Community Spotlight Series: Craig Herbert – YMCA
GUB’s Community Spotlight Series aims to shine a light on our community clubs that make up the majority of our weekly competitions.
We’ll be checking in with all club presidents to find out not only about them, but also some club history and what’s happening behind the scenes.
Tell us a bit about yourself and how long you’ve been affiliated with the club?
I have been involved with the club as a player, coach and administrator over the last 55 years. I have served on the committee of the basketball club for over 40 years and spent the last 20 years as President. I am retired but still coach and have grandchildren now playing with the club. I am a Life Member of the YMCA Basketball Club, The Geelong YMCA, Geelong Supercats and Geelong United and was awarded an OAM in the Australia Day Honours in 2015
What area of Geelong does club the represent?
Our club has members from all over the Geelong and coastal regions.
How long has your club been operational for and what are some of the historical milestones for the club?
The Club was formed in 1952 and has participated in Geelong Basketball competitions over that entire period. The club has produced 2 Olympians over the time, Russell Riches and Trish Fallon together with a number of players who have represented Geelong at NBL, Victorian Country and NBL1 teams, as well as many junior players who have had the opportunity to represent both the city and the state.
The Club is fortunate to have access to a 2-court facility in Newtown owned and operated by the Geelong YMCA, where all our teams train. The club will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2027.
What does the future hold for your club?
Whilst we are extremely fortunate to have access to our own facility for training, basketball in Geelong is challenged by lack of facilities, which is a problem for basketball generally. Also as with all volunteer organisations, the ability to attract volunteers to the club is an ongoing challenge.
Unfortunately, growth in the sport will ultimately be restricted by lack of facilities. One other impediment is the cost of participation, which is especially a challenge in the current economic climate, and will continue to put greater pressure back on clubs to meet those financial pressures on families.
