Halfway through the eight-week tournament, the fifth held in Wodonga, Royal Blue Bucket Heads remains undefeated and leads the six teams.

More than 60 young people and up to 20 volunteers take part in the Friday night games at the Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre. 

Midnight Basketball is a national, community-run program that includes dinner and life skills workshops as well as several short matches each night. This season’s workshops have dealt with team building and legal issues affecting young people, particularly the differences in NSW and Victorian law.

Logistics manager Jacqueline Owens said the scheme helped participants build rapport with service providers and other people with different cultures, attitudes and behaviours.

“There is no other program available to local youth like Midnight Basketball Wodonga.” she said.

“They are getting out on the court and releasing their energy in a positive way.”