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Basketball is a huge game globally and its popularity is increasing with world renowned names such as Michael Jordan and Lebron James.听

Unfortunately, here in Stoke and Staffordshire, the sport is still under represented.听 Some 10 to 15 years ago there was a league in North Staffs that had four divisions, but in 2009 it鈥檚 non-existent.听听

What Now?

Well now is the time to get back into Basketball!听 It鈥檚 cheap and easy to play and players of all abilities, particularly beginners to take part in recreational games of basketball, are needed.听 This is because I and a group of friends are determined to revive it!

If you are interested in playing, or maybe even setting up your own club, then contact me at thomas.meakin@hotmail.co.uk for more details.听

Remember, we are starting this off as recreational only, so don鈥檛 worry if you鈥檝e never played before; there will be basic coaching to improve skill levels.听 We are aiming to increase participation levels along with skill levels.听

Photo: Karl Southern

If you can get together enough people for a game, then coaching will be offered for beginners - and the cost will be minimal, just the price of renting a sports hall.听

There are quite a few people out there who casually play basketball听 in the park or on the street or even in school, who do not join or form clubs.
So come on, lace up those Nike Airs and try something new. You never know, you just might love it.

Do you have more information about basketball in Staffordshire?听 Email us!

Equipment

The good thing about Basketball is that you need very little equipment (a ball is about it) to play the game, and you can play just about anywhere.

On the flipside, if you do join a session or a team, there are countless benefits from physical exercise, improved skills, and of course social pleasure.

If you join a club you will also generally get coaching which improves your skill level. You can play in competitive games, become a qualified coach, become a qualified referee and go on to play at national level.

What to do next...

If you are a group of lads/girls, why not start your own team/club. There are plenty of venues around with Basketball facilities, although some can be expensive to hire.

If you can get around ten people involved then the cost usually amounts to 拢3 to 拢4 for a session per person.

You need to contact your local sports hall and enquire. You may be able to negotiate on a rate for a time slot they have trouble filling.

What equipment do I need, and where do I buy it from?

The good thing about basketball is you need next to no equipment to participate. A good sturdy pair of trainers/basketball shoes, shorts and a t-shirt/vest.

Photo: Karl Southern

If you come along to a club you don't even need a ball!

Basketball is the number two participation sport in this country behind football, but for some strange reason there are not a lot of sports shops that stock basketball shoes.
Perhaps the best place to buy is on the net, and you can get good deals.

You can pick up a Basketball at almost any high street sports store. For general outdoor play you only need to spend 拢10-拢15 for a decent outdoor ball. You can pay in excess of 拢50 for a good leather indoor one. Most clubs will have these anyway.

For more info, check out these sites: