Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 6 December 2020

A NUNEATON-based basketball team named the Nuneaton Predators have successfully received their new Council-funded small basketball hoops which have helped their younger players to practice their skills and play matches.

The local basketball club applied through a ‘Group Audit’ – a short online inventory that local sports clubs and groups can use to let the Council know what support they will need as an organisation.

They applied so that they could get the funds to purchase smaller hoops to help their younger players aged from under-11, under-13, under-15, and under-17.

The Predators were successful in receiving the necessary funds from the Council’s ‘Active Grants’ scheme so that they can purchase the equipment.

The Head Basketball Coach for the Nuneaton Predators issued a statement on how the new hoops have helped the group.

Lloyd Taylor, Head Basketball Coach for Nuneaton Predators, said: “We’re very grateful to have received funding from the Active Grants scheme.

“Smaller hoops are essential so they can be altered from 10ft to 8ft for younger U11s players.

“The U11’s are loving having these higher quality ones attached to the walls instead of the flimsy portable ones, and we as coaches are loving saving the 30 minutes before and after the session setting up and packing down portable baskets.

“Receiving the grant allows us to offer the same high-quality sessions to our younger players as we do to our older age groups. More time for playing and coaching!”.

Councillor Ian Lloyd, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Arts and Leisure, said: “It is great to see how successful schemes such as the Club Audit and the Active Grants Scheme can have such a meaningful impact and legacy on our local sports clubs and the lives of young people in the Borough”.

The link for local sports clubs and groups to apply through to the Audit can be found here, as the Active for Life Team would like to hear from as many clubs and groups as possible.