London Lions have partnered up with Greenhouse Sports charity to inspire a new generation of basketball talent in London.
The partnership seeks to empower youth development and open pathways into basketball careers through educational programmes and growth opportunities.
By establishing secondary student leagues, engaging primary schools, promoting girls’ participation, and providing training for coaches and officials, they hope to offer professional heights in the sport.
Vanja Cernivec, General Manager of the London Lions women’s team said: “Offering pathways into Basketball careers starts with investing in coaches and opportunities.
“Many young people move to the USA when they wish to continue playing basketball and pursue it professionally, but we’re trying to bridge that gap and offer more here in the UK.
“Children playing in the Greenhouse Sports Basketball Club feel connected to the professional team and start to see a pathway.
“But it’s also about getting kids moving – offering them possibilities of staying active, tackling health issues and getting them moving.
“We believe sport has the power to be at the forefront of promoting physical and mental benefits and look forward to seeing some of the next generation of London Lions stars coming through from programmes like this.”
For over 20 years, Greenhouse Sports has worked with schools offering extensive coaching and mentorship, particularly to children from disadvantaged backgrounds aiming to break down their barriers.
It stands as one of the largest independent youth basketball programmes in the UK with a team of 40 full-time qualified basketball coaches.
To provide more opportunities for playing competitive basketball outside of school, the charity set up a London-wide Greenhouse Sports Basketball Club to bring together wider communities with mutual passions.
Collaborating with London Lions, London’s only professional basketball team, they seek to stimulate the next generation of young individuals who are determined to pursue the sport professionally.
With a common goal to foster a greater chance at scouting talent and combating rising inactivity levels they seek to improve the outcomes of children who need it most.
Chris Allbut, Greenhouse Sports Director of Programmes said: “This partnership epitomises the core mission of Greenhouse Sports, which is to empower young people and provide them with clear routes to success.
“It establishes a seamless continuum that nurtures young talent to further develop their skills and deepen their passion for the game.”
By offering coaching programmes for PE teachers across London, students will increasingly be presented with more choices of sports to partake in in lessons encouraging them to fulfil their interests and enjoy physical activities.
London Lions will be granting free access for groups of children to attend world-class men’s and women’s EuroCup basketball games at their home arena in Stratford.
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