THE Mount Isa Basketball association is gearing up for the 2011 season and is urging residents of all ages to join in on both the social and competitive aspect of the game.

 

 

With other sports showing a keen interest in joining the premises and the basketball stadium, there is a lot of excitement generating for the venue and the committee.

 

 

Mount Isa Basketball Association (MIBA) president Lloyd Isaacson said the committee was currently creating a five year plan for the future of the stadium.

 

 

"We are hoping to turn the facilities into a multipurpose stadium and already have a lot of other sports that have shown a keen interest in joining the premises," he said.

 

 

"I plan to meet with other sporting presidents to discuss things further down the track."

 

 

Netball is one of the promising sports which may take place at the venue and there has been interest in the use of the stadium as a presentation venue, as the whole facility is also available to hire out for functions and events.

 

 

The venue currently hosts a 14-team strong futsal competition as well.

 

 

When it comes to basketball season, the courts will come alive again.

 

 

"We have teams in basketball ranging from an Under 10's development team to senior A grade and social competitions," Isaacson said.

 

 

"We have also had basketballers go on from here to play for the NBL (National Basketball Association). Peter Crawford was a senior player here before moving on to the NBL and Dwayne Vale was one of our junior players before he went on to the NBL as well."

 

 

The MIBA junior chair Dave Kennedy said if the juniors had enough support behind them they may be able to put forward a side to compete in representative competitions.

 

 

"On Wednesday nights in the past we have had an absolute minimum of 50-60 people here in the age group of 10-18 year-olds," he said.

 

 

"Think about it this way, it's better to have the kids here enjoying themselves and keeping an active lifestyle rather than them living on the streets."

 

 

And with the licensed bar, parents and friends can too enjoy the game from the view upstairs in air conditioned comfort.

 

 

"Where else can people go to play the sports they love playing, and receive protection from the sun at the same time?"

 

 

Isaacson said the MIBA also had a very strong foundation of level one and above referees, but was calling all residents looking to get involved in coaching or refereeing basketball to put their hand up to volunteer.

 

 

"As long as there is a general knowledge of the sport, we are happy to offer training and skills to any casual volunteers looking to help out," he said.

 

 

And if you have the correct indoor shoes (non-marking) you can check out the facilities on Sundays when the venue is open for free from 3-6pm.

 

 

Sign-on will take place on February 6 with all ages and genders are urged to join.