Northamptonshire Community Foundation community hero of the week
Rose of the Shires Girls Basketball League provides opportunities for girls to take part in basketball, develop their skills and enjoy competitive sport in a supportive environment. Its local league for under 11 and under 13 girls offers beginner players the chance to learn the game, build confidence and develop friendships.
A £2,000 grant from the Constance Travis Endowment Fund for Northamptonshire, awarded via Northamptonshire Community Foundation, has supported the league and its wider development opportunities. Alongside playing opportunities for younger girls, the project helps under 17s gain coaching and officiating experience, developing their leadership skills and encouraging more young women to take on roles within the sport.
The league has helped players develop their basketball skills, teamwork and self-belief, while providing opportunities for young volunteers to build their experience. One young volunteer has progressed from assistant coach to head coach of a junior team and is working towards Level 2 qualifications in refereeing and table officiating. The experience has also helped her secure paid coaching work with a local basketball foundation, giving her a pathway into a career in sport.
By supporting girls to participate, coach and officiate, Rose of the Shires Girls Basketball League is helping create more opportunities for women and girls in basketball. Its work is developing skills and confidence both on and off the court, while encouraging more young people to stay involved in the sport.
Northamptonshire Community Foundation is the county’s largest independent grant maker, having given more than £25 million in grants since its inception in 2001. This year marks an exciting milestone for NCF – 25 years of inspiring local giving for local needs. Building on this, NCF is also looking 25 years ahead, with bold ambition for a fairer, thriving and more connected county for generations to come. Their latest Impact Report is ready to read here.