Slam dunk: Renee Muaulu, 13, Sadie Nai, 18, Janaya Mata, 16, and Taylor Muaulu, 12, will take part in this year's Midnight Basketball program. Picture: Jeff de Pasquale
CAMPBELLTOWN'S young people are gearing up to shoot some hoops, get a few points on the scoreboard and learn some valuable life skills in the process.
Registrations are now open for the eighth tournament of the Campbelltown Midnight Basketball program, which begins this week.
The free eight-week basketball tournament program includes healthy dinners, transport to and from the venue and interactive life skills workshops.
The program is a joint project between Campbelltown Council, the YMCA and UnitingCare Burnside, Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative and Youth Off The Streets.
It is open to young people aged 12 to 18 who live in the Campbelltown area.
Games will be played at Minto Indoor Sports Centre each Friday from 7.30pm and the tournament runs through until December 7.
Mayor Sue Dobson said Midnight Basketball had been a popular community initiative since 2009.
"Midnight Basketball is changing young lives for the better, by combining sport with workshops on financial management, healthy living and employment, among other important life skills," Cr Dobson said.
Organisers seek volunteers for this year's program.
Local residents keen to help out can register their interest online.
Details: Register at midnightbasketball.org.au. For more information phone Campbelltown Council, 4645 4816.