One Club One Family
THEN TO NOW
The Whittlesea City Basketball Association (WCBA) was founded in 1992, beginning as a small local club with just a handful of Junior Domestic teams. These teams initially played in schools within the Whittlesea area, but the competition quickly gained momentum. As the program grew, WCBA moved its operations to the Mill Park Basketball Stadium, providing a dedicated venue for the expanding league.
The growth was remarkable, and soon after, a Senior Domestic Competition was introduced, running from Sunday through Thursday evenings. The rapid success of the tournament was a pleasant surprise, as it had only been in operation for nine months. Since its inception, the tournament has been held annually and has attracted teams from both metropolitan and regional Victoria, further solidifying the association’s presence in the basketball community.
As the years progressed, WCBA’s focus on developing competitive basketball talent led to the formation of the Championship Program. This program included both Boys and Girls teams, catering to a wide range of players with aspirations for higher levels of competition. Additionally, the association introduced a Women’s WCVIBL team and a CVIBL Men’s team. These teams went on to become integral parts of the Big V Competition, a major milestone in the association’s history.
In the early 1990s, young basketballers ranging from U8 to U20 filled the courts at Mill Park and Diamond Valley. Teams travelled from various locations, including Eltham, Craigieburn, Whitehorse, Thomastown, and rural areas of Victoria, adding to the diversity and competitiveness of the league. The association’s influence continued to grow, and in 1993, WCBA was honoured with the Basketball Victoria Award for the Greatest Membership Increase, reflecting the rapid expansion of the association’s reach.
From its modest beginnings in 1992, WCBA has grown into a respected force in the Victorian basketball community. Today, the association oversees approximately 250 Junior Domestic teams, 120 Senior Domestic teams, 39 Junior Championship teams, and 4 Senior teams competing in the Big V Competition. The success and legacy of WCBA is a testament to the dedication and passion of its members, coaches, and volunteers, and the association continues to provide opportunities for basketball players of all ages and skill levels.
