New on-court boost for youth is ready to raise three cheers

THE North East will be at the forefront of a new national 3x3 basketball programme for girls being launched by Basketball England next month.

With funding from FIBA’s Youth Development Fund, the new programme will aim to begin bridging the gap between male and female participation at under-14 level.

Basketball England’s 10 regions including the North East - will play a key role in the initiative.

With each region to host at least one 3x3 event in their area before a national tournament in mid-June, more than 1,000 girls will have the opportunity to experience basketball in a fun, social environment.

Each competition will be run to a format which best suits each region.

Some will focus on beginners, others will concentrate on encouraging girls to transition from playing basketball at school to a more regular environment.

Each region will also be responsible for providing two teams for the national event in June, which can be selected to recognise fair-play, mostimproved or best-performing teams.

Grace Jacca, vice-chairwoman of Basketball England, said: “3x3 is a dynamic way to play and there is a place for any type of player.

“With the FIBA behind this event and the amount of 3x3 being played around the country this is going to be really positive for the women’s game.”

The programme was launched by Basketball England’s Chief Excecutive Officer Stewart Kellett to coincide with International Women’s Day.