CLUB HISTORY
The Sandy Saints Basketball Club was founded in 1979 with a mission to teach basketball skills to young players and foster teamwork within the Sandringham and Bayside communities. Originally established through a close connection with Sacred Heart Parish School in Sandringham, the club has grown well beyond its roots.
Today, Sandy Saints proudly fields more than 50 teams and supports over 500 players, with children representing more than 26 schools across the broader Bayside area. Many of our original players are now coaches, referees, team managers—or cheering from the sidelines as parents—continuing a legacy of community spirit and involvement.
For over 40 years, this strong sense of connection, inclusion, and shared purpose has shaped Sandy Saints into more than just a basketball club. It’s a community built on teamwork, sportsmanship, and a whole lot of heart.
Throwback Highlights
1970s
Club Founded (1979): Originated as Sacred Heart Club, the idea of Carol McDonald, who entered an Under-11 boys team into a Sabres holiday workshop. Led by captain Joe Margheriti, the team included Julian and Nick McDonald, Tim Warren, Damian Wilson, Sam Murphy, Stefan Poulos, and Matt Monaghan.
Club Renamed (1985): Sacred Heart became the Sandy Saints.
Family Leisure Centre Opening (Feb 11): Launch of junior and senior domestic competitions. Boys played Saturdays; girls played Friday nights. A daytime women’s comp ran Monday mornings.
Sandringham Junior Tournament (May): Hosted annually.
1980s
Growth and Competition: In 1986, Sandy Saints entered three teams in the Sale Sonics Easter Competition.
Leadership: Under Presidents Jim McDonald, Garry Moller, and Bob Umbers, the club expanded to 16 junior and 2 senior men’s teams.
Club Recognition: A perpetual Best Club Sportsperson trophy was introduced in 1985. Past recipients include Drew Russell, Tim Gattuso, Gavan Southern, Sally Gattuso, Julian McDonald, Juliana Horsfield, and Jackie Bissett.
Incorporation (1989): The club became an incorporated body.
Want to dive deeper into our story?
Check out Sandringham Sabres: The First 25 Years – 1974–1999.
Our Mission
To create a welcoming and inclusive basketball community where every player feels supported, connected, and valued. We champion participation at all levels, promote respect and fair play, and foster friendships that go beyond the game—building a club culture that’s as much about community as it is about basketball.
OUR VALUES
At Sandy Saints, we believe in: Respect for self – We strive to be our best, on and off the court. Respect for others – We treat teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents with fairness and integrity. Respect for the game and the club – We honour the spirit of basketball and the community that makes it possible. These values guide how we play, how we support each other, and how we grow—together.