Spotlight on the Frankston Youth Basketball Program

Focused on supporting local youth, the partnership, now in its fourth year, and sustained through funding from the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund and from VicHealth, delivers structured activities such as after-school basketball sessions, offering a safe space for young boys to connect, engage, and grow.

“This partnership goes beyond sport,” says Reclink Australia Sports Coordinator Funda. “It helps young people build confidence, develop social skills, and feel a sense of belonging, while connecting them with consistent support and positive role models.”

More Than Just a Game

The weekly basketball sessions have become one of the program’s most impactful elements. What began as casual games quickly evolved into something much more meaningful, a safe space, a steady routine, and a highlight of the week for those involved.

Many participants weren’t involved in other structured activities, and some faced challenges with school engagement. While a few would shoot hoops independently around the community, access to organised teams or competitions was often out of reach.

Despite these challenges, their passion for basketball stood out.

“They’re a great group of kids who enjoy being together and feeling part of something,” Funda says. “There’s a real neighbourhood feel, and it’s been incredible to watch their growth—not just in skills, but in confidence and maturity.”

While several boys showed strong potential and a desire to compete, barriers such as finances, transport, and family circumstances made this difficult.

A Full‑Circle Moment

That’s why this next chapter feels especially significant.

With support from VicHealth funding, Reclink has been able to re-establish and strengthen its partnership with the Frankston Salvation Army.

“This funding has opened up new opportunities,” Funda explains. “The boys can now compete, challenge themselves against other teams, and experience organised sport in a way they haven’t before.”

Through this renewed partnership, Reclink is supporting the creation of a local basketball team, enabling participants to compete in the Frankston basketball league.

Turning Passion Into Pathways

Many of the boys from the original sessions are now part of the team—transforming informal play into something more meaningful:

• A pathway into organised sport
• A stronger sense of belonging
• An opportunity to turn passion into real progress

Why Access Matters

It’s incredibly rewarding to see how far these young people have come, and to now support them as they take the next step.

“What started as a safe space to play has grown into something much bigger,” Funda says. “They’re now accessing opportunities they’ve never had before and discovering what’s possible.”

“We’re excited to keep building on this momentum. Through this funding, we aim to create a self-sustaining cycle, embedding the resources and structures needed so that even if we step away, the impact continues to grow and support others into the future.”

This program is a powerful reminder that when barriers to access are removed, sport can become a catalyst for confidence, connection, and long-term opportunity, both on and off the court.

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Reclink Australia’s sport and recreation programs help thousands of people each year improve their physical health, build social connections, and regain confidence and independence.

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