Saturday nights are about to get a little more exciting for the youth of Bankstown with the return of Midnight Basketball.

Now entering its second season, the free program provides local youth with an alternative activity on Saturday nights and helps them develop new skills in a safe and enjoyable environment.

"Following the great success of our first Midnight Basketball program, we are excited to continue this fantastic initiative for a second season,” Mayor of Bankstown Clr Khal Asfour said.

"Midnight Basketball provides a positive outlet for our young people, enabling them to socialise in a safe and fun environment while gaining important life skills.

"I look forward to hearing from our young people as they progress throughout the season," said Mayor Asfour.

The tournament will begin on Saturday October 22 and run for eight consecutive Saturdays from 7.30pm until Midnight.

Boys and girls aged between 12 and 18 years will take part in the free program. In addition to the evening training and games, the players will also receive a nutritious meal and a safe bus ride home at the end of the night.

A range of workshops focusing on essential life skill topics such as: health and wellbeing; teamwork; goal setting; communication and decision making and mental health are also part of the program.

In keeping with the Midnight Basketball motto of NOWORKSHOP NOJUMPSHOT® players must attend these workshop in order to take part in the basketball competition.

Interested participants can register online as a player or volunteer at www.midnightbasketball.org.au/bankstown

For more information on Bankstown's Midnight Basketball Program contact Bankstown City Council's Youth Officer on 0411 454 756.