The young basketballers made the team after a two-day selection camp at Dandenong across the weekend. 

These athletes will be the first to represent the new Basketball Victoria Under-14 Indigenous team at a range of events and competitions including the Eltham-Dandenong tournament, one of the world’s largest sporting tournaments.

Horsham’s Rebecca McIntyre is the assistant coach for the girl’s team. 

Following the two-day camp, McIntyre said the whole experience for the players was a special one.

“It’s the first program of its kind directed at giving Indigenous kids a pathway in basketball and it is so exciting for them,” she said. 

“They were in awe of the whole process and it shows them if they have that interest in basketball, that they can achieve their dreams.”

Basketball Victoria project officer Matt Dunstan said it was a great thrill to see the sides selected and given further opportunity to play at an elite standard.

“It’s incredible to see these teams come together and be part of the inaugural Basketball Victoria Indigenous Under-14 program,” Dunstan said.

“These kids will proudly represent their communities and Basketball Victoria at a number of incredible tournaments throughout the state next year.”