In sports-mad New Zealand, playing sport from a young age is something we often take for granted. However, many tamariki are missing out. Whether it’s time, cost, lack of facilities, or no support, many children face barriers to participation.
Auckland Basketball Services (ABS) is doing something about it with an innovative programme that takes basketball into the heart of local communities. CEO Claire Hamilton says that sport is widely acknowledged as a fantastic tool for improving participants’ physical and mental health. ‘However, families nowadays face several obstacles to participation that get in the way of children accessing sport regularly,’ she advises.
Working in partnership with Waitakere-West Auckland Basketball Inc., ABS has put in place new community programmes to provide more opportunities for young Westies keen to play. One of the key features is flexibility. For example, taking portable hoops into indoor or outdoor spaces where youngsters are already playing ensures that no community is left out. ‘The portable hoops give us the flexibility to go into any community space and provide coaching to develop players’ skills,’ says Claire.
The programme also takes the sport to outdoor basketball courts in parks across The West. ‘This means we can raise awareness of these park spaces, which allow rangatahi to play at no cost,’ advises Claire. Aligned to the Waitakere-West Auckland Basketball Association, ABS is also working with the Synergy Indoor Sports Centre and affiliated clubs, the Trusts Arena and Massey YMCA, to run new leagues, holiday programmes, club delivery and competitions for all ages and abilities.
Another exciting aspect of the programme is the planned fun school tournament during term three. This tournament is designed to give primary and intermediate school kids a taste of competition and experience the thrill of playing basketball. The initiative also has a special focus on getting more girls involved in basketball. ‘Pathways like our Hoops Wahine Club will support more girls in basketball from the beginner right up to junior rep level,’ Claire reports. Likewise, Māori and Pasifika basketballers will receive dedicated support by taking the sport into their local community spaces.
This exciting programme is being rolled out across The West in the coming months, thanks to $20,000 from the Your West Support Fund. Claire says that with this vital funding boost, many more young West Aucklanders can experience the benefits of playing sport regularly.
More information is available on the Auckland Basketball Services website, or follow the organisation on Facebook for the latest updates.
