March 11, 2026
Kym Cheeseman
More than 10,000 primary school girls across Victoria have already taken part in free basketball clinics thanks to funding Basketball Victoria received through the Play Our Way program in 2025. The program is an Australian Government initiative worth $200 million that aims to expand opportunities for girls to participate in sport.
The Honourable Anika Wells MP, Minister for Sport, visited Collingwood College in Melbourne, to see firsthand how the program is creating new pathways for girls to get involved in basketball through partnerships between Basketball Victoria, associations and schools.
Basketball Victoria received $750,000 in Play Our Way funding to deliver girls-only basketball clinics across the state, which are expected to reach 500 Victorian primary schools and 20,000 girls by mid-2027.
The clinics introduce girls to basketball in a supportive and inclusive environment. Helping build confidence, develop fundamental skills and create connections to local associations so participants can continue their basketball journey.
Minister Wells said the program is already making a meaningful difference in communities everywhere, “From boosting confidence in young girls picking up a basketball for the first time, to nurturing women who aspire to become coaches, referees or elite athletes - Play our Way is driving meaningful change in Australian sport.”
Minister Wells continues, “Our $200 million Play Our Way program is the most significant commitment ever to women and girls sporting programs and facilities, and it’s making a real difference.”
The program expands access to basketball for women, girls and gender diverse participants through weekly training and games sessions, while also creating opportunities to learn about the broader benefits of sport and physical activity. The initiative removes common barriers to participation such as registration costs, uniforms and coaching fees, while helping participants build confidence and develop fundamental skills.
Basketball Victoria CEO Nick Honey said the funding is helping drive meaningful change across the state, “Play Our Way is creating real opportunities for girls across Victoria to experience basketball in a welcoming and supportive environment, Honey continues, “Through partnerships with schools and local associations like Collingwood Basketball Association, we’re not only introducing girls to the game, but helping them build confidence, friendships and a lifelong connection to sport.”
Beyond the school clinics, Basketball Victoria is also delivering coaching and leadership programs, supporting the growth of women’s wheelchair basketball, and providing $38,000 in grants to initiatives that increase participation opportunities for girls across the state.
The Play Our Way funding also supports the delivery of Power Forward – Gender Equity, Basketball Victoria’s long-term strategy to increase participation and representation of women and girls across all areas of the sport in Victoria.
Launched in 2024, the strategy outlines a clear roadmap to achieve these goals by 2032, ensuring basketball continues to become a more inclusive and accessible sport for women and girls at every level of the game.
To download the Power Forward – Gender Equity Strategy, click below.
For more information about our women and girls participation programs, click below.
