MRBA Basketball Coaching Program
Impact Pillars:
Community Connection & Good Health
People, Capacity and Resource Building
Impact Areas:
Sport & Recreation
Participants
21 coaches took part in coaching and mentoring sessions
10 coaches completed accredited training
Skilling up basketball coaches in our community
The Macedon Ranges Basketball Association’s (MRBA) 2024/25 coaching program has helped grow local coaching talent and strengthen community sport from the ground up.
Thanks to a grant in our Spring 2024 funding round, the MRBA has run a series of coaching and mentoring sessions led by an experienced Basketball Victoria–accredited coach. Alongside these on-court sessions, the program also delivered a Club Coaching Course, giving participants the chance to earn a qualification formally recognised by Basketball Victoria.
This initiative has included rep coaches, domestic coaches, and Aussie Hoops coaches over 16 years of age – reflecting the wide variety of people who give their time and energy to support local basketball.
Building skills and confidence
In total, 21 coaches took part in the practical coaching and mentoring sessions, while 10 coaches completed the accredited Club Coaching Course. Each participant walked away with new skills, greater confidence, and fresh ideas to bring back to their teams.
Importantly, every one of these coaches is connected to the local community – whether long-time residents, parents of players, or passionate volunteers. By upskilling coaches who already have strong ties to the region, MRBA has strengthened the connection between the club and the community it represents.
Balancing theory and practice
The program attracted a fantastic mix of participants – from young people eager to step into coaching, to parents finding themselves on the sidelines, to more experienced coaches keen to refine their skills. Under the guidance of Adam Tarr, a highly regarded coaching instructor, the sessions struck the perfect balance of theory and practice.
Every coach who took part shared a common goal: to better support kids in sport. By equipping coaches with the tools and qualifications they need, MRBA is ensuring that players – from Aussie Hoops right through to Domestic and Rep level – receive quality guidance, encouragement, and development opportunities.
“The coaching course was a great success! We were super lucky to have Adam as our coaching instructor. We had a good mix of participants from young people looking to be coaches, parents falling into coaching and people that have coached before looking for new skills. All of the participants had a focus on supporting kids in sports.”
Ensuring local sport continues to thrive
At its heart, this project is about more than basketball. It’s about investing in people, building stronger connections, and creating pathways for the next generation. The skills gained through this program will remain in the community, directly benefiting young players for years to come.
Community Bank Gisborne & District is proud to play a role in making this possible. By supporting initiatives like the MRBA’s coaching program, we’re helping ensure local sport continues to thrive – on the court and beyond.