Victoria University scores with Wyndham Basketball Association partnership

Victoria University (VU) is pleased to be named as a major partner of the Wyndham Basketball Association (WBA).

As the biggest community sports organisation in Wyndham, the WBA hosts more than 4600 players each week for male and female, and junior and senior teams in all abilities, offering pathways that are affordable, accessible and inclusive.

With participation numbers booming 36% since 2015, the WBA provides much needed and valued programs in Melbourne’s west, one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.

The partnership will see the VU logo incorporated into a new ‘Big V’ uniform design for players, and provide opportunities for VU researchers to expand on projects that promote social inclusion through sport.

WBA General Manager Craig Armstead says the collaboration showcases a shared commitment by both partners to growing and strengthening the communities of Melbourne’s west.

The objectives and goals of VU's Sports Strategy 2019-2023 align perfectly with the Wyndham Basketball Association Strategic Plan. There are multiple opportunities that we cannot wait to develop with VU, both on- and off-court.

In addition to branding opportunities, VU researchers will follow up a joint evaluation of the WBA’s Gender Inclusion Strategy and Practices in 2020 with further projects.

“WBA’s engagement in research and evidence-based understanding of basketball in the western suburbs has strengthened its relationship with VU. WBA is an exemplar organisation that recognises the importance of its role in the Wyndham community,” said lead researcher on the Change Makers Project, Associate Professor Brent McDonald.

New research will explore sustainable solutions to promote basketball to more girls and women, and empower migrants and refugees through sport participation via an Australian-Government-funded project, Change Makers.