BASKETBALL WALES SHOWCASES NEW STRATEGY AT THE SENEDD

Article by : Akshat Kandya

At Basketball Wales, our vision is to make basketball the most socially inclusive and diverse sport in Wales — one that unites communities and positively impacts lives.

Guided by this vision, Basketball Wales recently showcased its new strategy before the Welsh Senedd (Parliament), in the presence of dignitaries and Welsh Government Ministers. The event, hosted by Carolyn Thomas MS, provided an opportunity to share our ambitions and highlight the fantastic work being undertaken by the NGB and clubs across Wales.

The 2022 School Sports Survey underlined basketball’s growing popularity and inclusivity among young people in Wales:

• 50% of children in Wales play basketball (at school, club, or in another setting)
• 144,000 children want to play more basketball
• 40,000 children want to play but currently don’t get the opportunity
• Basketball is the most in-demand team sport for children
• It is also the most in-demand sport for girls
• The most in-demand sport for non-white children
• The most in-demand sport for children receiving free school meals
• And the second most in-demand sport for children with disabilities

These key statistics were presented during the event, where members of the Basketball Wales Board, staff, and players from Cardiff City and Cardiff Tribal Basketball Club engaged directly with Senedd Members. Together, they emphasised the sport’s vital role within local communities and its positive social impact across Wales.

The main Neuadd Hall was transformed into a mini basketball court, where MSs and Ministers queued up to take some shots and watched our young players showcase their skills.

During the event, Basketball Wales also launched our pilot partnership with Guardian Ballers — a mental health and wellbeing organisation that uses basketball as a tool to engage and support young people. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to use basketball not just as a sport, but as a force for connection, confidence, and community wellbeing across Wales.

Full Photo album from this event can be viewed on our facebook page via the link below

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1206768104821649&type=3