More Than Basketball

The South East Melbourne Phoenix has published its annual Social Impact Report.

The report details the many ways the Phoenix engages and impacts the community.

Engaging in meaningful ways with the community is one of the pillars of the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

"The South East of Melbourne (The Heartland) is home to Australia’s largest contingent of basketball participants. Victoria boasts more participants than all other states combined and the South East of Melbourne contributes over 25% of those numbers," Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said.

An example of this approach is the club's Phoenix Soar program. Created during the covid-19 pandemic, a need for a mental health program teaching resiliency among grade 5 and 6 students was identified.

Funded by the Victorian Government, Phoenix Soar is a four-week program that aims to equip grade five and six students with the knowledge and skills they need to recognise, regulate and speak openly about their emotions.  

In just three terms, the Phoenix Community team have implemented a program that has impacted 3306 participants at 30 schools across 544 sessions.It has received a 91% satisfaction rating from students, and 98% teachers, with 100% of teachers stating they would recommend the program to other schools

"As a club we have created a strong identity through our community focus. We continue to embed ourselves in the region through meaningful contributions to that community by creating much needed well being, mental health and active lifestyle programs through the shared love of basketball," Greer said.

Read more about the positive impact the Phoenix is having on the community HERE

Phoenix Media (26/8/22)