Posted on: Friday 20 September 2024
The first youth basketball team in Torfaen is planning to enter the South Wales Basketball League next year.
The Torfaen 20 Nuggets club was set up last year after Sport Wales’ School Sport Survey found nearly half of young people said they were interested in the sport.
More than 20 young people, aged between 14-18 years old, have been training with the mixed team at Pontypool Active Living Centre every Friday evening.
Founding members Breyen and Theo, both aged 16, who now help coach the team, said “It’s great to see younger players enjoying the game and developing their skills”.
Dylan, aged 17, who has been playing for the club ever since it started 12 months ago, added: “Playing basketball for Torfaen 20 Nuggets has been a great experience. The team atmosphere and the game itself makes it something I really enjoy doing every week, and I’m glad to be part of the club”.
This month, due to increasing demand, the club has been split into separate boys and girls sessions welcoming players of all abilities.
The girls team now train at Pontypool Active Living Centre every Friday between 5:00-6:00pm, starting 27th September. The boys team also train at Pontypool Active Living Centre every Tuesday, between 5.30-6.30pm, starting 1st October.
Cllr Fiona Cross, Torfaen Council’s Executive Member for Communities, said: “It’s great to hear how young people’s views have led to the provision of a new sport in the borough. I’m pleased our investment in sports facilities is helping to grow the sport, and I look forward to cheering the Torfaen 20 Nuggets on in the league next year.”
Sam Gilbert, Participation and Inclusions Officer at Basketball Wales, said: "Through our partnership with Sport Wales, we are able to establish areas across Gwent where there is a high demand for basketball, calling up the community to step into new roles that make teams like 20 nuggets possible.
“As a national governing body, we know there are numerous young people that take it upon themselves to learn the game of basketball in their own time. Establishing club opportunities in areas like Torfaen, helps us to provide the best introduction for young people and a pathway to competitive sport."
Sessions are run by qualified coaches and are supported by Torfaen Sports Development, Basketball Wales, and Sport Wales.
For more information about the basketball sessions contact the council’s sports development team on their Facebook page or by calling 01633 628936.