The commitment to elevate Basketball in the UK to unprecedented heights across the nation is indeed commendable. However, to truly capitalize on this momentum and raise awareness effectively, we must address a critical shortfall—a robust foundational support for basketball in the UK.
Your observations regarding the current state of basketball infrastructure are spot on. Despite the burgeoning interest and willingness from organizations like the British Basketball Federation (BBF) to foster the sport, our foundational structures remain woefully inadequate. Conversations with young enthusiasts, like the 13-year-old aspiring to play professionally, highlight a glaring issue: a significant lack of support at the grassroots level.
Schools, often the nurseries of budding talent, predominantly favor football, sidelining basketball both in terms of interest and resource allocation. This bias extends beyond school premises, reflecting in our community planning as well. The absence of accessible basketball courts, where the nearest facility requires a 45-minute travel for just an hour of play, speaks volumes about the oversight in urban and community planning. Moreover, the scarcity of qualified coaches further stifles the growth and professional grooming of potential talent.
While the willingness of entities like the BBF to initiate change is a positive sign, it is imperative that we first strengthen our foundation. This involves not just creating but also actively promoting accessible basketball infrastructure in schools and local communities. Councils must be encouraged to invest in local sports facilities, ensuring that basketball courts become as commonplace as football pitches.
Let's rally to build a strong foundation for basketball in the UK, ensuring that the sport receives the support it rightfully deserves at every level. Only then can we truly harness the collective strength found in unity and propel UK basketball to new heights.
We’re working closer than ever with Basketball England, basketballscotland and Basketball Wales - Pel Fasged Cyf to establish a fresh approach to improving and growing basketball in Britain 🤝🏀🇬🇧
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