A close-knit family-run basketball club is making a big difference for young mob in Shepparton.

The Yorta Yorta Turtles began when Percy Dryden, now president and coach, identified something was missing for younger kids around town.

Still shy of two years since founding, they've got five teams from under 10s boys to under 18s girls playing in tournaments around Victoria.

"There were three young girls getting themselves into trouble...and I said, ''What do you like doing?'" Mr Dryden told National Indigenous Times.

"They said 'We like basketball'. I said, 'Well, you know what? I'm good at basketball. I was a basketball player when I was younger'. They asked, 'Can you show us, Uncle?'"

Within a couple of months the Turtles had a team.

They travelled to Melbourne to play their first games soon after.

Mr Dryden happily admits, despite his representative level basketball in his youth, the kids have quickly progressed to a level above his pedigree.

They'll clock up the miles "to compete and represent our community with pride", as the club says, again in 2025.

Last year, NBL side Melbourne United put out the invite for the Turtles to come down for a pre-match clinic.

For many it was their first time attending the Australia and Aotearoa's top men's competition.

It's an aspiration for most of the kids pulling on the Turtles uniform.

"Getting to play with my cousins", "meeting others" and "playing tournaments with my family" is the best part, among dreams to make it to the elite level, a couple of the kids told National Indigenous Times at a Wednesday night training session.

Julie's daughter started playing with the Turtles in late 2023.

"She hadn't played a basketball game before, didn't know any rules... joining in with her cousins and Uncle as coach has definitely impacted her."

It's helped with her anxiety, Julie added, and grown her confidence at "a big family club" her mum hopes will grow and grow.

"She has definitely learnt a lot within the club, and the cultural aspect as well, has really brought out a passion.

"She is able to get on the court now without worry and just do her thing.

"We've got more and more kids joining now. Indigenous and non-Indigenous kids will come along that are friends of our kids, and they just love it. They'll just keep coming back."

For Mr Dryden, the most rewarding aspect is the development he's seen with his group, he said.

Still, the Turtles are about more than just basketball.

"I preach our culture too, which is a must in this developing program," Mr Dryden said.

Recently, the under 14 girls hosted the opening ceremony with traditional dance for the local Big V season in Shepparton.

The club are still looking for a permanent home base.

Mr Dryden said between facilities, equipment and uniforms - with a heavy turnover of gear amongst growing kids, securing sponsors would be a big advantage.