New community basketball project launched

Enfield Scorpions, a local basketball team — *Enfield Scorpions, a basketball team based in Ponders End*

Community project announced in partnership with local basketball team, reports Olivia Devereux-Evans

A new community basketball project has launched in a drive to get Enfield’s young people active again post-lockdown.

The #Ball4Life Community Project is funded by Sport England via its Tackling Inequalities Fund, which aims to reduce the negative impact of coronavirus and the widening of the inequalities in sport and physical activity. Enfield Scorpions, based at Oasis Academy Hadley in Ponders End, is one of three basketball teams in London selected to take part of the project.

GG3x3, the UK’s largest non-profit basketball platform, is leading the #Ball4Life initiative. The organisation provides basketball tournaments and training as well as motivating and inspiring the community.

Enfield Scorpions runs seven sessions a week to cater for young people aged between six and 18 years. Hannah Robson, the club’s coach and founder, said: “We’re really excited to be teaming up with GG3x3 to provide this fantastic opportunity for young people to get involved in basketball.

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“This has come at the perfect time for them after such a long lockdown winter.”

Fun activities and basketball will be offered to young people for three months. They are being run to help those who may have found lockdown very challenging. Sessions are targeted at those from underrepresented communities, with learning difficulties, and those with barriers to participation.

Martin Dyan, Founder of the GG3x3, said: “We are so pleased to have secured the funding and have put together a fun and exciting programme.

“Through our #Ball4Life Community Project we have the opportunity to bring positivity to young people all over London. With the government supporting grass roots basketball in this way, young people will benefit mentally and physically, both on and off the court.

“I am very thankful to Basketball England for supporting this project and to all the partners, who have put an amazing amount of effort in to make this happen. I can’t wait to get started.”

For information on Enfield Scorpions:
Visit enfieldscorpions.wordpress.com

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