Getting started
Three ways to play, from a first dribble at Redback Rookies to the semi-pro VBL, and everything a family needs in the order you'll need it: checking you're local, the age group, the right program, registering, the uniform and your first Saturday.
Seven steps to your first game
Follow them in order, or jump to the one you need.
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Step 1: Check you're local
We're the club for Warrandyte, North Warrandyte and Warrandyte South, and the suburbs around them, from Eltham and Research to Donvale and Warranwood. Further out? That doesn't rule you out: ask us and we'll help you find the right team.
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Step 2: Find the age group
Teams are grouped by date of birth in two-year bands from 1 July, Under 8s up. Enter your child's birthday below to see their group and the programs that fit.
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Step 3: Pick a program
With the age group in hand, choose where to start. Never played? Redback Rookies (ages 5 to 8) teaches the basics before anyone keeps score. Everyone else starts with the Redbacks on Saturdays. The Venom are our representative teams, picked at tryouts each October.
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Step 4: Register with us on PlayHQ
The club takes every registration through PlayHQ, Basketball Victoria's system, so there's no separate form: registering on PlayHQ is registering with Warrandyte Basketball. Once it's in and the fee is paid, your child is a member of the club. Trying out for the Venom? Register your interest for tryouts first.
On PlayHQ
- Create a PlayHQ account in your own name, with an email you'll keep using.
- Add your child as a dependant.
- Search "Warrandyte Basketball", choose Register, and pick the season or term.
- Name one or two friends of a similar level if you'd like to play together.
- Tick the box if you can coach or help. Every team needs a team manager.
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Step 5: Meet your team
Our selection panel places players with others of a similar skill. Your team manager then sends your weekly 45-minute training slot, Monday to Thursday from 4pm, and the first game.
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Step 6: Order the uniform
Redbacks wear a reversible singlet and shorts; Venom players need the $135 uniform pack. Order online for pick-up at the uniform shop at Warrandyte Sports Complex, and check the size guide first.
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Step 7: Game day
Games are on Saturdays between 8:30am and 6:30pm, youngest first, at home or at a club in the east. Come in uniform with a named drink bottle, and take your turn on the team's scoring roster when it comes around.
Saturdays 8:30am to 6:30pm
What age group is my child?
Teams are grouped by date of birth, in two-year bands that run from 1 July. Enter your child's birthday to see their group for Summer 2026-27 and the programs that fit.
Based on last season's published bands. PlayHQ confirms the group when you register.
Summer 2026-27
Your child's group shows here.
Summer 2026-27
Side by side
The questions parents ask us most, for each program.
| Redbacks Redback Rookies | Redbacks Domestic | Venom Representative | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Beginners not yet ready for a team | Every junior, from first game to A-Grade | Players picked at tryouts, U12 to seniors |
| Ages | 5 to 8 | Under 8s to Under 18s (U21 in summer) | U12 to U20 juniors, plus VBL seniors |
| When | Mondays, 4 to 4:45pm | Saturday games, one 45 minute training a week | Friday night games, 90 minute training at least weekly |
| Where | Warrandyte Sports Complex | WSC, DCC and WHS, away games across the east | Home venues and around Melbourne; VBL at Mullum Mullum |
| Season | 10 weeks, every term | Winter (Terms 2 and 3) and Summer (Terms 4 and 1) | Tryouts in October, season March to September |
| How to join | Register on PlayHQ | Register on PlayHQ before the close date | Try out in October |
| Uniform | None, just sneakers | Reversible singlet and shorts | Uniform pack, $135 |
| All the details | All the details | All the details |
Fees are set each season and shown on PlayHQ when registrations open. Basketball Victoria's annual participant licence and Basketball Australia's development levy apply to every program.
Questions parents ask
Straight answers, from the club's own registration rules.
Ask us something elseMy child has never played. Where do they start?
Redback Rookies is built for exactly that: ten weeks of skills and games with no scoreboard. Older beginners go straight into a Redbacks team, graded with players of a similar level.
Redback RookiesHow do I register?
On PlayHQ: that is your registration with the club, there's no separate form. Create an account in your name, add your child as a dependant, search "Warrandyte Basketball" and choose Register. Once it's paid your child is a club member. Use an email you'll keep: it's your login every season.
How much does it cost?
Fees are shown on PlayHQ when registrations open. The Redbacks fee covers every game, finals included. Basketball Victoria's annual licence ($29 for 17 and under, $43 for 18 and over) and Basketball Australia's $5.50 levy are added if you don't already have them.
Can my child play with their friends?
Name one or two friends of a similar level when you register; we'll try to place you together if they name you too. A whole friendship team (7 or 8 players and a coach) can be sent to the club by the registration close date.
When and where is training?
Redbacks teams train once a week for 45 minutes, Monday to Thursday from 4pm, at Warrandyte Sports Complex, Donvale Christian College or Warrandyte High School. Your team manager confirms the night.
Venues and mapWhen are games?
Saturdays, between 8:30am and 6:30pm, with the youngest teams earliest. Home games are at Warrandyte Sports Complex and Donvale Christian College; away games are across the eastern suburbs.
What does my child need to wear?
Redbacks wear a reversible singlet and shorts. Venom players need the $135 uniform pack. Order online here, or at the uniform shop at Warrandyte Sports Complex. Rookies just need sneakers and comfy clothes.
Uniforms and sizesDo we have to live in Warrandyte?
No. We're the club for Warrandyte and its neighbouring suburbs, from Eltham and Research to Donvale and Warranwood. Check the map, and if you're further out, ask us.
Our areaWhat's the difference between the Redbacks and the Venom?
The Redbacks are our Saturday domestic teams, open to everyone. The Venom are our representative teams, picked at tryouts each October, playing the VJBL on Friday nights and, for seniors, the VBL.
Compare the programsDo parents have to help?
A little goes a long way. Every Redbacks team needs a team manager and a scoring roster, and coaches are volunteers too. Tick the coaching box on your PlayHQ form if you'd like to help.
Ways to helpWhat if my child can't finish the season?
Talk to us first. Refunds follow the club's Registration Refund Policy, which applies to every program.
Refund policy (PDF)Will my child's photo be used?
The club may use photos from the season in its news and posts, but never with a child's surname unless a parent or guardian agrees.
See you on Saturday
Registrations open before every season on PlayHQ. Not sure which team? Tell us your child's age and experience and we'll point you the right way.
