Breaking Barriers: Expanding Basketball Opportunities for Girls in Shrewsbury

2-MINUTE READ

Background

Shrewsbury Storm Basketball Club, known for its thriving junior section, identified a gap in girls' access to the sport. While girls had the opportunity to participate in mixed basketball at a primary school level, there were no girls-only sessions or options for girls aged 11 and above. This limited access resulted in a lack of dedicated basketball opportunities for older girls, creating a barrier to their continued participation in the sport.

How Energize Got Involved

In September 2022, Shrewsbury Storm received a Small Grants fund from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games legacy programme. The funding aimed to address the gap in basketball provision for girls by covering the start-up costs of a girls-only session. In addition, part of the funding supported coach and referee training, with an emphasis on encouraging women to take on these roles, increasing capacity across the club.

What Happened

Thanks to the grant, the club was able to launch weekly girls-only basketball sessions at Shrewsbury Sports Village. The sessions provide an inclusive space where girls can learn and enjoy basketball while building their confidence and skills. The programme focuses on encouraging girls to stay active and involved in sports as they transition from primary to secondary school, addressing dropout rates during this critical period. The sessions offer both social and recreational basketball, as well as competitive opportunities for those interested in taking the sport to the next level.

Shrewsbury Storm worked closely with local schools, including Shrewsbury Academy and Meole Brace School, to recruit players. As a result, the club now averages 20 participants at the weekly girls-only sessions, demonstrating the success of this targeted outreach.

The Impact

The girls-only basketball sessions have had a significant impact on both the participants and the club. Girls now have a dedicated space to grow in the sport, and their confidence has flourished. One parent shared how their child has "grown in confidence" since attending, while players have expressed their enjoyment and appreciation for the supportive and positive environment.

Participants said:

- "Basketball has been such a fun and positive experience, and has helped me make new friends. I really enjoy the sessions; the coaches are positive and supportive."

- "The coaches are lovely, and it’s good fun to have something outside of school clubs."

Coaches also noted the remarkable progress the girls have made, with growing confidence and improved skills week by week. The sessions have not only helped introduce new players to basketball but also prepared the club to field competitive teams for the upcoming season.

The funding has had a lasting impact by expanding the visibility and accessibility of basketball for girls in the area. The club’s effort is part of a broader movement to build on the success of England’s basketball teams in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, making the sport more accessible to all.