Launched in inner-city Sydney in 2006, Midnight Basketball continues to go from strength to strength with youth embracing a concept which aims to give them a fresh grasp on life.

According to Ange Collongues, tournament organiser for Midnight Basketball in Armidale, the program has been a resounding success.

“The kids love the night and we already have a number of registrations for the next tournament, which is great. There are only 60 places available so it is the first kids who register who can play,” Ms Collongues said.

The concept engages a diverse social mix of people and has been successful in providing the catalyst for the positive transformation of young adults in targeted communities. Positive outcomes of the program range from increased esteem to better engagement with peers and others in the local community and reduced crime.

It achieves this by providing a combination of mandatory workshops - dealing with life issues and concerns - with a healthy dose of competitive basketball.

Midnight Basketball participants are provided with a meal prior to participating in workshops that tackle issues including anger management, conflict resolution, drug and alcohol awareness and nutrition or youth rights.

The program depends on the support of volunteers. So, once again the Midnight Basketball committee is asking people in the community to think about how they may be able to help, even if they can volunteer for only one night.

For more information contact Ange Collongues or Louise Hulbert on 6771-5781.