Canberra Players League All-Star Charity Basketball Exhibition

On Saturday 18 September, Canberra Players League (CPL) will hold their annual charity basketball showcase to support Men’s mental health in the Canberra community.

Just over 10 years ago, a few passionate players decided they were looking for something more than what established Canberra basketball leagues were offering. They packed up their J’s and headed to the concrete courts of Woden to play scrimmage matches each week. The league was casual – just a couple of guys playing some ball and enjoying the rawness of the South Side’s chain link nets (and perhaps enjoying the occasional sneaky drink together). The league quickly grew in interest, and as the players’ knees deteriorated from a lack of functional facilities, it became clear something formal was needed.

And so in 2008, the Canberra Players League was born.

Today the league is stronger than ever, with a burning desire to give back to the community and reignite that passion for basketball in the ACT, that seems to have been lost in recent years.

This passion is showcased out to the wider community through their annual All-Star Saturday, an afternoon of exhibition basketball games featuring the league’s best players. Bringing CPL and NBL’s legends out of retirement for an annual battle, in the name of passion for the sport, the games are enlivened with a range of entertainment including MC’s commentating and Phatz Entertainment on the decks.

However, in true CPL spirit, this isn’t where the event stops. The afternoon also features plenty of family fun. For the kids, enjoy free face painting and a jumping castle. And for the adults, listen to soothing sounds of Dean Abbott, bid on the silent auction, or try your luck in the day’s raffle. All while watching some great basketball. You can indulge guilt-free, knowing 100% of the money raised at the event is going to a charity that’s closely affected the CPL (and broader) community of late. This year, that charity is Menslink, supporting Men’s mental health.

This event aims to reignite the spirit of sport in the ACT and it certainly wouldn’t be possible without help of individuals and businesses who embody CPL’s mantra and spirit. A special thanks goes to the organisations who have contributed: Menslink, McDonald’s, King Ape Supplements, Brownies Electrical, Bronx Pizza, Murph PT, Ascend Fitness, and 12RND Fitness to name a few, with plenty more to come. These are businesses that exemplify community spirit and a willingness to give back.

The CPL and Menslink hope to see you at the event on 18 September 2021, at the Southern Cross Basketball Stadium. You can find out more on the event on the Eventbrite listing.