About us

Our history

Since 1985, Celtic Tigers has grown to become one of the largest and most successful clubs in Ballarat basketball, with generations of players, coaches, volunteers and families wearing the Celtic Tigers colours.

Success has come both on and off the court. The club has won premierships across numerous competitions and its achievements have extended beyond Ballarat. Among its most remarkable accomplishments was winning the prestigious Max Bowman Shield for a record 10 consecutive years through to 2009.

But the story of Celtic Tigers has never been defined by trophies alone.

From its earliest days, the club has aimed to provide a place for everyone to enjoy basketball—from junior players taking to the court for the first time, to A Grade competitors and adults simply wanting to play socially.

That philosophy has been supported by generations of dedicated volunteers and administrators. Early leaders such as long-serving President Dennis Foley and Secretary-Treasurer Peter Eddy, and later Paul Magee, made enormous contributions not only to Celtic Tigers but to basketball throughout Ballarat.

Peter Eddy and Paul Magee both went on to serve as President of the Ballarat Basketball Association, while Dennis Foley became the inaugural President of the Ballarat Miners Basketball Club—a position he held for an extraordinary 20 years.

Their leadership helped establish the foundations upon which today's club has been built.

Celtic Tigers Today

More than five decades after a small group of school mates entered a single D Grade team, Celtic Tigers has grown into one of the largest basketball clubs in Ballarat.

Today, the club supports more than 530 junior players from Under 8 through to Under 19, together with more than 150 senior players. That means more than 680 players now take to the court as part of Celtic Tigers—an extraordinary evolution from the club's humble beginnings in 1972.

Yet while the size of the club has changed enormously, its purpose has remained remarkably consistent. Celtic Tigers continues to provide opportunities for players of all ages and abilities, with a strong emphasis on junior development, participation, sportsmanship and a family-friendly club environment.

Behind those players are hundreds of coaches, team managers, volunteers, parents and supporters who make the club possible. Together, they continue a tradition built over more than 50 years.

From one D Grade team in 1972 to more than 680 players today, Celtic Tigers has become an enduring part of the Ballarat basketball community.

Our Club Values

At Celtic Tigers Basketball Club, we want every player to have the opportunity to develop, enjoy basketball and be part of a positive club community.

While we are proud to compete and strive for success, we believe success is about more than winning games. It is about helping players improve, building their confidence and love of basketball, and ensuring that everyone representing Celtic Tigers does so with respect and sportsmanship.

Our Philosophy

Develop every player. Grow the love of the game. Compete the right way.

These principles underpin how we coach, play and make decisions as a club.

Our Core Values

Develop Every Player

Every player deserves the opportunity to improve.

We are committed to developing the skills, confidence and understanding of every player, regardless of their current ability or the level at which they play. We encourage players to challenge themselves, learn from their experiences and continue to grow.

Grow a Love of Basketball

We want players to enjoy basketball and stay involved in the game.

We aim to create positive, challenging and enjoyable experiences that build a lasting love of basketball. We want our members to remain connected to the sport—whether as players, coaches, referees, volunteers or supporters.

Compete the Right Way

We play to win, but how we compete matters.

We value effort, teamwork, resilience and fair play. We expect everyone representing Celtic Tigers to show respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, referees and spectators, and to demonstrate good sportsmanship regardless of the result.

One Club, Every Team

We are one club, not simply a collection of teams.

We support one another and celebrate the achievements of all Celtic Tigers teams and players. Our coaches, players, families and volunteers work together, and we make decisions with the interests of the whole club in mind.

Everyone Belongs

Everyone should feel welcome, respected and valued.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where people can participate, contribute and enjoy being part of the Celtic Tigers community, regardless of their ability, experience or background.

Meet Our Committee Members

Our dedicated committee members are the backbone of the Celtic Tigers Basketball Club. Each member brings unique skills and a passion for basketball, ensuring our club thrives both on and off the court.