Cardinia Shire youth basketball program inspires students on court

Cardinia Shire Council has teamed up with Standout Basketball to host a basketball program, offering students a positive way to connect with peers and build meaningful relationships.

The eight-week program was held after school and helped students from Edenbrook Secondary College develop their ball handling and shooting skills, team decision making and game planning. The program also supported students to connect with broader social supports including Council's Youth Services, Aligned Leisure and Victoria Police.

Cardinia Shire Mayor, Jack Kowarzik commented "team sports can have such a meaningful impact on the lives of young people.

"It encourages the values of respect and supporting each other, that positively contributes towards building stronger and safer communities, as well as social cohesion.

"We have seen such a great result from this youth basketball program, we are pleased to see students enthusiastically engaged in sport and making long lasting positive connections.”

The youth basketball program is delivered by Council as part of an early intervention and prevention model of engagement that encourages physical activity whilst building positive social networks, both of which are critical protective factors for young people.