 48 hours, it was taken away again.
“It was hard before but everyone was in the same boat. But now, it’s just kids in this area which will be hard on them.”
Anderson said the association would offer online skills sessions in an effort to keep players motivated during the second shutdown.
“They will be free sessions and the idea will be that players can jump on from home with a basketball and a little bit of concrete,” he said.
“Our main focus now is to keep them engaged and keep their spirits and motivation up.”
