Birmingham, and nationally, to play basketball in their local community. We’ll be working with local clubs and communities to co-create these new and refurbished courts so that people feel a real ownership over them.”
Street to elite
Birmingham’s Myles Hesson started his basketball journey in the city, playing basketball with his brothers, before growing and honing his skills with local grassroots clubs City of Birmingham and the Birmingham A’s. His professional career has taken him to Europe and Asia, <and now has won medals for his country>.
Hesson said:
“News of a basketball legacy plan, backed with financial investment, in my home city makes all the blood, sweat and tears my teammates and I put into our Birmingham 2022 campaign even more worthwhile.
“Ultimately, grassroots basketball is where the love for the game, and physical activity, is sown. It’s also the first stage to creating and moulding champions.
“We have inspired thousands of children and young people, and adults through our 3×3 performances and a high-level of interest in basketball is bound to follow once the Commonwealth Games come to an end. It’s right we leave the next generation not only with great memories but high-quality basketball facilities to enjoy.”
The exciting 3×3 form of basketball – which is played on a half court on one basket with just three players per side – made its Commonwealth Games debut at the Smithfield site in Birmingham between 29 July and 2 August and was a fan favourite.
Basketball is Britain’s joint-second most popular team sport amongst young people after football. According to Sport England’s Active Lives survey, more than one million British people regularly play basketball, and among those aged 18-34, 14% play every week. The partnerships will work together to maximise the opportunities to increase the amount of people playing in the city.
