A unique initiative between a professional basketball team in Guildford and South West Trains hopes to promote a more responsible, community-spirited and healthy generation of youngsters
Open any newspaper these days and there will inevitably be a story bemoaning the lifestyle of young people in Britain. More often than not it will be about the increase in obesity, sedentary behaviour and binge drinking or other anti-social behaviour.
It is widely acknowledged that one of the keys to reversing this trend is education. That’s why South West Trains has teamed up with Guildford Heat, one of the country’s top professional basketball teams, to launch an exciting schools’ initiative called Dunk the Junk.
Eight secondary schools across Surrey will be participating in the programme. “We’ll be holding workshops that deal with the problems of anti-social behaviour, such as vandalism and alcohol or solvent abuse, and encourage the kids to be more socially responsible,” says Paul James, coach and general manager of Guildford Heat. “We’ll also be highlighting the benefits of having a balanced diet and taking up a sport, such as basketball. “Some people look at Surrey and see an affluent area and think that it couldn’t possibly have social problems, but it has. We’re pleased that South West Trains has partnered us in running this community programme, which we hope will influence at least a few youngsters to start thinking about the consequences of their actions and perhaps change their ways.”
Guildford Heat is in its second season of the British Basketball League, the sport’s highest level competition and fought over seven months. Many of the team’s players come from overseas, particularly the USA and Canada. As part of Dunk the Junk, schoolchildren will have a chance to meet some of the team’s star players, including Chad McKnight, Brian Dux, Chris Brown, Mike Martin and Daniel Gilbert. “I see my players as real role models for kids because they have done something really positive with their lives,” explains Paul. “That’s why they’ll be visiting the schools with me, showing off their skills and hopefully inspiring some of the children to give basketball a go too.”
After the initial Dunk the Junk workshop, Paul and his Guildford Heat players will return to each of the schools to give four basketball sessions. The participating school teams will then play each other in a tournament, with the two finalists competing in front of a crowd of up to 1,300 people at Guildford Heat’s home, the Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex. “I think the prospect of playing in front of our fans will spur the kids on,” adds Paul.
South West Trains, which has given £12,000 to Dunk the Junk, is happy to be supporting such a worthwhile project. “I’m delighted that we are able to help Guildford Heat get out into the community and not only educate youngsters but help them have fun and keep fit,” says Stewart Palmer, Managing Director, South West Trains. “Who knows? Together we may even find one of the basketball stars of the future.”
Paul James is equally enthusiastic. “This initiative will not only enable more young people to experience basketball, which hopefully they will want to continue playing, but also promote healthy living and social responsibility.”
The children who wish to continue to play basketball will be able to join the Heat Academy, the development and training division of Guildford Heat.
Further information
Guildford Heat Basketball Club Limited, Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex, The Parkway, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1UP. Telephone 01483 454005; email info@guildfordheat.com; or visit www.guildfordheat.com.
Guildford Heat plays its home games at Guildford Spectrum (see details above). Box office 01483 443333.
Fun and games in farnham
Residents of The Chantrys in Farnham are enjoying a new leisure and recreational facility partly funded by South West Trains. We donated £5,000 towards the new multi-use games area, which will encourage local young people to get together to play sports, such as football, rather than take part in anti-social behaviour.
“I’m delighted that South West Trains has got involved and that youngsters from The Chantrys now have this superb sports facility,” says Matt Winnie, Group Station Manager for the Guildford area. “The area will provide an excellent and safe alternative to using the railway as a playground.”
