BALL4ALL BASKETBALL
“Funding from the Travers Foundation enabled us to win a silver medal because we could get all the best players to Finland who may not have been able to fund themselves.”
The non-profit organisation Ball4All CIC provides basketball coaching sessions and clubs throughout Leicestershire and Rutland for children and young people of all backgrounds, including some very disadvantaged.
It was set up in 2012 by John Smith, a former professional basketball player, who spent over 16 years playing basketball professionally around the world after graduating from University in the USA. He then 'crossed the pond' and played for the Leicester Riders before making his home in the area. John himself is head coach at Ball4All CIC as well as being its director.
Ball4All CIC encourages the youngsters to compete in tournaments throughout Europe, representing England. Playing basketball and competing in these events helps the young people gain a variety of skills, including of course teamwork, building confidence and preparing them for the worlds of further education or work where they will meet people from all backgrounds and cultures.
Historically, John used his own money to subsidise those who couldn't afford the trips. But then he joined forces with Northamptonshire-based charity The Travers Foundation - which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts - to ensure he could carry on his good work.
John took three teams to the Delfin Basketball Tournament in Finland at the end of July 2016, and they proudly came home wearing silver medals.
The 21 youngsters from Rutland and Leicestershire were split into three teams - one for those aged 18 and under, and two for those aged under 16 - and it was the senior team that performed the best.
The tournament was in a knockout format, and the under 18s won five out of their six games, narrowly being defeated in the final. They had been 16 points up with just two minutes to go, but their tired legs let their opponents - who never missed a three-pointer shot - narrowly snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
John explains the importance of the support from The Travers Foundation:
"The funding from The Travers Foundation achieved a lot. It enabled us to get some of our better players to attend, otherwise they couldn't have afforded to travel to Finland as their families wouldn't have been able to pay for it.
"Competing in Finland has shown these kids that they can play against any competition, and the experience has let them try different things, meet people from other countries and build their confidence. Being part of a team helps them with self-discipline, self-control and respect."
Terry Forsey of The Travers Foundation said:
"We are delighted that John and his team have achieved a silver medal at the recent tournament in Finland. Ball4All provides basketball coaching sessions and clubs throughout Leicestershire and Rutland for children and young people of all backgrounds, including some very disadvantaged.
"We at the Travers Foundation firmly believe that funding shouldn't be a barrier to youngsters achieving success, which is why we support groups such as this and will continue to do so."
It was set up in 2012 by John Smith, a former professional basketball player, who spent over 16 years playing basketball professionally around the world after graduating from University in the USA. He then 'crossed the pond' and played for the Leicester Riders before making his home in the area. John himself is head coach at Ball4All CIC as well as being its director.
Ball4All CIC encourages the youngsters to compete in tournaments throughout Europe, representing England. Playing basketball and competing in these events helps the young people gain a variety of skills, including of course teamwork, building confidence and preparing them for the worlds of further education or work where they will meet people from all backgrounds and cultures.
Historically, John used his own money to subsidise those who couldn't afford the trips. But then he joined forces with Northamptonshire-based charity The Travers Foundation - which helps 13 to 30 year olds living in Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts - to ensure he could carry on his good work.
John took three teams to the Delfin Basketball Tournament in Finland at the end of July 2016, and they proudly came home wearing silver medals.
The 21 youngsters from Rutland and Leicestershire were split into three teams - one for those aged 18 and under, and two for those aged under 16 - and it was the senior team that performed the best.
The tournament was in a knockout format, and the under 18s won five out of their six games, narrowly being defeated in the final. They had been 16 points up with just two minutes to go, but their tired legs let their opponents - who never missed a three-pointer shot - narrowly snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
John explains the importance of the support from The Travers Foundation:
"The funding from The Travers Foundation achieved a lot. It enabled us to get some of our better players to attend, otherwise they couldn't have afforded to travel to Finland as their families wouldn't have been able to pay for it.
"Competing in Finland has shown these kids that they can play against any competition, and the experience has let them try different things, meet people from other countries and build their confidence. Being part of a team helps them with self-discipline, self-control and respect."
Terry Forsey of The Travers Foundation said:
"We are delighted that John and his team have achieved a silver medal at the recent tournament in Finland. Ball4All provides basketball coaching sessions and clubs throughout Leicestershire and Rutland for children and young people of all backgrounds, including some very disadvantaged.
"We at the Travers Foundation firmly believe that funding shouldn't be a barrier to youngsters achieving success, which is why we support groups such as this and will continue to do so."