Former basketball pro back on court – for Britain
AN ex-professional basketballer is chasing his dreams of representing Great Britain in the sport he devoted his life to, despite being past his prime in the traditional sporting sense.
Keith White from Washington started playing basketball competitively aged 18, turning pro just five years later with Newcastle. And although he played at a high level for many years, he never accomplished the honour of playing for his country on a European or World stage.
He hung up his playing shoes when he turned 50, but now aged 62, Keith has returned to the sport that he admires so much with hopes of making his dreams come true – by taking to the courts with GB this summer.
Telling his story, Keith said: “I started playing basketball at the young age of 18. I progressed through various leagues and teams, playing at a high level for many years. I managed to gain a place on the Newcastle team by the age of 23 and played in the National league but never did get the opportunity to represent Great Britain on the international stage.
“I continued to play until I reached my early 50s and then retired.”
But just three years ago, Keith decided to get back into the swing of things with his friends – launching an over 40s club at the Newcastle Eagles’ Vertu Motors Arena, Scotswood Rd. In his endeavours, he also hoped to get people of his age more active.
He added: “About three years ago, at the age of 59, I decided to return to the sport when a friend of mine had the idea of starting a club for players of an older age group.
“I’m not going to lie; I found it very tough-going initially, but with the help of some walking basketball sessions and a lot of determination, fitness levels started to rise, and my passion for the sport returned.”
He continued: “It’s massively important just to get people active again – especially after the pandemic when it was very difficult to do any sort of exercise at all to be honest.
“I think just to try to get people active and more fit than what they are is a huge thing really. It’s a bonus to be competitive with some sport as well, that’s part of the reason as to why we set up the club...you don’t necessarily have to be a good player to come along and join in you know?”
It was during this set-up period before Coronavirus struck that he saw an advertisement from The Federation of Masters Basketball Association, calling upon players over 60 to represent Great Britain for the European championships. At the time the tournament itself was set to take place in Spain in 2020.
He jumped at the chance, heading along to a trial in Manchester. Much to his rejoice, Keith was successful in being selected for the final team.
“When people are younger they always aspire to represent Great Britain at anything, but when you get to my age you think that time is actually gone,” Keith added.
“Then you discover that there are opportunities to still be able to do that, with the over 60s team which I’m representing. There are other age groups as well because they start from over 35. It’ll be a massive thing really because you never know how long you’re going to be able to continue playing at that sort of age. It’s a very rare opportunity I think.”
However, the coronavirus pandemic soon after put a halt to his aspirations
temporarily, as the tournament was postponed along with many other sporting competitions and events across the globe.
It has now been revealed that the championships will take place this summer, in Malaga, Spain, after coronavirus regulations and restrictions have lifted, allowing sporting events and travel to somewhat return to normal. And although the pandemic seems to be dissipating, a different blockade altogether now stands in Keith’s way.
After a change of careers, and now only working part time, the once affordable cost required to be able to chase his dreams has subsequently became a little more unrealistic. He said: “First, everything has to be selffunded. National Training weekends, GB Kit, entry fees, flights, and accommodation add up to a hefty sum. Initially, meeting these costs was not a problem.
“Still, due to a recent change in employment status, I am asking for some financial help to achieve this goal of representing GB at the European Championships in June 2022.”
Keith has taken to Gofundme in search of generous donations from the general public to help get him to Malaga this summer and finally play out his dreams. Thus far, he has raised £230 of his £1,000 goal – but hopes to continue to raise funding through selfless local spirit and support.