5 On It Foundation, with the help of funding from the National Lottery and Turners Court, are excited to be running a FREE basketball coaching programme at the Eaglestone outdoor basketball court starting next Thursday 5th August that’s specifically aimed at encouraging young people to stay away from gangs.
Headed up by London Lions Legends Nigel Lloyd and Jordan Spencer, this positive anti-gang basketball initiative will help 5 On It Foundation spread the programme of ‘Gang Today, Gone Tomorrow’ and ‘Lives, Not Knives’ which uses basketball to create opportunities for young people. From beginners to experienced ballers, all levels are welcome.
At least 10 ‘postcode’ gangs – made up of members from the same postcode area, or ‘territory’ – operate in Milton Keynes, with children as young as 13 groomed into carrying knives and ferrying around drugs to sell to addicts.
In just two years alone, knife crime in the town has soared by a staggering 90 per cent – a higher rise than in Lawless London – with five fatal stabbings in the year before lockdown.
Starting on Thursday 5th August 4pm, budding ballers aged 13 – 18 years are invited to join Nigel and Jordan for 4 weeks of basketball coaching, prizes, 3 on 3 and lots of fun! The sessions run every Thursday 4 – 7pm until 26th August. All standards of play welcome.
• 4pm – 5pm : 13-15 year old boys
• 5pm – 6pm : 16-19 year old boys
• 6pm – 7pm : 13-19 year old girls
Jordan, the six-foot two-inch point guard, is a product of the London Lions’ development system right from its days in Milton Keynes. The Lions pathway took him to the University of Augustana in the USA where he won the Division 2 NCAA National Title and was voted All Conference First Team in 2017 and 2018, whilst leading the Conference in assists. His professional playing career has taken him to Germany and he currently is back playing with his beloved Lions and is training hard for next season where they play in the British Basketball League and the Basketball Champions League in Europe.
Jordan is looking forward to heading up the Gang Today, Gone Tomorrow programme and said:
“I grew up in Milton Keynes and playing basketball with the MK Lions as a teen, really set me up on the right path. Basketball has brought me lots ofopportunities and allowed me to study in the States and travel the world. I’m really excited to give back to the community and work on a programme that gives young people opportunities, offers diversion and safety and is free so anyone can attend no matter of their financial situation. It’s going to be a lot of fun and I can’t wait to see the talent in MK.”
Nigel’s playing career includes securing Barbados a pair of regional titles as their starting point guard. He also played professionally for 6 BBL clubs including Birmingham Bullets and London Lions.
Research has shown numerous benefits to exposing youth to positive role models and nurturing prosocial relationships whilst teaching life skills through team sports. It has been proven that this can lead to meaningful reappraisals among vulnerable youth. 5 On It Foundation is proud to deliver a programme this summer that is part of a multi-approach toolkit addressing youth gang involvement and violence.
Places are limited and spots have to be booked to play!
For further information and to book, go to http://5onit.co.uk/free-summer-basketball/.
-ENDS-
For press information, please contact Debbie Sidwell – admin@5onit.co.uk/07754341558
Website: www.5onit.co.uk
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