July 21, 2010 5.04 pm This story is over 163 months old

Youths encouraged to play basketball

Balls of steel: Young people around the city are wanted to take part in a two-day basketball training session this summer.

Children and teenagers from the city are being encouraged to join the second two-day basketball academy this summer.

Events 23 owner Paul Mutagejja is a qualified Level 2 basketball coach, and will be running the academy at Yarborough Leisure Centre on August 30-31.

Sessions include coaching in dribbling, shooting, passing and vertical jumps. The course is aimed at both genders and of all abilities, aged 10 upwards.

Players will also receive progress reports to encourage them to continue playing basketball and keeping active.

Pictured: Elliot Yeates, Edward Lord and Jack Pollard with basketball coach Paul Mutagejja.

Paul Mutagejja hopes interest in basketball will rise, so the academies can become more frequent: “After the success of last year’s basketball academy of excellence we aim to make this year’s event even better.

“We have already received excellent feedback from schools and colleges so we are now looking to run a one day basketball camp every school holiday from October 2010,” Mutagejja said.

Lucy Willets, Basketball Development Officer at the Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, wants children to take part in something both fun and active this summer.

“This two-day camp is a great opportunity for young people with an interest in basketball to receive top quality coaching, develop their skills and meet new friends.

“After the two days hopefully they will be keen to join a local club and continue playing basketball regularly,” Willets said.

The scheme has even caused returning players: “Last year’s basketball academy of excellence was amazing; we learned so much in the two days,” said Jack Pollard (12).

The activity will cost £5 per day, or £8.00 for both days, and will take place on both days between 12pm – 4pm.

Source, Photo: Lincolnshire Sports Partnership