Burgess Park gets a swish new basketball court

A new basketball court will open soon in Burgess Park with accessible facilities so anyone can play.

The court includes ‘top-of-the-range’ flex rims, acrylic backboards, a nice surface with a vibrant design and seating to encourage the space to become a gathering spot for the community.

Sport inclusion charity, Access Sport supported the installation of the court to empower local disadvantaged and disabled young people through basketball.

In the coming months, a brand-new inclusive basketball club will start there – Burgess Park Basketball Club. It is hoped this will encourage underserved young people in the area to get active.

The court is not open to the public yet but Access Sport is starting to run sessions and build the community club.

Ahead of the opening of the court, there was a community event organised with London Youth on Tuesday 13 August, with dunk competitions and wheelchair basketball taster sessions.

Team GB Basketball and London Lions player, Shanice Beckford Norton joined 140 youngsters at the court on the day.

The professional athlete commented: “In certain areas of London and around the UK, it can be difficult for young people to find positive outlets outside school hours/term time.

“Outdoor sports facilities allow young people to engage in their community, foster new relationships, and generate a sense of belonging.

“Growing up as a basketball player in East London, we took pride in our local courts, inviting friends to play each weekend or after school. A court becomes a home that you can share with the people you’d go 5-on-5 with.”

Access Sport has also worked with the NBA and Basketball England to provide the club with equipment.

They will also recruit and train local volunteers to run regular sessions and support the community long term.

Southwark Council’s development of Burgess Park’s Sports Centre hub includes a new sports centre, two new 3G pitches and a new basketball Court.

The council owns and manages the site, but is working with Access Sport and key programme partners Basketball England and Hoopsfix Foundation to enhance the facility. 

This project is part of a wider collaboration between Access Sport and the London Marathon Foundation which will see £1.6 million invested into inclusive basketball and cycling activities across London. 

The partnership aims to make inclusion the norm in community sports by training volunteers, activating new facilities and supporting clubs to run inclusive offers.

The court will open to the public ‘soon’ although there is no set date yet.

For more information on Access Sport’s programmes, click here.