Big V is excited to announce that in conjunction with Frankston & District Basketball Association, the pre-season tournament will return to Frankston for the first time since 2008.

The last 4 years, the tender for the tournament has been with the Melbourne Tigers who have successfully run the event from the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre over the Labor Day weekend. It now moves back to Frankston who secured the rights to host the tournament for at least the next two years.

Big V’s Chief Executive Officer Raelene Whitten was pleased to announce that the event was returning to Frankston, the original home of the pre-season tournament.

“Obviously the reunification of Victoria’s youth competitions was a major factor in opening the doors for discussion with Frankston. Whilst we’re incredibly appreciative of everything Melbourne Tigers has done for the tournament over the past few years, most would agree that MSAC as a venue is less than ideal. When most people think Big V pre-season, they still associate it with Frankston – after all, they were the ones that conceived the concept and originally presented it to the league.”

Chief Executive Officer of Frankston & District Basketball Nathan Jolly echoed Whitten’s sentiments as Frankston gets set to host it once again.

“Frankston & District Basketball is grateful for the opportunity to again host the Big V tournament, which is a major event on the basketball calendar”, said Jolly.

“It is a positive not only for our association but also for our community to welcome the best basketball talent Victoria has to offer to our region.”

The headline event for the 2013 pre-season tournament will be the opening round of season 2013 for the newly formed Victorian Youth Championship competition. The best young talent the state has to offer will be on display throughout the course of the tournament, allowing spectators to catch an early glimpse of what will be a highly competitive division in both the men and women’s competition.

Jolly is looking forward to seeing round one of the Victorian Youth Championship tipping off at the tournament, a major coup for the association.

“To kick-off the new unified Victorian Youth Championship at the tournament only raises the stakes and bragging rights for clubs.

“The interest the new unified structure has generated shows there is a lot of passion and it will great to see tomorrow’s stars on court under the one roof.“

Whitten revealed that it was almost by accident that the concept took shape, but that concept turned into something very exciting and highly marketable.

“Initially, it was all about referee resource management, and fitting a 22 game season into only 17 weeks. What we ended with was something that was too good NOT to run. The State’s best under 23 talent all under the one roof for the first time since 2009 – WOW!”

Not only is this event positive for the sport of basketball in the state of Victoria, the added benefit to the local area makes it even more valuable.

The State Member for Carrum, Donna Bauer shared both the league and Frankston’s excitement, commenting that the sheer weight of people turning up to this event will do wonders for the local area.

"I’m excited about the Big V Tournament coming to Frankston in March 2013”, said Mrs Bauer.

“This will be a huge event with up to 100 teams competing, from all around Victoria. I encourage everyone to get behind the event and support the teams."

“Sporting events, like the Big V Tournament will go a long way in promoting Frankston and provide a significant boost to local businesses."

With the added bonus of the first tip off of the Victorian Youth Championship complementing Big V squads’ preparation for a big year ahead, the 2013 pre-season tournament is set to be a memorable event.

As the new hosts, Frankston will provide an opportunity for players and coaches to get together and enjoy themselves once the heat of the games cool down.

“Frankston Basketball is mindful that we incorporate a social feel to the tournament”, said Jolly.

“As such we will be scheduling an exclusive event on the Sunday night so players and coaches can relax and wind down from two days of fierce competition”.

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For more information, contact Raelene Whitten CEO at gm@bigv.com.au or Nathan Jolly at nathan.jolly@frankstonbasketball.asn.au