Deloraine Junior Basketball Club is doing more than just teaching young people to dribble and shoot — it’s creating a community hub for kids across the region to grow, connect, and thrive.
Led by president Josh Atkins, the club offers programs starting from Aussie Hoops for beginners through to under-18 teams. Boys and girls from Deloraine, Mole Creek, Bracknell, Longford, Launceston, and Westbury all travel to take part.
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“Our focus is inclusiveness and enjoyment,” says Atkins. “We try to make sure every kid gets a chance to touch the ball, play evenly, and just have fun.”
The club runs local competitions for boys in under-10s, 12s, 14s, and 17s. For girls, the grades are under-10s, 13s and 17s — a reflection of the challenge all sporting clubs face in keeping girls involved in sport as they get older.
Beyond local games, the club is steadily building a representative program. In 2025, Deloraine plans to enter nine teams in the Launceston Classic tournament, including squads for under-12s, 14s, 16s and 18s across both boys and girls divisions.
“We’re working to create stronger pathways into Basketball Tasmania’s development system,” Atkins explains. “We already have players in the state’s Future Development and State Development programs — some from Deloraine, and some from as far as Launceston who choose to play here.”
Training is offered every Sunday with experienced coaches, and players selected for representative teams take part in additional small-group sessions during the week.
While skill development is important, Atkins emphasises that the club’s real success lies in participation.
“We’ve always been good at creating a space where kids feel welcome. Whether they’re chasing a state jersey or just want to shoot hoops with their mates, we want them to have the chance.”
Getting involved is simple. The club provides playing tops and kids only need appropriate sports shoes and black shorts to join in. While some age groups are full, the club is still open to new registrations for Aussie Hoops.
The club currently has 155 kids playing across all age groups, and the stadium kiosk keeps families well fed with a variety of hot and cold food options available during game days.
Costs include a registration fee and a mandatory insurance component paid to Basketball Tasmania. Anyone interested can reach Josh at delorainejuniorbasketballclub@gmail.com, calling 0400 510 009 or via the Facebook page.
With strong community support and a growing reputation, Deloraine Junior Basketball Club is shaping up as a key sporting institution in the region.
