Melbourne United in partnership with the City of Ballarat and Basketball Ballarat have made Ballarat their regional home for this year's preseason activities.
Over the course of this week players and coaches held training clinics aimed to benefit both players and coaches, attended local school, Phoenix College where they met avid basketball fans, provided skill sessions, and even stopped for photos and autographs. The team played a preseason game at Selkirk Stadium and spent time in enjoying the community and what Ballarat has to offer.
Almost 180 children attended the clinics with Melbourne United players and coaches on Monday at Selkirk Stadium. All participants of the free clinics were offered the opportunity of a variety of sessions that included skills training such as ball handling, shooting and defence.
For young athletes aged 14 to 18 years, Melbourne United coaches hosted a skill development clinic to build elite training habits of young domestic and representative athletes.
Our local basketball coaches gained exclusive access to Melbourne United Head Coach, Dean Vickerman and the extended coaching staff during the United Coaching Seminar held on Tuesday evening. This provided invaluable insights and expertise which is sure to advance their knowledge and skill, bringing great benefit their teams.
The team spent time at the Ballarat Wildlife Park where they held snakes and cuddled koalas, before then heading over to trying their hand at Archery at the Wendouree Archery Club.
The week in Ballarat culminated in last night's game versus Brisbane Bullets, despite Melbourne losing 77 to 105, it was a great chance to show Ballarat their new lineup, with plenty of the community enjoying the Thursday evening game.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said that basketball is already one of Ballarat's most popular sports.
"We have about 500 teams and more than 5000 competitors in our city, our courts are full and busy every night of the week," he said.
"Having some of the best athletes compete in Ballarat is great for our regional crowds, it is a real treat to have Melbourne United here in our own backyard."
Melbourne United Head Coach, Dean Vickerman said as a club, we loved our time in Ballarat.
"It helped us come closer as a group and prepare for what is hopefully another successful NBL season," he said.
"We know Ballarat is a passionate sporting city, and we felt that throughout our entire stay, the community welcomed and supported us at every opportunity."
