HOT on the heels of the Boomers’ success at the Olympics, the Fremantle PCYC has received federal funding to upgrade its much-loved basketball courts.

The $14,658 will be used to install turf and four reversible basketball/netball posts with backboards and hoops in the outdoor area, which is at the heart of everything the centre does.

The funding is timely as the basketball hoops were damaged in the recent storms, and will be replaced with permanent ones that can be adjusted for different heights, opening the courts up to players of all ages.

“The success of the Boomers and the Opals will see a whole new generation of children wanting to play basketball,” says PCYC centre manager Paul Lill.

“Patty Mills from the Boomers sets an incredible example to our aboriginal participants and is someone they can look up to as a role model.

“This upgrade also provides us with the opportunity to look at additional ways to use the courts to keep local young people active and engaged.”

Mr Lill wants to go one step further and hold Night Hoops games, so he is seeking funding for outside lighting, and is also looking at holding 3-on-3 tournaments and mini ball sessions for the local community.

Across WA, PCYC’s give disadvantaged children and young people at risk a safe place to go where they can feel at home, make friends and do sport and recreation. 

Mr Lill says a young man who was in and out of the justice system was referred to their core diversionary program, where he took part in recreational and personal development activities. 

“This program helped to turn his life around and he now has a successful FIFO job and a beautiful family,” Mr Lill says.

“This young man gives back to Fremantle PCYC by volunteering his time when he is home from work to assist with various activities at the centre. 

“He also shares his story with young people at juvenile detainment centres to show them it is possible to turn their life around and stay on a positive life path.”

The Fremantle PCYC hold a diverse range of classes including yoga, dancing, boxing, pilates and drumming. 

Currently their most popular is gymnastics, which runs six days a week.

“We run KinderGym, Home School, Recreational, Club Levels and National Level classes,” Mr Lill says. “There is a steady stream of new families wanting to join Fremantle PCYC gymnastics and this year alone we introduced six new classes to keep up with the demand. 

“Our gymnastics staff pride themselves on creating a fun, safe and inclusive environment for children and young people of all abilities.”

The Fremantle PCYC is on Paget Street in Hilton and has been operating since 1976. To find out more see wapcyc.com.au/centre/fremantle