Who are the Westgate Imperials?
Domestic Associations, like Westgate Basketball, select players from their competitions to play on Friday nights under a unified banner, in our case, the Westgate Imperials.
Westgate has had teams playing in the VJBL since 2012, starting with just one team and to today where we now have 21 teams.
With 10 seasons experience, not only are our age groups/teams moving up the rankings, we have a clear vision for our representative program. We offer elite pathways for juniors, while still offering the connectedness and community of a smaller club.
What is Representative Basketball
Representative basketball is run through the VJBL in Victoria.
There are multiple grades and divisions and a long but effective grading process before an 18 round season is played. But ultimately rep basketball is a year round program.
Age groups range from u12s to u20s
Rep basketball is a fantastic experience for players keen to challenge themselves and with a love for the game.
- The skill level is higher.
- The amount of training provided is extensive (and coaches must be accredited to coach at Rep level)
Rep Basketball commitments
Travel
With teams from all over Victoria, travel is a lot more extensive than domestic. Half the season is played at our home, RecWest Braybrook, with the other half played at Associations all over Victoria.
If playing division 4 or below, competitions are regionalised. Westgate in these lower divisions play in the North West region of VJBL.
For higher divisions of VJBL, travel can include the South East region with teams as far as Mornington and Gippsland.
There are also a number of tournaments played throughout the season, which will also include travel.
The Imperials play in the Eltham/Dandenong and Ballarat Tournaments (some teams will play additional tournaments).
Time
As well as the travel commitments, rep basketball is also a large time commitment.
Rep Basketball is all year round. From Tryouts in October through to finals in September. (note games do break for school holidays)
There is three hours of team training a week, plus a game. Training is twice a week. Generally a Sunday and one weeknight.
Given the elite nature of rep basketball, it is expected that all training and games are attended. Read more about parent and player expectations.
Financial
The 2024 fee commitment was $695. This cost covers your three hours of training each week for the majority of the year.
The fee also covers other things such as VJBL fees, our coach costs, Friday night court hire and ensuring our team managers have fully equipped first aid kits etc.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties and unable to make fee instalment deadlines, please contact imperials@westgatebasketball.com.au for a confidential conversation on alternate payment options.
Other costs include:
- Uniform,
- Weekly game fee $12.50 to $16 (collected by each team manager via the Teampay app) this payment is required to be paid regardless if you play unless arrangements have been made.
- Travel costs
- Tournament entry costs