CURRENT STATUS
Development Programs (Cub Squad, Kinder Club, Skills & Drills): Suspended TBA
Junior Domestic Competition: Suspended TBA
Junior Championship Competition (VJBL): TBA
Senior Domestic Competition: Suspended TBA
Big V: 2021 Season TBA
NBL1: 2021 Season TBA
____________________________________________________________________________________
October 5th COVID-19 Update
There is light that the doors might be opening a little and a new form of normal ready to take place. Like any local business, but especially as a not-for-profit, we’re finding our way through this period, preparing not just for a restart; but the variety of different ways that restart could look. The benefit to us at the Wildcats compared to many businesses and especially basketball clubs/associations, is that we’ve had a chance to restart already, back in June we had 8 days notice that the courts could open and we were able to conduct basketball safely for 17 days before closing the doors again and doing so in school facilities. Our staff and volunteers are all ready to action out of ‘Lockdown 2’ we just need the green light.
With that, you’ll have seen the ongoing ‘Ready 2 Rebound’ program, providing a base level of involvement for all members across the club. These sessions don’t happen without our volunteer coaches putting in the time each and every week to keep the kids engaged and moving. Beyond that program, I know we have dozens of coaches doing similar work with groups of players they have coached in the past, doing so in their own time. To each and every person involved in leading and organising these sessions; a big thank you! As a result I know some people nominated some of these coaches to the Kate Thwaites MP (Jagajaga) 2020 Sport Awards, something we advertised through our social platforms. At the time of writing Fab Caverzan and Dean Jordan have been recognised as award winners! Congratulations to both individuals; representative of dozens putting time in for the local community from the Wildcats.
By extension of this, new to the coaching ranks at the Wildcats for 2020 was Mannon Nolan-Black. An experienced basketballer who’d spent some time away from the game, she selected to join our club and coach junior girls. With the season being cancelled, Mannon has been along with Tom O’Connor amongst the leaders of our weekly junior sessions. She raised an idea of a trivia night, but not only suggested it, has led the organisation of it; something which will be held on Friday 2nd October. At the time of writing 50 households have teams entered and with a huge range of prizes donated by local businesses, it promises to be an exciting night. Thank you to Mannon, but also staff members Jordan Canovan and Connor Matthews for putting it together. For those Richmond and Lions supporters… you’ll notice the time of 5.30-7.30pm fits perfectly before the footy finals!
When are we back? -the million dollar question for every industry! I look forward to providing an up to date detailed report on Tuesday 6th October via Zoom for interested parties (join meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83481319560) . The link will be advertised in this newsletter, on our website and via social media platforms. I won’t have concrete information, but I can provide you information as to the plans, the back up plans and the back up of the back up plans; as they have been supplied to the General Committee. The update will include Introductory programs, Junior Domestic, Junior Championship, Senior Domestic, our January Tournament and the Montmorency and St Helena Secondary College stadium builds! I will share prospective game dates, demonstration of the flexibility we’re trying to include and any questions you might have.
A reminder to anyone reading that our Club has an active Welfare and Well-being panel that can provide an ear for you if you need it. Please reach out via email to welfare@elthamwildcats.net.au and a member of the teams will give you a call or an email… whatever you wish. The information is confidential, it doesn’t go any further, but is provided as an option for you as a point of contact if you need it. Basketball people looking after basketball people. Of course, if you require more immediate contact to talk with, we encourage you to reach out to HeadSpace in Greensborough 9433 7200 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
I look forward to sharing some firmer information with you in the very near future. Until then, I cannot stress enough the importance to stay the course, keep to the rules, but keep supporting those around us. It won’t be long and we’ll all get to see the smiles of the kids on the courts once again!
On behalf of the General Committee, the staff and management of the Eltham Wildcats Basketball Club we commit to keeping you informed as information relevant to basketball comes to hand.
Greg Jeffers
Chief Executive Officer
On behalf of President Peter Meehan and the staff and General Committee of the Eltham Wildcats Basketball Club.
