The Leicester Riders Foundation delivered another hugely successful community event over the Easter break, hosting a three-day basketball camp that completely sold out and left a lasting impression on all who attended.
A key highlight of this year’s camp was the delivery of the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme, run by the Leicester Riders Foundation in partnership with the Department for Education and Leicester City Council. Through this initiative, the club provided free camp places and nutritious meals across all three days to young participants who receive free school meals, ensuring greater accessibility and supporting families within the local community.
Credit: Leicester Riders Foundation | Nathan Green
Held at the Mattioli Arena home of the Leicester Riders Basketball Club, the camp welcomed young players of all abilities, offering an exciting mix of skill development, competitive games, and expert coaching. From the opening session to the final whistle, the energy on the court was electric, with participants fully engaged and eager to improve.
Damon Taylor, Leicester Riders Foundation Head of Participation, praised the importance of the programme, saying:
“The HAF programme is a vital part of what we do as a Foundation. It allows us to remove barriers to participation, ensuring young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity can access high-quality coaching, stay active, and receive healthy meals during the school holidays. Seeing the impact it has both on and off the court is incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.”
Credit: Leicester Riders Foundation: Nathan Green
Across the three days, players worked on key fundamentals including shooting, ball handling, footwork, and defensive positioning. Coaches created a positive and inclusive environment, ensuring everyone from beginners to more advanced athletes felt challenged and supported.
The sold-out nature of the camp highlights the growing popularity of basketball in the region and the strong reputation the Riders have built through their community programmes. Parents and players alike praised the organisation, coaching quality, and overall experience.
Beyond the drills and games, the camp also focused on teamwork, confidence, and enjoyment core values that the Riders continue to promote throughout their development pathway.
With another successful Easter camp in the books, the Leicester Riders have once again demonstrated their commitment to growing the game at grassroots level, while making a meaningful impact through initiatives like HAF leaving many young players already looking forward to the next opportunity to get back on court.
