More than 800 community basketball teams competed in a special basketball round over the long weekend, dedicated to raising funds for young Victorians facing homelessness.

Teams from across Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia faced off in more than 2,000 games in 16 stadiums around Melbourne during Nunawading Spectres Hoops for Homeless tournament.

$30,000 was raised for youth homelessness charity Lighthouse Foundation, with more than 1200 pairs of socks, exclusively designed for the tournament, sold.

Lighthouse Foundation CEO Dr Eamonn McCarthy said the community support shown is crucial to the foundation.

“We know the cost of living pressures are making times tough for many Australians, and in particular, a lot of young people are really feeling the pinch at the moment,” Dr McCarthy said.

There are around 6,000 homeless adolescents in Victoria on any given night, and with rising economic stress, unemployment, and housing affordability struggles, these numbers could rise significantly over the coming years.

“Every single dollar raised by community events like Hoops for Homeless allows us to help someone in need. The funds raised from the tournament, allow us the opportunity to continue providing therapy and support services, groceries, and other basic necessities.”

“It was great to see the players involved proudly wearing the socks designed for the tournament and drinking from Lighthouse Foundation drink bottles. It all helps to raise awareness of the plight of young people and the ways they can be supported.”

The Hoops for Homeless tournament was in partnership with the local East Melbourne club, Nunawading Basketball and was the largest of six Hoops for Homeless rounds held to date. Upcoming rounds include Southern Basketball in July, as well as Knox and Westernport Basketball Associations in August.

Melbourne-based Lighthouse Foundation has been providing children and young people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, with housing, care, and support for more than 30 years.