A WOMAN is calling for a basketball court to be set up in a Worcester park.

Kirsten Reeves has launched a petition to create a basketball court in Cripplegate Park due to the lack of facilities in Worcester.

Mrs Reeves said: “The response to the petition has been amazing so far and I am overwhelmed by the support and offers of help that I have already received from our community and beyond. Basketball is a sport that appeals to the masses, not the few and is a fantastic way of engaging youngsters from all backgrounds in sport.

“Unfortunately, however there is not a decent, full outdoor court in the city for them to practice on and we are currently having to travel to Malvern, which for some people may not be possible. This is what drove me to start the petition and Cripplegate Park seemed like the obvious location for the court as it is so central and also very close to the bus station.”

READ MORE:

Worcester children’s home closed by Ofsted after one child went missing and another broke out

Mini 'aquaplaned' into stationary car on M5

Mrs Reeves’ son has played for the Worcester Wolves Academy since he was 10.

She said: “The Wolves Academy are very keen to get involved with this project and are passionate about promoting more opportunities for grass roots basketball within the city. They would see a new outdoor court as a great opportunity to reach more youngsters within our community, offering coaching and 3x3 competitions which could also potentially attract basketball teams from other parts of the country to Worcester.”

Worcester Wolves Academy head coach, Jon Miller said: “Basketball in the city of Worcester is huge. We have over a thousand children and young people from a range of ethnicities participating in Worcester Wolves Academy run sessions each week.

“With the addition of this amazing outdoor facility not only will new potential players be able to access the facilities, but it will also give the wider communities chance to use the space for health and well-being activities.”

Sam Lewis, from Basketball England, said: “At Basketball England, we wholly support the creation of new spaces to be able to play basketball around the country. At a time where people are craving sport and exercise to positively impact their physical and mental health, it is great to see the potential development of an accessible court for all to use in the heart of the city.”

Mrs Reeves will be meeting Worcester councillors, the Wolves Academy and a representative from Basketball England on June 24 to discuss how the plan can move forward. To sign the petition, which so far has 327 signatures, go here.