sport

Bendigo Venues Launch Youth Basketball Programs Across Region

Red Energy Arena and local health services underpin youth basketball events and inclusion programs across the region.

By Bendigo Sport Desk · Published 18 July 2026

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This article was written by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a journalist before publishing. The Daily Bendigo is part of The Daily Network and follows our reasonable editorial care.

Bendigo's Red Energy Arena will host the 2026 Code Sports NBL Blitz from September 2 to 6, providing a dedicated venue for youth basketball competitions. This event draws directly on the arena's existing facilities to stage the multi-day tournament.

Red Energy Arena as Central Venue

The arena serves as the primary infrastructure for the Code Sports NBL Blitz, allowing local organisers to run youth-focused basketball activities without new construction. Its established setup supports the scale of the September event and aligns with Bendigo's ongoing use of the site for similar competitions.

Championships Extending Through 2027

Bendigo has secured the Foot Locker Under-16 National Championships through 2027, using the same venue network to accommodate more than 3,000 young athletes. The arrangement delivers an estimated $4 million economic benefit to the region by keeping events at established local facilities rather than relocating them.

Scholarships and Grants Tied to Local Facilities

The 2025 Sports Star Scholarship program awarded 16 local young athletes cash and fitness memberships funded through the Cyril Michelsen and Maxine Crouch Trust Fund, enabling continued use of community fitness and training spaces. Separate Australian Government Local Sporting Champions grants, starting at $950, assist participants in swimming, soccer and wheelchair sports with travel, equipment and uniforms that support access to these same venues.

Inclusion Program Using Existing Infrastructure

The Bendigo Sports Inclusion Program, run by Bendigo Community Health Services, engages hundreds of young refugees from Karen and Afghan communities in soccer, netball and cane ball. These sessions rely on current parks and community centres rather than new builds, extending the reach of existing sport infrastructure.

Organisers continue to schedule events at Red Energy Arena and partner with Bendigo Community Health Services to maintain access for the listed programs. Residents can check the Bendigo Academy of Sport page for updates on venue bookings and registration details.