From the sidelines to the centre court, a groundbreaking local initiative is transforming how women and gender-diverse people engage with basketball–not just as players, but as leaders.
Broadmeadows Basketball’s ‘B-ALL-IN’ and ‘Beyond the Arc’ programs are creating real change, fostering confidence, connection and community from the ground up.
Launched by Broadmeadows Basketball in partnership with basketball Victoria, the B-ALL-IN program is a social, non-competitive entry point into the sport– designed specifically for women and gender- diverse people new to basketball
“B-ALL-IN is a Basketball Victoria initiative that provides a non-competitive, social and flexible entry-point to basketball for women and gender-diverse people who may not have participated in the sport before,” Program Manager Sharin Miller said.
The program’s success has been strengthened by the Community Grant Activation Program, which has supported the new Beyond the Arc initiative– a deeper push to help women stay in the game and grow within it.
“In 2023 we trialled new basketball programs for women (No Hoopla) and have been able to build on the interest and success of these,” Miller said.
“We’ve seen benefits around physical health, but also in the social connections, comfort and confidence women have gained in our basketball stadium– a community space.”
Coaching has become a key part of this evolution.
What started as a casual game request from a few mums quickly snowballed.
“In December 2024, a few mums of junior players who were new to basketball asked me, ‘Can we do a women’s game to help us learn more about basketball?’… we had 27 women show up–all from one local club!”
With nearly 2500 junior players, Miller sees huge potential.
“So many mums said they were keen…they also want to learn about coaching to help with their child’s development and to engage in extra training with their child.”
Long-term, the goal is clear: more women in leadership, coaching, and visible roles across basketball– especially from culturally diverse backgrounds.
“Three of our clubs have 38 per cent or more of players with a parent who was born overseas,” Miller said.
“We want our membership at all levels–players, coaches, officials and leaders–to reflect our community. That’s how we grow and sustain local sport.”
