Twilight basketball launched

SCOTTISH Sports Futures (SSF) has launched a new Shell Twilight Basketball programme at Kirkton Community Centre i n Dundee.

More than 25 youngsters attended the official launch night and had the opportunity to meet Glasgow Rocks professional players Nestor L a s u n c i o n a n d Ko f i Josephs, who shared their life experiences and led a series of training drills.

The programme offers young people the chance to take part in free basketball sessions every Friday, from 8pm-10pm, with the aim of keeping them off the streets and active, as well as encouraging them to make positive lifestyle decisions away from drugs, alcohol and smoking.

Funding i s provided through Cashback f or Communities, a Scottish Government i nitiative that reinvests the misappropriated gains of crime.

Darren Smith, from Community Policing, who attended the launch, said: “This programme provides a good diversionary opportunity.

“There isn’t much for young people in the area and this type of initiative will definitely be beneficial.

“I t ’s a fantastic opportunity f or young people to make friends while they are directed away from offending”.

SSF delivers “education through spor t” programmes to 12,000 youngsters each year.