On 13 August, Access Sport organised a community day at Burgess Park Basketball Court in Camberwell.

It was an amazing day filled with energy, excitement and a true sense of togetherness.

With over 80 young people and their families attending, it was inspirational to see this new basketball community begin to thrive. We are confident that this court will provide local young people with a space where they feel safe, welcome and appreciated for years to come!

With the court opening soon, the community day was planned in collaboration with London Youth and featured: 

• A meet and greet with London Lions and Team GB Basketball player – Shanice Beckford Norton 

• Demonstrations, dunk competitions and coaching sessions 

• Wheelchair basketball taster sessions 

• Prize giveaways from BounceWear, Half Decent Day and Basketball England. 

Over the last six months, we have supported the development of this court to empower local disadvantaged and disabled young people through basketball. The court design was created following a series of community consultations we organised alongside the basketball brand, Half Decent Day.

The logo was created with a nod to Burgess Park’s nature and history and looks to give the community a sense of ownership over the facility. 

Sam Sure, Half Decent Day, said:  

“Basketball courts built to this level of specification, with branding unique to the area promote local pride and ownership. Burgess Park has so many neighbourhoods close by in need of high-quality, free-access facilities. This incredible project will make a massive impact on the local area, creating a space that encourages unity and togetherness through sport.”  

Toby Wilkinson, Basketball Court Activation Officer at Basketball England, said: 

"It is a privilege for us to partner with Access Sport, who share our vision of creating more safe and accessible places to play basketball, especially for disabled and disadvantaged young people.” 

Kelly Dummer, Head of Programmes at London Youth, said:

“London Youth is delighted to be a key partner in this exciting event. All young people need and deserve accessible and inclusive sporting opportunities; well beyond this event, Burgess Park Basketball Club will continue to provide this for those that need it most.”

Shanice Beckford Norton’s appearance was also greeted with lots of excitement and she was happy to take pictures with all the young people who came down. Shanice also ran a clinic before the event specifically focussing on engaging local women and girls.

Shanice Beckford Norton, London Lions and Team GB Basketball player, said: 

“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.” 

Following this event, we will work with local volunteers to start a new inclusive community basketball club based at the court - Burgess Park Basket Club. We will recruit and train local volunteers to run regular sessions and give long-term support to the community, encouraging underserved young people in the area to get active through basketball. 

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.

Nick Bitel, London Marathon Group CEO said:  

“The London Marathon Foundation is delighted to support the development of the Burgess Park Basketball Club. This inclusive and community-focused club is just one part of our wider collaboration with Access Sport. By working with Access Sport, we’re able to reach the communities and people who will most benefit from the transformative effects of sport.” 

Helen Rowbotham, Access Sport, CEO, said: 

"Thank you to all the partners involved in this process, without your support this terrific court wouldn’t exist. We hope this court quickly becomes a thriving basketball community that provides local young people with a real sense of community and belonging.”

Thank you to our partners who helped make our vision come to life. Your support and dedication were key to this project’s success. We look forward to future collaborations. 

For updates on Burgess Park Basketball Club, please click the link below: 

Burgess Park Basketball Club > 

For more information on our Changing Sports Basketball work, please click the link below:

Changing Sports Basketball >