Beccles Bombers Basketball expands youth facility

Published:
08:09 1 October 2022

More young people in the Beccles area are getting a chance to get into basketball thanks to the expansion of a well-established team.

The Beccles Bombers, which were founded more than 20 years ago, have just launched new collective sessions for under-11s, under-13s to under-15s and under-18s.

The club has also registered an under-12 side in a local league, designed as a stepping stone to competition in the domestic league.

Matt Wakefield, head coach, said he was delighted the club was able to bring basketball to an ever-growing number of young people.

Mr. Wakefield said: “The expansion over the last 12 months has been incredible.

“We had the opportunity to provide basketball to a wide range of young people in the Beccles area and see them enjoying the game and having fun.

“I look forward to the continued development of the players, in local competitions, and of the club as a whole this coming season.

“We now have an excellent basis to move forward and complete the Basketball England Junior National League in the near future.”

Although based in Suffolk, the club competes in the Norfolk Basketball League.

Over the years, the club has played an influential role in helping players and coaches succeed on and off the pitch.

These include several national league players and two junior national team coaches, one of whom is now a professional coach.

The expansion of the club’s youth offering has led to the purchase of additional equipment and playing kits.

With the help and support of the Beccles Townlands Charity, the club were able to pay coaches to qualify and also outfitted their youth teams with kits.

Beccles resident Tracy Davey, mother of one of the players, went on a sponsored skydive to raise money for the club.

Beccles Bombers play and train at Beccles Sports Centre, Ringsfield Road, Beccles, NR34 9PF.