10 reasons why basketball is such a beneficial sport!

Basketball is a team sport played widely across the globe and one of the most viewed. It consists of 2 teams of five active players looking to score points against one another by throwing a ball through a 10 foot high hoop, or basket. It can be played indoors and out and the size of court, height of the basket and length of game-play can all vary according to the age and skill level of the players!

1.      As a fast moving game, it involves dribbling, defence, rebounding and shooting meaning its incredibly active, fun and an amazing workout

2.      An hour of basketball can burn up to 750 calories, and while its stop-start nature means it isn’t considered aerobic it’s a big workout to play a game whether serious or fun

3.      It improves balance and co-ordination

4.      Builds up muscle

5.      Builds up endurance

6.      As with all team sports it develops self-discipline

It’s a fantastic sport for kids and as well as being a great way to stay fit it can:

7.      Help build friendships and teach the importance of being a team player

8.      Can be played by everyone – all ages and abilities

9.      It’s an all year sport because it can be played indoors and outdoors

10.  You don’t need a full team to play – you can enjoy basketball alone (just you and a hoop!) or with two people practising dribbling and defence. Although an official game requires 10, we say the more the merrier for a fun summer activity!

Getting started with basketball

Check out your local sports centres in Great Yarmouth and associations for information on how to join a team or start your own. You can always get in contact with us to point you in the right direction.

 If you are already part of a team and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, then we are taking applications for awarding in November 2019.

East Norfolk Gymnastics Club receives new asymmetrical bars

Photograph by David Woodcock

It is so great to see the asymmetrical bars being used at East Norfolk Gymnastics Club!

We were thrilled to be able to push East Norfolk Gymnastics Club up to the funding amount they needed to buy the new bars. A community-based gymnastics club based at Ormiston Academy, both boys and girls are taught from the age of 5 up to 18 years old. They have 75 members and a waiting list of over 200!⁠ ⁠

We're over the moon that the East Norfolk Gymnastics Club members can now properly use the equipment they need. If you’re a club or an individual that needs new equipment, or a coach needing kit, or maybe a new club needs marketing costs supported, we're accepting applications now from projects and individuals in the borough of Great Yarmouth, please download your application form here!

Hopton CE Primary School on the Path to Team Spirit!

Hopton CE Primary School PTA work hard throughout the year to raise vital funds for their school. The children were playing football matches in their PE kit, and it was felt that funding for proper kit would encourage those who don't participate in sport to do so outside of school hours. Some families can't commit to rigid training and games being held at the weekends. These children would have the opportunity of belonging to a school team, and the proper kits would help achieve this.

Great Yarmouth Sport and Leisure Trust approved the application, and the team are already playing in their new kit! Mr Petersen from the school said:

"The difference a football kit can make...

This year Hopton CE Primary Academy decided to enter the local Y6 football league to give our children more opportunities to work as a team and to compete against other local schools. We wanted to expand our sports provision and give children a chance to shine in an environment outside of the classroom.

Competing in our first game, we turned up in our PE kit, some of which was school branded, some of which was not. When seeing that our opponents all had a team kit, it was visibly clear that the children already felt defeated. Having a football kit with the school badge would give the children an identity and make them proud to represent our school. It will bring them closer together and level the playing field before the game.

Since having the football kits, the 'buzz' around football games is palpable with children so keen to know which number they are going to have and where they are going to play. The children look so smart, and it has made a difference in their confidence and sense of belonging." Mr Petersend, Year 6 Teacher, Hopton Primary School.

If your club or group is in the borough of Great Yarmouth and needs seed funding, please enquire about funding for kit, equipment or other costs, we may be able to help.

Winterton playing field on it's way to new changing rooms

The changing rooms at Winterton Playing Field are not fit for purpose and don’t meet current sports club standards. We’ve supported the Parish Council by providing a £500 grant to help kick start the Playing Field Development Project. The money is for architectural preliminary drawings and detailed plans for a new building which will be used as changing facilities, refreshments and storage.

The plans will help:

• the village see what’s intended

• assist in further fundraising activity

• and will help get planning permission. 

These new facilities will help the playing field get used a lot more. The Cricket Club there is already catering for adults and young people, with womens, girls, mens and boys teams. A Croquet Club is developing and regular events such as Dune Runners, walking groups and local schools use the field. We’re really happy to support Winterton - if you can help their fundraising efforts too, they would appreciate that!

Can you help disabled people get active in Great Yarmouth and the Surrounds?

Research by Activity Alliance has shown that disabled people are twice as likely to be inactive as non-disabled people, but 70 per cent of disabled people want to be more active.

Psychological barriers play the biggest role in preventing disabled people from taking part in sports, however seven out of ten disabled people WANT to be more active. One in five people in Britain have an impairment - that's 11.5m disabled people.

Having an active lifestyle can have many advantages. Regular physical exercise provides social benefits and mental health improvements, including:

• Increased independence
• A reduction in stress
• A boost in self esteem
• Enhanced co-ordination
• Better strengthened balance

We can't find many opportunities in our area on the Active Alliance website - can you set up a club or a group in the borough of Great Yarmouth?

With Disability Awareness Day around the corner (July 15), now is the time to apply for your funding - the application form is here. Please get involved!

Information sourced from Active Alliance website.