Heartland Crew - The Integral Part of Phoenix Game Days

The Heartland Crew has officially supported the Sports Volunteer Coalition Action Plan since 2023. 

The Phoenix are committed to taking action within the basketball community to help improve our volunteers' experience and attract and retain more volunteers within our sport and organisation.

The Heartland Crew is the backbone of Phoenix's home games. 

The effort the Phoenix's volunteers put into game days doesn't go unnoticed, as they make home games at the Fire Pit memorable for all members and fans who attend a Phoenix game.

Our 3️⃣ longest serving @coverforce Heartland Crew volunteers were recognised for working over 50 games for the club. 🎉

Owner @RRome44 presented them with their very own special singlets.

Big thanks to all our Heartland Crew volunteers, we couldn’t do match days without you! 💚 pic.twitter.com/FjzeObpZnB

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) January 27, 2023

Five Heartland Crew members reached the 50-game milestone in the five years since Phoenix's inception.

NBL22/23 – Ai-Dan Huynh, Christine Sayers, Luke Swan

NBL23/24 – Kalani O'Connor, Alanna Quigley

On Saturday we celebrated two of our amazing Heartland Crew members as they hit 5️⃣0️⃣ games for volunteering at the Phoenix. 🤝

Congrats to Alanna and Kalani for your hard work and dedication to the Heartland. 💚 pic.twitter.com/i6HPYA7gBU

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) February 19, 2024

Adam Courouzos started as a Heartland Crew member before his experience and work rate at the club got him a full-time job in membership.

"Whether you're interested in gaining experience in the sports and events industry, forming valuable friendships and connections, or simply securing a free ticket to watch all the action,” Courouzos told Phoenix Media.   

"Join the team for just one game. I can guarantee that you'll be back for more.”

The Heartland Crew are the heart and soul of Phoenix game days. 

A group of dedicated and passionate volunteers, they assist the club to provide an exciting and entertaining experience for all Phoenix fans.

“I love volunteering because I love basketball, bringing the show alive, and putting smiles on faces no matter race, age, or background.” – Ai-Dan Huynh, Heartland Crew member since year one.

“I can’t recommend volunteering for SEM Phoenix highly enough. Everyone at the club is so welcoming, and you meet so many great people from volunteers to staff.” – Luke Swan, Heartland Crew member since year one.

“It would be a great start for anyone who is interested in sport, being part of an amazing organisation or just wanting to meet new people, make new friends and be part of a terrific group of people. We work hard, play hard and the results are in what we do.” – Christine Sayers, Heartland Crew member since year one.

CLICK HERE to find out more on Heartland Crew and to register your interest to be part of the team in NBL25.