MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Diamond Valley Basketball Association Launches a Unique Wellbeing Program for Representative Athletes
18 August, 2026
The Diamond Valley Basketball Association (DVBA) has announced the launch of a comprehensive three-provider wellbeing model, reinforcing its commitment to developing not only better basketball players, but healthier, more resilient young people.
The innovative model will deliver age-appropriate wellbeing education and practical support throughout the representative pathway, ensuring athletes and their families are equipped with the knowledge, skills and support needed to navigate the unique challenges of junior sport. The Association will be working with three different organisations that will present education sessions, throughout the junior representative season. The three wellbeing organisations are, Mind Fitness, CALM Sport and Outside the Locker Room.
Tim Cook, National Program Manager, Outside the Locker Room (OTLR) is excited by this concept, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with DVBA. The commitment they have shown to develop young athletes not only as better players, but as better people, strongly aligns with OTLR’s vision of changing the game for mental health in sport.
He continues, through this initiative, OTLR will equip participants with practical, lifelong skills to recognise when someone may be struggling, confidently start supportive conversations, and provide meaningful support, whether that’s for themselves or a teammate, friend or family member. Together, we’re helping to build stronger, more connected individuals, teams and communities both on and off the court.”
Image: L-R: Michael Fortune (CALM sort), Raquel O’Connell (Head of Basketball DVBA), Patrick Di Lizio (General Manager, DVBA), Marian Merrigan (Mind Fitness), Tim Cook (National Program Manager, Outside the Locker Room OTLR))
By partnering with three highly respected, wellbeing organisations, DVBA has created a structured wellbeing program that evolves alongside the athlete’s development, providing education, practical tools and support at each stage of the representative pathway.
Marian Merrigan, Founder of Mind Fitness, believes the initiative reflects the broader role sport can play in the lives of young people.
“At Diamond Valley, we’re more than a basketball association. We’re building a safe, resilient and connected community where basketball enhances an environment for healthier mindsets, lifelong connections and a sense of belonging. Our greatest measure of success doesn’t always reflect the final score; it’s seeing every individual leave feeling more confident, connected in life and readily equipped to thrive.”
The partnership reflects DVBA’s commitment to looking beyond performance and recognising that the representative pathway is an opportunity to develop the whole person. By bringing together specialist wellbeing providers, athletes, families and coaches, DVBA is creating an environment where young people can build resilience, develop confidence, strengthen connections and access the support they need to thrive both on and off the court. The three organisations will work with an age group each.
Under 12 – Building Strong Foundations
Mind Fitness will work with Under 12 athletes and their families, focusing on early intervention, mindset development and parent engagement. The program aims to establish healthy habits while equipping parents with practical tools to support their young athletes as they begin their representative basketball journey.
Under 14 and Under 16 – Education That Starts Conversations
Outside the Locker Room (OTLR) will deliver high-impact keynote presentations and interactive education sessions that address mental health awareness, resilience, leadership, identity and the importance of seeking support. These sessions are designed to encourage meaningful conversations and help create a culture where wellbeing is valued alongside performance.
Under 18 – Developing Habits for Life
Calm Sport will provide ongoing mental skills coaching and practical wellbeing support, reinforcing positive habits and helping athletes manage the increasing demands of representative sport, education and everyday life.
DVBA believes athlete wellbeing is fundamental to long-term success, and that supporting mental health should be embedded within the representative pathway rather than treated as a one-off initiative.
As a grassroots Association built in the north, DVBA is committed to creating an environment where young people are not only supported to become better basketballers, but are connected, confident and equipped to thrive both on and off the court.
Alexander Michailidis, CEO of CALM Sport, believes this approach is critical to ensuring young athletes can enjoy their sporting journey while also developing a strong sense of identity beyond basketball.
“Basketball and sport in general need to be an escape for young people. Unfortunately, it seems like more of a stressor than anything. We want to help these athletes reach the highest level they can but ultimately create an identity outside of the sport and improve their wellbeing and enjoyment.”
This philosophy is at the heart of DVBA’s wellbeing approach. For DVBA, success is about more than what happens on the scoreboard. It is about connecting with young people, collaborating with families and partners, and instilling the confidence and skills that will support athletes throughout their basketball journey and beyond.
The three-provider model disseminates consistent education and practical support from Under 12 through to Under 18, empowering athletes, parents and coaches with the knowledge and confidence to foster positive wellbeing both on and off the court.
Patrick Di Lizio, General Manager, Diamond Valley Basketball Association, is excited by the launch of the program, “Giving our young Eagles the opportunity to engage with wellbeing experts to learn, understand and develop resilience is a key component of our association’s commitment to supporting our athletes both on and off the court. Building a better culture within our association means investing in the emotional and mental wellbeing of our young community members, ensuring they feel safe, supported and equipped with the skills they need to thrive throughout their basketball journey and beyond.”
The introduction of the model represents another significant step in DVBA’s commitment to creating an environment where young people can thrive.
By embedding wellbeing education throughout the representative pathway, the Association is investing in stronger athletes, stronger teams and a stronger community, ensuring every Eagle is supported not only to perform at their best, but to flourish both on and off the court.
-ENDS –
Notes for the Editor:
Outside the Locker Room (OTLR):
OTLR focuses on providing critical education for mental health and other social issues, while also providing education for communities to build mental health literacy skills to increase and maintain their positive mental wellbeing. OTLR provides education to sporting clubs, schools and businesses across Australia to change the game for mental health in all communities.
For more information: https://otlr.org.au/
CALM Sport:
Equips young athletes with the mental and emotional skills needed to thrive in sport and life. Through evidence-based workshops, mentoring and practical strategies, the program helps athletes build resilience, emotional regulation, confidence, leadership and positive decision-making, empowering them to perform at their best while developing strong character both on and off the court
For more information: https://calmsport.com.au/
Mind Fitness:
Mind Fit is a practical wellbeing program designed to help young people build the mental fitness skills they need both on and off the basketball court. Through engaging, age-appropriate sessions, Mind Fit focuses on confidence, resilience, emotional awareness, positive relationships and connection, giving young people simple tools to better understand themselves, support one another and navigate life’s challenges. Just as we train our bodies to perform, Mind Fit encourages young people to train their minds, helping create stronger individuals, better teammates and a safer, more connected basketball community. Because winning isn’t always what’s on the scoreboard. Sometimes the biggest win is a stronger mindset, improved wellbeing and knowing you belong.
Diamond Valley Basketball Association:
The Diamond Valley Basketball Association (DVBA) is one of Victoria’s leading community basketball associations, providing participation and elite pathways for more than 8,000 players. From grassroots programs and domestic competitions to representative basketball, wellbeing initiatives and NBL1, DVBA is committed to developing great athletes, strong communities and lifelong participation in sport.
Media Enquiries
Kym Cheeseman
Brand and Marketing Manager
Diamond Valley Basketball Association
Email: kym@dvbasketball.com.au
Phone: 0431 065 690
For interviews, additional information or photography opportunities, please contact the media representative above.
