A new pathway to playing elite basketball is now available to local kids after the Warragul Basketball Association announced its intention to enter the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) last week.
The move coincides with a new look for the association, previously known as Warragul and District Amateur Basketball Association, as it announced a rebrand with new logo.
The association has now opened expressions of interest for boys and girls born from 2009-2016 as it looks to enter teams for the VJBL's upcoming 2025-26 season.
Administration assistant Jane Speed said work had been happening behind the scenes to enter the VJBL for the past 18 months as participation numbers in junior basketball have risen locally.
"We already know how popular basketball is in our community and it's only growing," she said.
"We know a lot of kids want to play at that higher level but have to travel an hour or more. It's about offering kids something closer to home."
As the new season kicks off in November, VJBL games will be played on Friday nights across the state.
Warragul will play their home games at the Warragul Leisure Centre, competing against the best Victoria has to offer, including more locally against already established Gippsland United.
"It's all about promoting more pathways for our local community since there's a real demand for it. We've had many registrations already," Ms Speed said.
EOIs for Warragul Basketball's VJBL teams close August 31. For more information head to the Warragul Basketball Facebook page.