Guardian Ballers – Project GENESIS update

Guardian Ballers is excited to announce the launch of its new programme in Wales, in partnership with Basketball Wales. The month pilot will use the power of basketball to support young people’s mental health and create opportunities in schools and communities across South Wales. 

The programme will include: 

·         Young Person Impact Sessions: Empowering young people (aged 10-25) through accessible Basketball Coaching, Fun Games and Mental Health Education. 

·         Leader and Teacher training: Helping school staff and those that lead and support young people to gain tools and build skills to support young people’s wellbeing through basketball. 

·         Holiday camps: Day camps during school holidays, giving up to 80 children a chance to play, learn, and grow. 

·         Street outreach: Basketball sessions in local communities, reaching young people where they are. 

·         Special events: Such as celebrating and exploring content around global majority people groups, engaging schools and local communities. 

The project will be delivered in areas where opportunities can be limited, from targeted areas in South Wales, such as Butetown, Splott through to Gwent, with the opportunity for emergent areas across Wales as the project progresses. Across the year, Guardian Ballers aims to reach children, young adults, and adults that support those from diverse and underrepresented ethnic and socio-economic communities, with a strong focus on inclusion and mental health. 

Guardian Ballers Chief Executive Offer, Kieran Joseph said, 

“As a Welsh Man born-and-bred and Cardiff Met Graduate, who migrated to the Midlands then founded Guardian Ballers, this feels like ‘Guardian Ballers is coming home’! We reach over 1500 young people every year across diverse communities with the backing of National Mind, statutory services and the champions in local communities. We’re excited for this launch phase as we share tools and sharpen focus on boosting Mental Health through the magnetism of Basketball!” 

This initiative supports Basketball Wales’ 2024–2030 strategy to make basketball the most inclusive and diverse sport in Wales. 

Basketball Wales Chief Operations Officer, Gavin Williams said, 

“We’re thrilled to partner with Guardian Ballers to explore the powerful connection between basketball and mental health. As a sport rooted in teamwork, communication and resilience, basketball offers a unique platform to support young people’s wellbeing both on and off the court. This partnership will help us embed positive mental health support into our culture and create safe spaces for young players to thrive.” 

The pilot will run from October 2025 to March 2026, with progress reviewed throughout the year and shared publicly through reports, impact stories, and social media.