Off Court the Work Doesn't Stop

While much of the Phoenix roster is either taking a much-needed break or plying their trade in NBL1 or overseas, the work at Phoenix HQ continues unabated. 

Our Community School Education Programs in Mental Health, Wellbeing and Personal Development continue to define a large part of the organisations’ activity in the community. This week alone the community team are visiting six schools across the South East. Flinders Christian Community College, Surrey Hills Primary, Keysborough Gardens Primary, Casey Fields Primary, Cranbourne South Primary, St Pauls Apostle Endeavour Hills.  

"Just being out in the South East community is enormous for not just myself but also the club as a whole, the players. We’ve missed it the past few years because of all the Covid restrictions we have had to endure," said Phoenix head coach, Simon Mitchell when visiting Flinders Christian Community College earlier this week. 

"It’s the grassroots of basketball in Australia in the South East and to be back amongst the schools and you see all these kids and you can see the kids that are already playing basketball at this young age. It’s just beautiful to be back amongst them," Mitchell said. 

(Simon Mitchell joining kids at Flinders Christian Community College for a GameTime by Kmart.)

As a club, the Phoenix is committed to embedding itself in the community of South East Melbourne. We believe in meeting the needs of our community and make a lasting impact by providing a suite of learning programs that connect with young people.  

2022 has already been a successful year with Phoenix Soar launching in Victorian primary schools. Phoenix Soar is a four-week classroom 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. The program has seen 2000 students participate since its launch in February with a further 1200 students enrolled for term three and 2,500 students on a waiting list. 

“Each session was carefully designed and delivered with amazing content that was informative for our students.  Each presenter was always professional in the way they delivered the content and interacted with the kids. They were also super fun and engaging. I loved the videos and players content within the lessons as it's engaging and helps students understand the content better,” commented one primary school teacher on Phoenix Soar.

(Phoenix Soar allows kids to recognise and speak about their emotions through basketball related learning.)

In secondary schools, the Flight Path e-learning platform continues to engage young people, bringing athlete storytelling into the classroom. The Flight Path courses combine the skills and behaviours required to succeed in elite sport and apply them in a way that equips year 8 and 9 students with the mindset, skills and performance behaviours to excel in life. Kyle Adnam and his South East Melbourne Phoenix teammates share their experiences and insights into their own personal development and that of the team.  

"The work our community team are doing in the South East Melbourne is of real consequence, it's not just ticking the community engagement box. Our programs are making a real difference in the region," Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said. 

In addition to our education programs, the Club continues to cater to junior hoopers with Heartland Hoops Holiday Camps. The program focuses on both fun and skill development and is close to selling out for the upcoming holiday period. 

Spots are still available for the school holiday basketball camps, CLICK HERE to register now.

(Learn new basketball skills and make new friends at these school holidays' Heartland Hoops basketball camps.)

"When it comes to our holiday programs for us as a club we want kids to always get something positive out of the camp experience and enjoy themselves. We believe every child should get the attention they each deserve which is why we have a one-to-ten coach camper ratio.

"I'm incredibly proud of the work our team do in the community, it's making a real difference," Greer said. 

For more information on Phoenix's community programs CLICK HERE.

Phoenix Media (23/6/22)