Toorak Basketball Club, located in the prestigious suburb of Toorak, is a thriving community club with a rich history and a strong commitment to providing a fun and safe environment for young players of all skill levels. With over 50 teams and more than 400 players, the club welcomes boys and girls from under 7s to under 21s and currently competes in both the Playball and Waverley Basketball Associations.
The club's mission is to build every player's self-esteem, teach them the importance of good sports behaviour, foster a team-first attitude, and instil the value of hard work. Toorak Basketball Club has five key objectives, which are to be an accessible club that provides any child the opportunity to play basketball, promote basketball and grow participation, advocate for better basketball facilities, provide opportunities for players and coaches to participate at the highest levels, and establish and maintain cordial relations with sporting bodies.
The club has a rich history that dates back to 2006 when two parents from Toorak Primary School, Stuart Burriss and Sarah Murphy, established the Toorak Titans, a grade one girls team. Their goal was to create a supportive group environment for their daughters that emphasised hard work, physical health, and good sportsmanship. In 2010, the Toorak Trouble, a mixed boys and girls team, was added. Over the years, the club experienced significant growth as more people became interested in joining, leading to the formation of new teams.
Year after year, the number of teams grew, with some teams splitting to form new ones. Today, the club has players from all over the local community and eight teams with secondary school-aged players.
Toorak Basketball Club formally incorporated as a non-profit club in 2020. The success of the club is attributed to the hard work and dedication of many volunteer parents and past players. The club's board, consisting of eight parents, plays a crucial role in managing and driving the growth of the club. Zoey McPherson serves as the President, and Alicia Brown as the Vice President.
Elisha Saporito acts as the Treasurer, and Arthur Tsiafogiannis takes on the role of Director of Coaching. Stuart Burriss oversees the operations as the Director of Operations, while Teagan Rogers serves as the Secretary. Dr. Claudia Haake is responsible for grants, and Lauren Mai takes charge of marketing and sponsorship.
Toorak Basketball Club is more than just a basketball club. It is a tight-knit community that values inclusivity, teamwork, and personal growth. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, Toorak Basketball Club provides a supportive and engaging environment for players to develop their skills and love for the game.