Wyong Leagues Group has entered into the round-ball game agreeing to buy the Central Coast Waves Basketball Association. The Association collapsed earlier this year following a period of financial instability and ceased operating in April leaving players and parents high and dry.
The Wyong Leagues Group takeover ensures that the Association will now have a stable future with the financial and management backing of a major organisation.
To facilitate the takeover, Wyong Leagues Group will become an associate member of Basketball NSW. The old Central Coast Waves Basketball Association will be liquidated, and Central Coast Waves Basketball will return as a sub-club of Wyong Leagues Group.
With a successful history in sports administration covering rugby league, soccer, golf and bowls the Group will now seek to employ staff with a strong Basketball background to support Matt Smith who will head the new Waves operation. Matt has extensive previous experience with the Waves and will provide invaluable continuity from the previous administration.
The Wyong Leagues Group has appointed a Basketball Sub-Committee, which will assist with the reboot of basketball in the area.
“We are very excited to have the opportunity to extend our capabilities of providing community sport to the residents on the Central Coast as we know basketball is a very popular sport,” Wyong Leagues Group CEO Ben Coghlan said.
The Group also thanked Basketball NSW, and CEO Maria Nordstrom in particular, for working on the purchase and Central Coast Basketball at Terrigal for offering a home to Waves players during this time so that they could continue to compete in the representative competition.
While Matt Smith will head the new Waves operation, more details will emerge in the coming weeks, through the existing Waves website and Facebook page.
“We understand that the uncertainty on the Association’s future, has made it a tough time for both parents and children. On behalf of the Wyong Leagues Group, I can assure them that as part of our organisation, the Waves will have our full commitment and support and look forward to seeing Basketball return to Niagara Park,” Coughlin said.