18th May 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
New friendships, leadership opportunities and unique basketball experiences are on the way for young women across regional Victoria, with applications now open for Round 2 of Basketball Victoria’s Lead Your Way Program in Traralgon during the upcoming school holidays.
Designed for girls aged 13–17 involved in basketball as players, coaches or referees, the Lead Your Way Program focuses on building confidence, leadership skills, communication and teamwork in a fun, supportive and empowering environment.
Following a highly successful Round 1 program held at the State Basketball Centre earlier this year, Basketball Victoria is excited to bring the initiative to regional Victoria, creating more opportunities for country participants to connect, learn and grow through basketball.
Across the program, participants will connect with other girls from across regional Victoria, challenge themselves in new environments and build confidence in a welcoming and encouraging space.
Basketball Victoria Women and Girls Participation Manager Leah Swain said the program creates a unique environment for young women to step outside their comfort zones, develop leadership skills and build lasting friendships.
“One of the most rewarding parts of the first program was seeing girls from completely different clubs and associations come together so quickly and build genuine friendships and confidence within just a few days,” Swain said.
“Programs like Lead Your Way are about so much more than basketball. They help young women develop communication, leadership and teamwork skills that will support them both on and off the court.”
Round 2 in Traralgon will also feature several exciting practical experiences connected to the local community and broader basketball landscape across Gippsland.
Unlike a traditional workshop setting, participants will have the opportunity to put their leadership skills into action through real coaching experiences within the community.
As part of the program, participants will work together to plan and deliver basketball clinics for younger children attending the Southern Aboriginal Sports First Nations Tournament, being held in Traralgon across 2–3 July.
The opportunity will allow participants to help younger children build confidence and fundamental basketball skills ahead of their tournament games, while also giving Lead Your Way participants valuable hands-on coaching and teamwork experience in a real community setting.
Participants will also take part in a wheelchair basketball coaching experience, reflecting Basketball Victoria's continued focus on growing awareness and wheelchair basketball opportunities throughout the Gippsland region.
The session will provide valuable insight into coaching wheelchair athletes and understanding the unique elements of inclusive basketball environments, helping further strengthen opportunities for women and girls in regional basketball communities.
“The Traralgon program is a really exciting opportunity because it gives participants practical leadership experiences within their own community,” Swain said.
“From delivering clinics at the First Nations Tournament through to experiencing wheelchair basketball coaching, participants will walk away with new skills, greater confidence and a broader understanding of the impact sport can have in bringing people together.”
Applications for Lead Your Way Round 2 are now open and close on Sunday 24 May 2026.
With limited places available, girls across Gippsland and regional Victoria are encouraged to apply and be part of a unique experience designed to build confidence, leadership, friendships and connection through basketball.
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