Basketballers inspire pupils
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TWO professional basketballers stopped off in Runcorn as part of a national campaign to improve facilities by fitting nets for free.
Cheshire Phoenix’s Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Disraeli ‘Dizzy’ Lufadeju were joined by club volunteers Rachel Goodall and Paul Gordon as they visited the aptlynamed Phoenix Park in Castlefields to tie up the first set.
The initiative is part of Basketball England’s national #ProjectSwish programme, which aims to install 1,000 pairs of nets across the country.
At least 10 sets are to be fitted in Cheshire including Runcorn, Frodsham Warrington, Ellesmere Port and Northwich.
Youngsters from St Augustine’s Roman Catholic Primary School were treated to a brief shooting session with the two professionals on hand to encourage them on.
Rachel Goodall, who is from Runcorn herself, said: “Project Swish has been launched by
Basketball England and its aim is to fit as many outdoor courts with nets as possible because it’s a nightmare to play without them.”
On the importance of providing basic facilities, she said: “It’s where the players start, kids will start shooting in parks this.
“They’ll wake up and say ‘can we go shooting in the park’ and that’s what’s going to get the parents to start looking for teams to joins.”
Asked why nets are so vital to the game, Paul said: “Because you don’t know if it’s gone in or not, and it swishes – it’s a lovely feeling, it’s the satisfaction.”
Anyone who uses the nets has been urged to post pictures on social media using the hashtag #ProjectSwish.
Cheshire Phoenix has a Saturday morning session from 9-10am for children aged seven years and above, progressing to older age brackets right through the youth system.
For more information email youthbb@ cheshirephoenix. com