The Eastern Bay of Plenty basketball community and parents of passionate basketball players are coming together to host two free basketball clinics and a dedicated kōtiro-only “Give It a Go” day at the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall.

With support from Sport Bay of Plenty’s Tū Manawa fund and the Whakatāne District Council Community Matching Fund, the Tauranga City Basketball Association (TCBA) and a roopu of dedicated local coaches and volunteers, the events are designed to open doors for tamariki and rangatahi who want to try basketball, build their confidence, or grow their skills as players, coaches or referees.

The clinics arrive at a perfect time, with a series of 3x3 basketball tournaments being planned with TCBA for the Eastern Bay.

The upcoming sessions – the first on Friday – offer players and referees the chance to sharpen their skills and prepare before game day arrives.

The clinics will include fundamental basketball skills sessions, referee qualification workshops for players and coaches, as well as practical sessions connecting mental wellbeing with sport performance. All events will cater to different age groups, abilities and skill levels – from first-timers to those already involved in the game.

Event schedule

n Klinic One: Friday, December 5, 3.15pm to 6.15pm. Ages 10 to 16. For those wanting to finalise their referee qualifications, or focus on practical basketball skills. Aspiring referees should bring a pen, whistle, water bottle and appropriate footwear.

■ Clinic Two: Sunday, December 21, 1pm to 5pm, high school-aged youth.
■ Kōtiro-only “Give It a Go!” Day: Monday, December 22, 9am to 1pm. Ages 8 to 16.
■ 3x3 tournaments: To be confirmed.

All events will be held at the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall and are free to attend.

Participants are asked to bring appropriate shoes, a notepad and pen, a water bottle and a great attitude.

No registration required, whānau and participants can simply turn up on the day.

This week’s clinic will be led by TCBA senior development office Chelseah Savage, who has returned to her hometown of Tauranga after many years of playing in the Waikato region, and four years in the United States.

The Kōtiro “Give It a Go!” day is designed specifically for girls who are curious about basketball but may not have had the chance, resources or confidence to step onto the court before.

Led by supportive volunteers and experienced TCBA coaches, the event focuses on fun, inclusion, and building a strong pathway for girls in sport.