SPORTING Pathways Scotland CIC launched their first community development basketball club at Kilwinning Academy on January 31.

The Kilwinning Community Development Club is open to boys and girls from five to 12 years old (4-5pm), under 8s, 5-6pm. Under 12s and an under 18s session coming soon). All are welcome from beginners to potential superstars. Forty pupils from seven local Primary Schools showed up on the first night.

Sporting Pathways Scotland CIC was founded and is directed by former professional basketball player CEO Graham Hunter.

The aim of the club is to have fun, increase confidence, increase physical fitness, meet new friends and learn basketball skills and techniques. Sporting Pathways Scotland CIC received vital core funding from the Scottish Physical Recreation Fund which gave the right boost to make this all happen. Successful funding from Scotland Unltd also helped lay vital start up building blocks.

Sporting Pathways Scotland CIC has been working in partnership with North Ayrshire Council’s Active Schools delivering school basketball taster session over January where they worked with 1,057 school pupils from Whitehirst Primary, Blacklands Primary, Pennyburn Primary, Corsehill Primary and Abbey Primary School. The feedback has been very positive, and the club may be very busy on its launch.

“Great Session the kids loved it. They were encouraged and supported in a friendly and enthusiastic fun way.”

“Great input, also gave me some inspiration! Absolutely excellent way to promote healthy living and exercise."

That was some of the feedback teachers received following the launch of the project.

The club will also be looking to recruit volunteers aged 16-24 years for their upcoming Volunteer Pathway which allows volunteers to access work experience, improve their skills and confidence and the opportunity to gain recognised qualification’s.

The club will launch will also receive support through KA Leisure’s Active Kilwinning sports hub.

Sporting Pathways Scotland CIC CEO Graham Hunter, said: “This club is an ideal to place for children and young people to become engaged in a very positive, uplifting inclusive basketball community club.

“I have coached some incredible children at the local schools this month, I was very impressed at their level of play and their positive attitudes, I hope to see many of them attend the club.”

“Whether you just want to have some fun, hang out with friends or make new friends or become Scotland’s next big star, this is an ideal starting place. Everyone is welcome!”

“I really appreciate the Active Schools team and KA Leisure’s input as they have been really helpful getting started.”

KA Leisure’s Senior of Community Sports Scott Morrison said: “We are delighted to see a new sport and club launch within the area.”

“Graham has fantastic plans to set up a long-term Pathway of basketball for all ages, and we look forward to supporting them through its development.”

To find out more information about Sporting Pathways Scotland CIC and the projects which they run please visit www.sportingpathwaysscotland.com

If you would like to follow the group on Facebook, twitter, Instagram or snapchat all their accounts are named @sportingpaths