The 20Twelve Steelers season is about to kick off for the Western Port Steelers Big V Program, with a series of practice games as part of their preparations for the upcoming season.

All 3 teams will compete against higher division teams to ensure a higher level of basketball is being developed for the 20Twelve Big V Season.

Things kick off for all 3 teams on Saturday the 18^th February, with our Division 2 men’s and women’s teams taking on Frankston’s D-League men’s and women’s teams at Frankston. Tip off for the first game is at 6pm. Meanwhile the State Champ Youth 2 Men’s team will travel to Dandenong to take on their D-League men’s team at 7.30pm

From there things get exciting, with 2 weekends worth of triple headers at the Steeler Dome.

The first will be on Saturday the 25^th February, kicking off at 4pm with the SYC2M Steelers outfit taking on Sherbrooke’s SYC1M’s team. Next up will see our Division 2 women’s team taking on their 2010 nemesis, Chelsea, who are about to enter their second season in division 1. And then our Division 2 men’s team will take on Southern Pen’s Division 1 men’s team

Then on Saturday the 3^rd March, the Steeler Dome will see a South East Challenge, with a Western Port Steelers vs Hawthorn Magic triple header. The action kicks off at 4pm and promises to be a big night, with big crowds expected.

“It’s actually a very exciting schedule to get things kicking off for our Steelers Big V Program,” said General Manager, Marc Pirrotta, “the first lot of home games sees us play some very strong Big V teams from within the local area and then in week 2, there will be a real tribal feel about things with Hawthorn bringing 3 of their Big V teams to the Steeler Dome”

It’s no secret that Western Port has big aspirations in 20Twelve – which is reflected by their aggressive recruiting, with no less than 10 new players joining the program. Pirrotta was clear what these games are about, saying “it’s pretty simple…with so many new players joining the Steelers Program, team cohesion is vital and these practice games will go a long way to ensuring a strong team ethos is developed”

“It’s also a great chance for our supporters to get to know these new players before the season proper kicks off against Mornington in round one of the Two Bays Cup on Saturday the 17^th March.”

Entry to the Steeler Dome will only be $2 per person, with kids under 12 getting free entry. Another great reason to come down and see what 20Twelve holds for the Steeler Nation. Any queries relating to this, or any matter can be forwarded to gm@wpba.com.au

*Released Thursday 2^nd February 2012