Y Streetball, a volunteer-run basketball program helping locals facing hardship, has established itself as an important piece of social infrastructure in inner city Melbourne.
Meeting weekly for a casual game of pick-up basketball, YMCA Victoria volunteer Dave (Disco) Gunstone sees the program as a way of connecting adults experiencing homelessness or disadvantage. Identifying social connectedness as vital for overcoming some of life’s challenges. Y Streetball provides a welcoming place for those most in need.
Staying connected can be taken for granted by some, but for those living tough, it can be one of the most important motivators on the journey to rebuilding their lives. It’s vital for our mental and physical health.
“We got people off the streets into housing, from doing nothing to enrolling in TAFE. Streetball is a stepping stone to building your confidence, communication and social skills to hopefully lead to a better overall quality of life,’ Dave said.
After rebounding from homelessness, Disco Dave started Y Streetball in 2017 with a handful of people showing up. Now every Tuesday and Sunday, a community has formed to watch or play basketball, socialise and share a meal. No commitments, uniforms, or skills are required - just a willingness to have fun and make new connections.
Greg Jennings, Executive General Manager of Recreation at the Y, explains Y Streetball is the type of grassroots activity at recreation centres where the benefits are much more than simply fitness.
“We strive to support community life at our recreation centres. They are centres for people to spend time together and to care for each other. Y Streetball is somewhere you can go to feel safe, healthy and connected” Greg said.
Y Streetball is much more than just a pick-up game of basketball. It's a way for adults facing homelessness or disadvantage to come together, build confidence, and connect with others in their community.