What the Flames Mean to Rockingham

President Jo Clossick and Operations Manager Lauren Hodgetts say that for those who are part of the community the association has built, it’s a family.

“The community comes together when things are needed and all come together and help.”

“We have loyal fans that have been with us for years.”

”They are the Flames Family from the Aussie Hoops programs right through to coming along on game day.”

“It's all about being part of the Flames Family”

When it comes to fans who embody what it means to be part of that family, there’s no better example than Frank and Michelle Kosenburger and Anne-Marie.

Frank and Michelle became part of the Rockingham Flames family when their daughter Taylah started playing domestic basketball.

“As a bit of an incentive, they were handing out free passes for all the kids to come and watch, all the big kids play, to be inspired and things like that.”

“After the first game we were hooked and that was it. We were Flames for life.”

Their relationship with the Flames has gone well beyond just spectating with the Kosenburgers even hosting import players.

“We hosted two imports for a season, which was really cool.”

“The ripple effect of that was amazing. In Taylah's life particularly, they took a real interest in her game. That was really cool.”

Michelle Kosenburger says the Flames are all about connection and support.

“It's all about family and community and raising the next.”

“Giving everyone the tools, equipment, the training, mentors, and the opportunity to do what they want to do and fulfill their dreams and be like their Flames favorites. It's all about community.”

If you’ve ever been to a Rockingham Flames game, you’ve likely heard the unmistakable passion of Anne-Marie.

She has supported the team for 25 years — travelling to both home and away games and bringing her signature ‘defence’ cheers with her.

Lauren and Jo are incredibly thankful for her support.

“She absolutely loves them. Everybody knows Anne-Marie and she's very, very loud, which is fantastic.”

Lauren and Jo say the loyalty of the Flames family is driven by how deeply players invest in the local community.

“We have a lot of our NBL1 players that are out and about the community, people see them down at the shops. The kids run up and get really excited. Especially some of our imports are very embedded in the community.”

“We have an affiliation with the local Bizlink All Abilities, and the guys have been working very closely with them.”

“It's just been fantastic to watch them thrive and the excitement that they bring when they see them.”

“I just think it is the commitment of the players and their interaction with the fans, they're always happy to stop and have a chat.”

“Our fans therefore want to stay part of that family because it's not just about game night, it's about everything.”

Both Rockingham Flames sides are heading to Lakeside this weekend having secured their place in the upcoming NBL1 finals series. Head along to their finals campaign at Mike Barnett Sports Complex if you’re in the area.