Trialling the program at Echuca Basketball Association, the two senior Pirates players, along with a number of their teammates, will run two sessions for players aged 10-18.
“Staci and I got talking after our senior CBL season and thought this was a great opportunity to give back to the association and to create that connection with the junior players,” Eishold said.
“It's an opportunity to help them get to know us, so they can develop their own skills from other players and not just coaches.”
Eishold said one of their biggest considerations when planning the event was the cost involved.
“We wanted to have it minimal cost so that any child from Echuca or surrounding districts can participate,” she said.
“We'll run some skill development drills, then run a bit of a scrimmage together.
“We hope each kid can take away a skill from their two hours for us - that would be a win for us.”
Echuca Basketball Association president Lisa Baker said the program would cater to every type of player - from representative basketballers to those just looking to start out.
“Georgie and Staci didn't just want it to be for squad kids,” Baker said.
“It’s for the kids who play domestic or haven’t played before who want to see if the game is for them.
“We have Aussie Hoops for our younger kids, but there isn't much for that under 12 and 14 range, where kids may have friends who play but they haven't before.”
Already the demand for the day has shown itself, with a number of players signed up to participate.
“The response has been fantastic. We had 35 players signed up a day after we announced it,” Baker said.
“It shows the demand is out there and we are happy to be a part of delivering that.”
With both Eishold and Richardson returning to Echuca after playing college basketball in the US, the pair hope their journeys can help guide others looking to reach that level.
“We hope it can be something to look forward to,” Eishold said.
“I think it helps to give juniors hope to play seniors, and show them there are those opportunities when you get older.
“From a women’s point of view – girls can drop off quite quickly when they move up to seniors.
“We just want to promote and keep players around the game.”
●The skills day will be held on Sunday, May 2 at Echuca Basketball Stadium.
The under 12 and 14 boys and girls session will run from 10am-noon, before under 16 and 18 boys and girls head on court from 1pm-3 pm.
Cost is $5 a player, with registrations limited to 60 players per session.
Registrations close on April 25, 2021. Head to www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/93dde4 to register.
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