It started with a few outdoor courts, some second-hand hoops, and a group of passionate locals who wanted to build something for their kids.
Fifty years later, the Endersby family is still very much woven into Willetton Basketball, a club they helped grow from the ground up and a second home to three generations.
Gaye and Graeme Endersby joined the club in 1974, not long after moving from the country to the suburbs.
Back then, Willetton games were played on outdoor courts at the Bill Cole Centre in Riverton.
They met a tight-knit group of volunteers who were just getting a community competition off the ground, and before long, they were all in.
“Our initial introduction to Willetton Basketball was through a very enthusiastic group who were setting up a community basketball competition,” they said.
“These folk included people who have stuck with Willetton for more than 50 years and include but not limited to Sandra Hampson, Dorothy and Paul Gooding, Eddie Kirwan, Carey McAllan.”
“The people we met were working to create a space for young people to enjoy basketball,” said Graeme.
“It just made sense to help however we could.”
That help quickly turned into hundreds of hours spent coaching, scoring, running fundraisers, and serving on committees.
As the club grew, so did their commitment.
Graeme and Gaye were part of the group that helped finance the first four outdoor courts, then added fencing, lighting, and storage.
When the junior competitions exploded in popularity, they pushed to build more courts, and eventually, the club’s first indoor stadium.
Looking back, they credit the success to a collective effort from many hardworking volunteers.
“People like George Hampel were vital,” they said.
“His knowledge of building and his hands-on approach were a game-changer. We were lucky to have so many committed families behind us.”
Today, Willetton Stadium has eight indoor courts and hosts not just basketball, but other sports, events, and community programs.
But what means the most to them is seeing their own family carry on the tradition.
“Actually, we feel great pride that we have seen our children and grandchildren being able to participate at Willetton.”
Their daughter Carolyn Ramsay grew up around the club, spending weekends running around the courts with her brother and other volunteer kids, eating from the canteen, and playing in junior carnivals across WA.
“I started playing when I was about seven,” she said.
“We’d travel to country towns for tournaments. Between games we’d hang out with teammates and cheer on the older players. That’s how friendships were built. That’s how the club culture was built.”
Carolyn went on to play 46 games for the Tigers in the State Basketball League and now proudly watches her daughter, Ashlin, play in the NBL1; a level that’s increasingly competitive as clubs bring in elite players from interstate and overseas.
“For Ashlin and our local players, it’s a big achievement to earn that spot,” she said.
“They work hard while also studying and working. We’re really proud of her.”
Basketball has remained central to Carolyn’s family life. Her husband Brad has played for Willetton, coached, and served on the board. His sister-in-law, Danni, played more than 300 games and is a player life member. Even Carolyn’s brother’s wife, Raelene, who didn’t come from a basketball background, now volunteers for the club.
So, what’s kept the Endersby family loyal to the club for three generations?
“I think it all comes back to the friends made along the way and feeling like you have been part of and contributed to your local community,” Carolyn said.
“I think a lot of people are loyal to their sporting clubs because of the great times and memories they have created along the way. It’s a home away from home. It does become more difficult as the club grows, however, I really hope that the current volunteers and local players feel valued so that we can continue to have multi-generational families at Willetton Tigers.”
For the Endersbys, it’s not about stats or trophies; it’s about the people.
“What you gain from volunteering is lifelong friends, amazing memories which you cannot buy,” said Gaye and Graeme.
