Basketball coach calls for community to show support after Northampton player suffers injury while playing for Great Britain

Athena Thompson was picked as part of the Under 18s Women’s National Team, which has seen her spend the season playing at the prestigious Blair Academy basketball school in New Jersey.

The lead scorer for Britain is currently in Romania playing in the European Championships, but suffered a blow after dislocating her shoulder.

The injury took place during England’s match against Greece at the end of last week, with Athena failing to come out during the second half because of the injury.

It comes after supporters set up a fundraising page to help cover travel, training and international competition costs.

But Northampton Basketball Club chair Martin Spencer is calling on locals to still throw their support behind the 18-year-old, by donating to help fund her expenses in America or as part of the Great British team.

So far some £1,400 towards the £1,600 total has been raised.

He said: “Athena had a setback at the European Championships after dislocating her shoulder.

“After a stellar season playing in the USA at Blair Academy and leading Great Britain in scoring, Athena is one of the brightest future stars of British basketball and we are rallying the community to get behind her.”

Athena first began playing basketball age eight at Northampton Basketball Club.

As she got older she started to play at a higher level, playing for clubs including Daventry Swifts and Milton Keynes Breakers.

Martin is aiming to raise £1,600 to support the basketballer, which he says will mean even more following her injury.

He added: “Athena will be so disappointed following her injury. Let’s lift her spirits by raising even more funds to support her travel costs, elite training and international competition costs.

“Please consider donating or even sharing her story to rally more support.”

Click here to donate.