To mark the end of Black History Month, I am calling on the sector to address the funding gap in basketball and create a more equitable playing field.

This year’s Black History Month theme is “Reclaiming Narratives”, which marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture.

To mark Black History Month 2024, Jay Kinyera, Basketball Development Manager, reflects on the impact basketball can have on Black communities and how the sector needs to prioritise this life-changing sport.

Article by Jay Kinyera, Basketball Development Manager

Whether it’s through the rhythm of hip-hop, the swagger of streetball or the sense of community fostered within the game, British basketball has a distinct and rich identity - an identity strongly connected with Black communities.  

Growing up in Hackney, basketball was a constant force for good that had the power to unite my community. Whether you aspired to be in the National Basketball Association (NBA) or just used the court to socialise, there were always ballers who understood and valued you. Basketball provided me with a sense of familiarity - it was always comforting to see yourself in the faces of your fellow players.

The importance of basketball hasn’t changed for me over the years. As a Basketball Development Manager at Access Sport, I now work alongside my colleagues to spread the game I love to more young people and see first-hand how impactful the game can be.

Our biggest achievement so far has been activating the new basketball facility in Burgess Park and establishing Burgess Park Basketball Club, an inclusive club that offers free and accessible activities for the local community. In less than 3 months since launching our activities, more than 375 young people have participated in activities at the court, 81% being from ethnically diverse backgrounds. A huge thanks to the London Marathon Foundation who provided the much-needed funding.

However, there are systemic issues in basketball. Often surrounded by a narrative that uses terms like "urban" or "street", basketball has consistently failed to access the same level of funding and support as other more traditional sports, like rugby and cricket. These sports have historically enjoyed significant status and investment, often tied to their being perceived as national sports.

There are decaying and underutilised basketball courts across the country, many of which are located in our most underserved communities. These courts are rarely activated or linked to local clubs and more often than not there are no regular inclusive community sessions. Young people are missing out on playing this amazing sport.

The lack of investment is evident in the limited number of indoor and outdoor basketball courts, particularly in disadvantaged areas where the sport thrives. This lack of facilities creates a barrier to entry for many aspiring athletes, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds who are disproportionately represented within the Black community. 

To mark the end of Black History Month, I am calling on the sector to address the funding gap and create a more equitable playing field. Together we need to reclaim the narrative around basketball and unlock the full potential of the sport.   

By investing in high-quality basketball facilities and giving communities ownership of these spaces, we can ensure the long term growth of the sport and inspire the next generation of Black British ballers.

A big thank you to all the partners I’m currently working with! You are at the forefront of growing this sport and changing thousands of lives.

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 >