Delivery of weekly basketball sessions to targeted members of the community (women and children in and around Margate) who are under represented in sport. We are a female-managed and led group with national governing body qualified female coaches who are skilled at creating a supportive and safe environment for women and children within socioeconomically deprived areas (Thanet and inner city London) Our weekly sessions and competitive team will serves as a platform to empower women and children through sport, leadership development, and community involvement. Our sessions will build confidence, life skills, and future opportunities for the players/members.

What we'll deliver:

• 6 hours of high quality basketball delivery per week in Margate from November to May
• Purchase equipment for sessions and competitive team
• Upskill 10 women from Thanet in gaining national governing body leadership qualifications
• Introduce children from 8-16yrs to basketball in school with 240 hours of delivery

Why it's a great idea:

1. Physical Health and Fitness: Regular basketball sessions will encourage women and children to stay physically active, improving cardiovascular health, strength, and overall fitness. Tackles Childhood Obesity. Mental Health Benefits: Physical activity releases endorphins, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, particularly important for residents facing socioeconomic hardship. 2. Confidence and Personal Development: Boosts Self-Esteem: For both women and children, learning new skills and achieving goals in basketball will build self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. 3. Social Cohesion and Community Building: Building Friendships: The club will provide a space for women and children to connect, form friendships, and create a strong support network. Engaging the Community: foster a sense of unity and pride in the area, bringing residents together. Inclusive Environment: The club can be a safe, inclusive space where women and children from diverse backgrounds can feel welcome

Steps to get it done:

• Secure use of an indoor basketball court for reguler 'community' delivery to take place 4-6 hours per week
• Get into 4 local secondary schools to deliver specifically to teenage girls
• Get into 4 local primary schools to deliver weekly sessions to children from ages 8-12
• Order equipment for our Jr's weekly sessions to run, our in school delivery (balls, bibs, cones..).
• Get 10 female members of the club accredited with recognised qualifications in: coaching/ officiating basketball.

4. Empowerment for Women: Challenging Gender Norms: A female-managed and led club shows the community that women can excel in leadership roles in sports, a traditionally male-dominated field. This can inspire women and girls to pursue leadership positions in other areas of life. 5. Educational and Career Pathways: For older girls and women, the basketball club could serve as a pathway to careers in sports, coaching, or health and fitness, providing valuable work experience and connections. 6. Crime Reduction and Youth Engagement: Providing Positive Outlets: For young people, particularly those in socioeconomically deprived areas, sports can offer a constructive way to spend their time, reducing the risk of involvement in antisocial behavior or crime. Building Discipline and Structure: Being part of a basketball club teaches discipline, goal-setting, and accountability, which can have lasting positive effects on young participants.