The championships will see them face tough competition from six European Police teams all fighting for the coveted title.

The squad is represented by police officers and police staff from several different police forces throughout England and Scotland. The weekend training sessions are a really important weekend in preparing for the Championships. The sessions give the coaches opportunity to look at selecting the best team to face the European opposition, a chance for the team to develop skills, fitness and gameplay.

It's where it starts

 

 

 

Community Engagement

Girls from YBL (Youth Basketball League C.I.C) and Basketball England ‘Aspire' Programme were invited to a two hour training session run by the GB coaches, firstly the girls were put through a rigorous warm up and stretching session run by new Head Physio Laura. The team wanted the girls to understand the importance of getting yourself both physically and mentally ready for training and games.

Girls need positive role models, and the session allowed them to see that Policing as an employer gives opportunities to continue to participate in sport at a high level. They also spoke with the GB players about the pathways they had taken through education into employment still playing basketball.

Next the girls were put through their paces by Sally and her assistant coach Sarah, before the GB women joined them and they were all put through their paces.

This was not only an opportunity to learn new skills and drills but it was also a fun way for them all to interact.

It was great to see the team working with the visiting junior players, it was evident that they all enjoyed the session which worked on fundamental skills, shooting and gameplay

The session was a huge success with the GB Management Team getting feedback and comments from the junior girls that “it had been a great session”, “the police were really nice”, “it was a once in a lifetime experience”, “when can we do it again” and “thank you for letting us train with you”.

The event was also attended by Police Community Support Officers from Warwickshire Police who also spoke with the girls and their parents offering advice and crime prevention leaflets as well as reflective back pack strap covers for the approaching dark nights.

Some of the girls took the opportunity to stay a little longer and be involved in a scrimmage game.

In whole the session was a great success, allowing young girls currently playing to see that there is a pathway from playing basketball at school, in local league, national league, Apsire, college, university and employment. Policing recognises the importance of the mental and physical wellbeing of its staff and supports their involvement in sport to achieve this.

Sally Bunyard-Spiers said "both Sarah and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work with the junior girls. It is so important to encourage young girls to be active in sport, not only for their health and wellbeing, but also to have an opportunity to represent their country at the highest level". In whole the session was a great success, allowing young girls currently playing to see that there is a pathway from playing basketball at school, in local league, national league, Apsire, college, university and employment. Policing recognises the importance of the mental and physical wellbeing of its staff and supports their involvement in sport to achieve this.