Y Streetball is helping participants reconnect with community following Melbourne's lockdown
As Melbourne emerged out of lockdown, many people felt disconnected and socially anxious after not seeing their friends and family for months on end. Y Streetball, a free drop in basketball program at North Melbourne Community Centre, was there to bridge that gap for its participants.
YMCA volunteers Dave and Pete founded Y Streetball four years ago to support adults experiencing homelessness or disadvantage. The program gave participants a place to blow off steam playing basketball, followed by a shower, a filling meal and socializing with new friends. Now, Y Streetball is so much more than that. It’s a vibrant community program that welcomes all people, regardless of their age or socio-economic background.
“Y Streetball is multicultural and it’s a great opportunity to build friendships. It serves a purpose for everyone,” said co-founder Dave.
Every Tuesday from 4-6pm, a steady community gathers to play or watch games at North Melbourne Community Centre’s humble indoor basketball court. What started with a handful of people showing up has turned into over 35 people attending each week – resulting in some great round-robin competitions!
After seeing Y Streetball grow, Dave developed ‘Y Streetball Kids’ on Sunday afternoons and ‘Y Streetball All Abilities’ on Tuesday mornings. Both are a testament to how sport can combat social isolation by giving people a sense of belonging and community.
Y Streetball was planning to hold their three-year celebration in March last year when COVID-19 brought everything to screeching halt. People who relied on Y Streetball’s weekly gatherings were suddenly left alone and isolated, and for those experiencing disadvantage and homelessness, this was especially hard.
However, Dave, in a show of his care and passion, constantly checked up on everyone.
“During lockdown everyone was really bored, isolated and depressed. Everyone kept asking me when the program would be back again. I messaged people every month to check in and let them know that I was there for them.”
Pictured: Christopher Harding (NMCC Centre Director) and Dave (Y Streetball founder)
Pictured: Dave makes makes a speech at the Y Streetball four year celebration.
Pictured: Participants and volunteers play a game of basketball.
Pictured: Participants enjoy a sausage sizzle during the Y Streetball four year celebration.
When restrictions eased, but the centre remained closed, Dave was on the lookout for an opportunity to get the community back together. When a friend invited him to a basketball program in Footscray Park, Dave encouraged the Y Streetball group to attend as well. Over 30 people came together for their first BBQ in the park, so they decided to meet regularly until North Melbourne Community Centre reopened.
Luckily, COVID-19 didn’t stand in the way of the program’s four-year celebration. On Tuesday 30 March 2021, celebrations kicked off with a pre-game warm up where players helped each other improve their skills and technique. Over the course of the next two hours more players, family and members of the wider community flooded in. Everyone was keen to socialise with each other again after COVID had kept them apart for over a year.
“I was so excited that we could have this celebration! During lockdown I felt super isolated, but Dave and the Y Streetball group was always there for me over the phone or at our BBQs. I’m keen for more regular hang outs again,” said one participant.
The joy and enthusiasm present on and off the court was contagious. There was endless banter between players and spectators, and those who didn’t intend on playing ended up running around in their jeans.
The celebration wrapped up with a speech from Dave, who thanked participants who attended from the very beginning.
“At Y Streetball everyone works together to have a good time. It’s a safe space where everyone can be relaxed and get away from the world for a bit. The togetherness is great for our mental health and gives us a family vibe.”
After supporting the North Melbourne community for the past four years, Dave is planning to expand Y Streetball to Carlton, Kensington and Dandenong in the second half of 2021.
Interested in participating or supporting Y Streetball?
Y Streetball is a free drop in program for adults experiencing homelessness or disadvantage. Participants do not require a set skill level or sports clothes to join in.
North Melbourne Community Centre runs three Y Streetball sessions per week, including sessions dedicated for children and all ability levels.
- Tuesday 10:30am - 12:30pm (all abilities session)
- Tuesday 4:00pm - 6:00pm (adults session)
- Sunday 1:30pm - 3:30pm (kids session)
Complete the contact form below if you'd like to speak with our team before attending a session, or if you'd like to support the program.