Category: Foundation

6 Academy games this weekend including a National Cup Quarter Final win for our U16 Girls Premier. Check out our coaches thoughts below.

U16 Girls Premier 83-50 Bristol Flyers – National Cup Quarter Final

“Solid 30+ point win in the end for the 16s prem girls in the cup quarter final. We had a bad 1st quarter which made it look like it was about to be a game. But then some honest words in between quarters saw them come out a different team, going on a 12-2 run inside about 45 seconds. Sticking to our system, trusting in the process. Onto the semi finals” – Coach Lewis.

U14 Boys Premier 88-63 St Helens Saints

“After a slow start and with poor offence and defence we found ourselves behind by 5 at half time. After talking to the players and going over what we need we had an amazing 3rd quarter scoring 40 points and giving us a 15 point lead. After that was just about slowing down the game and getting the best shot possible.” – Coach Ricardo.

U18 Men 79-62 Nottingham Hoods

“Really solid win on the road for our U18 Men team. On a day when not everything came perfect (3 points % were very low, we we possibly had too many turnovers), we managed to find our identity, made of hard defence and quick transition. The key was the energy throughout the game, keeping it high really helped us to lead from the beginning to the end. Congratulations to the boys and to Luke Heath (double double), Brad Mushambi and Noah (leading our transition), we had a solid impact on the game.” – Coach Pietro.

U16 Boys Conference 67-65 Doncaster Eagles

“U16 kept it close all the way, we just turned it up when needed. Great ball pressure gave us some much needed breaks in the game, the boys showed big hearts today.” – Coach Emo.

U16 Boys Premier 90-102 Derby Trailblazers

The Leicester Riders Foundation are delighted to be hosting a Primary Schools Tournament at the Morningside Arena on Wednesday 10th January prior to the Leicester Riders taking on the Manchester Giants later that evening.

“We are delighted to be able to provide the opportunity for both the schools we work with and new schools in the local area to be able to compete in the tournament and also experience a Riders Game day. This season our team have been working very hard out in schools across Leicestershire, we are looking forward to bringing everyone together to celebrate this hard work.” – Greg Ellis, Interim Head of Education & School Sport.

The Tournament will run throughout the afternoon with the final taking place on centre court during half time of the Riders game. This provides an excellent opportunity for the students to both experience a Riders game day and also put into practice what they have learnt whilst in the sessions we have delivered within their schools.

Schools can CLICK HERE to book their place or email [email protected] for more information.

8 of our Academy teams were in action this past weekend, check out our coaches thoughts on the action below.

U18 Men 77-64 Charnwood Riders

“U18 Conf beat Charnwood 77-64. We started slow in the first half (sometimes we tend to adapt to the teams we play, rather than imposing our game). The second half was better, defensively and on the break as Dominic and Noah really helped us on both end to take the lead and keep it to the end. We will take the win.” – Coach Pietro.

U16 Girls Premier 96-27 City of Birmingham Rockets

“U16s prem girls took a very convincing 96-27 win against COB. The penny is really starting to drop with this team, fixing the small details week by week. Strong full court press in our system for 3/4 quarters. Right attitudes throughout the entire game. Good game to take us into the quarter final next weekend.” – Coach Lewis.

U14 Boys Premier 85-36 City Of Leeds

“After our first the win the team was very excited to get back on court. With some solid defence and good transition offence we saw ourselves ahead from the start. Throughout the game we played great help defence allowing us to go on fastbreak. Overall great performance.” – Coach Ricardo.

U16 Boys Premier 62-88 Manchester Magic

U16 Boys Conference 113-25 Sheffield Sharks Yellow

U15 Boys 45-57 Shrewsbury Storm

“Disappointing 57-45 loss for the team. We played great defence for the first 3 quarters and was leading narrowly going into the 4th. In the 4th, we turned the ball over too much which lead to fast breaks for the opponents. We had a lot of positives to start the game, we need to improve our composure and take care of the ball better.” – Coach Damon.

U14 Boys Conference 41-54 Northamptonshire Titans

“I’m really proud of the lads, they worked really hard as a team and performed what we have been working on in training, help defense and learning to take charges. We got two charges and and should of had more, we just needs to work a little more on boxing out and it be a lot closer. It was the second quarter that killed us and only having 7 players.” – Coach Ady.

U12 Boys Red 29-71 Leicester Dynamite

We are delighted to launch our new partnership opportunities brochure showcasing the wide array of opportunities for your organisation to make a positive impact on the community with the Leicester Riders Foundation.

“I am really excited that we have launched our partnership brochure and the potential new opportunities that may come off the back of it. At the Leicester Riders Foundation we are extremely passionate about creating new partnerships within our local community to be able to increase our delivery and provide additional opportunities for young people to access basketball within the community.” – Laura Shephard, Leicester Riders Foundation General Manager.

CLICK HERE to read our Partnership Opportunities brochure.

For more information on our partnership opportunities or to get involved email [email protected].

This weekend saw 5 of our Academy teams in action, including a double header for our U16 Girls Premier who had both a league and cup fixture. Check out our coaches’ thoughts below.

U18 Men 76-83 Nottingham Wildcats

“It was a very close loss for the U18 men at Wildcats. The team played good fast basketball despite the big physical difference between the teams. We managed to fight back multiple times to nearly take the win but just fell short in the end.” – Coach Pietro.

U14 Boys Premier 90-72 City of Birmingham Rockets

“The boys really wanted to win so from the start we played very well on offence and limiting the amount of shots COB got. We led from the start to the end. The team played some great offence and defence allowing us to win the game.” – Coach Ricardo.

U16 Boys Premier 65-78 City Of Birmingham Rockets

U16 Girls Premier 87-24 Manchester Mystics II

U16 Girls Premier 59-51 Sheffield Hatters – Cup Fixture

“We played in an extremely tough environment to be playing in, and with Kyrah and Eliana fouling out, everybody else needed to step up and they did. We were Committed to the zone defence in the second half to slow down the scoring and see out the game.” – Coach Lewis.

It was another busy weekend of Academy fixtures with 9 of our teams in action. Check out our coaches thoughts below.

U14 Boys Premier 58-88 Manchester Magic

“After a slow start against a strong team. We found ourselves behind but the team in the second half played some great basketball on defence and on the fastbreak showing a lot of positives to take away from the game and to improve.” – Coach Ricardo.

U18 men 59-83 Leicester Dynamite

“U18 men lose to Dynamite in a well fought game. The difference was the very effective zone press and better energy shown by Dymanite in the first quarter, that built a deep lead for the home team. Riders did not give in and managed to get back into the game (-13 in the third) to then not find the energy to complete the come back. Harry Smith led the team with a good scoring and defensive performance.” – Coach Pietro.

U15 Boys 58-65 Birmingham Bears

U16 Boys Conference 69-71 Doncaster Eagles

U16 Boys Premier 71-67 Trafford Magic

U16 Girls Premier 54-56 Manchester Mystics

U16 Girls Conference 61-29 Leicester Warriors

“Another good win for the girls! We ran a great offence and adapted well to different defence styles that we have not come up against before. Despite having to overcome some adversity, the girls played very well!” – Coach Neve.

U12 Red 48-82 Sheffield Sharks

“A tough first game for us but it was a great learning experience for the team. It was wonderful to give 9 players their first experience at this level.” – Coach Greg.

U14 Boys Conference 26-69 Sheffield Sharks

Earlier this week we headed over to Whitehall Primary School to deliver an assembly on Black History Month for both their KS1 & KS2 students. The aim of the assembly was to educate, inspire and create discussion on Black History and how it has influenced who we are today as a community.

The assembly was led by our Inclusion Activator Myalls Martin who spoke to the students about his story, key figures who influenced him growing up and how black history has shaped the person he is today.  

“It was a liberating experience delivering the Black History Month assembly to Whitehall Primary. Black History is a subject that is close to my heart from a professional and personal stand point, so to be able to educate and inspire the students is something I am extremely proud of.” – Myalls Martin, Leicester Riders Foundation Inclusion Activator. 

“I just wanted to take this opportunity on behalf of Whitehall Primary School to say a huge thank you to Myalls for taking the Black History Assembly this afternoon. Myalls’s story, background, and messaging to the children was extremely powerful. Myalls was in his enthusiastic element and had a had an amazing impact on the students.” – Neal Ruparelia, PE Consultant at Whitehall Primary School. 

The students were engaged throughout the assembly and were encouraged to get involved, discussing black role models who have had an impact on their personal journey and highlighting the challenges that they have overcame to get to where they are today.

Here at the Leicester Riders Foundation we believe that it is important to share the stories of those who have inspired and impacted our lives and use these stories to educate the younger generation.

Check out what went on in our 8 Academy fixtures that took place on October 21st & 22nd.

U16 Boys Conference 61-50 Leicester Warriors

“Great to get a win against Warriors, every player stepped up in a game that challenged the lads to stay focused. Honourable mentions go to Rance for his offensive intensity getting to the basket, Denis closing out the game with 2 clutch steal and scores, along with our bigs Ramaan and Lucious for getting crucial And 1 baskets in the game.” – Coach Ryan.

U16 Girls Conference 56-44 Northants Lightning

“It was a great win to start the season for the u16s girls conf! We managed to run effective offence and be active on defence to create a lead that we held throughout the game. There is still lots to work on and perfect but it was a great start!” – Coach Neve.

U16 Boys Conference 63-62 Sheffield Elite II

“To come away with a gritty comeback win and chase the mistakes we made early on, was impressive to see. We were challenged by a tough Sheffield side, though to see the building spirit from the boys was credit to them. Flynn gets a shout out with his 3 to ice the game.” – Coach Ryan.

U15 Boys 38-59 Northants Thunder

“The game was a real tale of two halves. We struggled offensively in the first half, not taking advantage of some good defence we were playing. But in the second half, they switched on and implemented the adjustments really well. Lots to take away from it but happy with how we responded.” – Coach Damon.

U16 Girls Premier 58-86 Milton Keynes Breakers

“In a game full of controversy, the girls played well in what had the potential to be a very good game. We look to bounce back next week” – Coach Lewis.

U16 Boys Premier 50-86 Milton Keynes Breakers

“We came out on fire pushing Mk all the way showing much improvement from the last game. Despite the score line I am happy with the improvement within our team, we are going in the right direction.” – Coach Emo.

U18 Men 48-74 Leicester Warriors

“It was a bad day at the office for the young men, just struggled to find rhythm against a well drilled warriors team. The team are looking forward to getting back on the practice floor with Coach Pietro and look get back to winning ways in their next game.” – Coach Lewis.

U14 Boys 21-109 Derby Trailblazers

“A Well drilled all round Derby team caused us problems in transition. A positive to take away is that we didn’t give up and the 3/4 quarter we played better defence and offence, scoring 12 points in the fourth.” – Coach Ady.

This season the Leicester Riders Foundation is offering number of opportunities for you to get involved through our new volunteer programme.

Below are the roles available and you can apply for any of the roles below by CLICKING HERE.

Team Manager

The Role of a Team Manager is to Support the Head Coach with one of Junior National League Academy teams, take lead on communication between parents, kit washing and collecting and handing and making sure the team has all of the equipment they need for game day.

Community Sessions Assistant

This is an opportunity to shadow one of our coaches to learn the roles and responsibilities of a coach whilst supporting on data collection, registers and case studies.

Game Day Activator

Game Day Activators will support LRF staff on our Leicester Riders Game Day activation zone, helping to promote sessions and raise money for hardship fund via our shooting games. This is a great day to be a part of a Leicester Riders Game Day.

Game Day Manager Assistant

Game Day Manager Assistants will support our Junior National League Academy Game Days when we have numerous fixtures at the Morningside Arena. Game Day Manager Assistants will act as a welcome host to opposition and inform them of changing rooms, court timings and make sure that game day runs smoothly.

Table Officiating

Learning how to officiate the game of basketball and towards a qualification in the process.

Refereeing

Learning how to referee the game of basketball and towards a qualification in the process.

Coaching

Learning about all the aspects of being a basketball coach at community and academy levels shadowing and mentored by our qualified staff.

Statistician

Learning how to take stats for our Academy teams.

Team Leader

Certain projects that we run at the Leicester Riders Foundation need a youth worker to liaise with participants and staff so the role wouldd provide opportunities to learn about specific themes such as NCS or working with the Local Police and Home office.

Event support staff

Event Support Staff will engage with schools, communities and charities on various events to raise awareness of the foundation and its delivery sessions and projects.

Birthday Host

Be an integral part of our game day experience by being one of our birthday hosts and welcoming our birthday ballers into the Arena on game day. You will also be a liaison point for parents, guardians or group leaders ensuring that all aspects of their birthday package and game day experience are met.

Chuck A Duck

Chuck A Duck is a fan interaction game that takes place during the 3rd quarter of Leicester Riders games. In this role you will be responsible for selling the ducks and making sure that the activity runs smoothly.

Game Day Season Guide Seller

At Leicester Riders games you will be responsible for selling our Leicester Riders Season guides and game day team sheets.

Steward

Our game day Stewards will be on hand on Leicester Riders games to help fans find their seats and be on hand to help with anything they may need throughout the game.

Courtside Hospitality Host

Courtside hospitality hosts will greet our sponsors and help them to find their seats and that they have an enjoyable game day experience.

For any of the roles above working with children you will be required to go through and full reference check and have a DBS.

CLICK HERE to apply for any of the above roles.

The Leicester Riders Foundation offers a wide range of Education programmes from Primary School through to University provision. Our Education offering includes in school coaching, development days, mentoring programmes and much more.

🤩 @ManorHighPE on court @LeicesterArena for their Development Day ahead of @RidersBball v London Lions this evening. pic.twitter.com/MBEYodJRYG

— Leicester Riders Foundation (@RidersBF) March 3, 2023

CLICK HERE to read our 2023/24 Education Programmes booklet.

For more information or to book one of our schools programmes email [email protected].

A massive thank you to DF Precision Machinery Ltd for sponsoring our new playing kit and warm up tops for our Academy teams this season.

DF Precision Machinery Ltd’s sponsorship has meant that we have been able to provide new kit for all 13 of our teams ahead of the season getting underway this weekend, this would not have been possible without their generosity. The kit will be worn in all Academy fixtures up and down the county in both the National League and YBL competitions.

DF Precision Machinery Ltd’s provide specialist support High precision grinding machines in Sales, Applications and Customer Care. In addition to ensuring they build long term mutually rewarding partnerships with customers and suppliers they also want to give back to the community and the environment. 5% of profits are given to charities and good causes each year. CLICK HERE to visit DF Precision Machinery Ltd’s website. Mike Duignan from DF Precision Machinery Ltd is a parent of one of our Academy players who has been in our Academy for a number of seasons.

“It’s fantastic that we have been able to provide new kit for all 13 teams ahead of the new season. The kits look amazing and it’s great that we have been able to unify the kit across all of our teams. A massive thank you to DF Precision Machinery Ltd, without their sponsorship it wouldn’t have been possible.” – Natalie Narrainen, Academy Lead.

“We are delighted that DF have supported us over the past 2 seasons. We’re so excited to showcase the new kits this season. As our Academy has grown it’s brilliant to provide fresh new kits for all the teams in our Academy that will be showcased across the country” – Laura Shephard, LRF General Manager.

Our first fixture of the season takes place this weekend with our U16 Boys Premier team on the road against Frankley Falcons in the National Cup.

The Leicester Riders Foundation is thrilled to offer an energising morning basketball session “Morning Madness” begining on Wednesday 20th September, 7-8:30am.

Open to all adults aged 18 and older, this initiative invites you to harness the power of sport and camaraderie before heading to work. Our expert coaches will guide participants through skill-building drills and friendly games, fostering teamwork and physical fitness in a fun and supportive environment.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking to try something new, our morning basketball session provides an ideal opportunity to improve your game, meet new people, and kickstart your day with a burst of energy. Join us at the Leicester Riders Foundation for an exciting way to start your mornings and elevate your overall well-being through the love of basketball.

CLICK HERE to book your ticket!

Our Leicester Riders Community Sessions are returning from our summer break from Monday 11th September.

We have sessions for all ages and abilities both at the Morningside Arena and across Leicestershire.

CLICK HERE for more information or to book your session!

Leicester Riders Foundation are delighted to launch our Annual Report for the 2022/23 season. We’re really proud of all of the work we have done in the Community over the past year and our Annual Report is a fantastic representation of the impact we have had.

CLICK HERE to read our Annual Report!

The Leicester Riders Foundation are hosting a Teacher Meet & Greet at the Morningside Arena on Wednesday 27th September, 12:30-15:00.

👏 Great to host our Teachers Meet & Greet @leicesterarena yesterday evening

A great evening exploring our education packages and opportunities we can provide in your school! pic.twitter.com/zBavo0OwsN

— Leicester Riders Foundation (@RidersBF) October 14, 2022

The Meet & Greet provides a great to explore all the great education packages and opportunities we can deliver in your school, an opportunity to meet our Community & Education Team, the chance to meet the Riders professional players, exclusive offers on our schools packages & much more!

CLICK HERE to book onto our Teacher Meet & Greet or email [email protected] for more information.

In late 2022, we partnered with Leicestershire Police to launch our Positive Futures project, funded by Street Games. Positive Futures is our latest project aimed at reaching young people who are at risk of involvement with antisocial behaviour, crime, and violence. Since January, more than 30 youngsters from St Andrews Play Association (SAPA) (a youth club based at Walnut Street, Leicester) have been taking part in the programme led by local neighbourhood officer’s PC Millie Barton and PC Carley Johnson, Leicester Riders player Mo Walker and staff from the Leicester Riders Foundation.  

Before the launch of this programme, the core group of individuals were committing offences and causing antisocial behaviour in Leicester City Centre and the St Andrews Centre of the City. One individual had been involved with 10 incidents that had been reported to the police, including offences of assault, public disorder, arson, and possession of an imitation firearm. In the 7 months since the implementation of the diversionary activities, this group of individuals have now only been involved in 3 low level incidents, this is a drop of 77%.  

By engaging with the young people at SAPA through our Positive Futures initiative, we have also encouraged them to participate in a variety of our other events, such as our community sessions and camps, where they have been recognised with awards such as Camper of the Week.  

“We are proud to be working with the Leicester Riders Foundation on the Positive Futures programme, a project set up to work with young people who have been involved in antisocial behaviour, criminal behaviour or at risk of committing crime and ASB. The Leicester Riders Foundation have been instrumental in providing a support network alongside engagement, interventions, and educational inputs to assist in reducing criminal activity in the Leicester area.” – PC Mille Barton, Leicestershire Police.

The Leicester Riders Foundation was awarded the Problem Management Award from Leicestershire Police in April this year, in recognition of our efforts on the Positive Futures Programme. Winning this award is a testament to our ongoing efforts to better our community and provide positive role models for young people. This is an incredible achievement for our Foundation as we have witnessed the progression and growth of the young people across a number of our provisions, particularly Positive Futures.  

In July we launched our Positive Futures project in South Wigston in partnership with Oadby and Wigston Council allowing us to work with a new group of young people and continue to expand the programme across Leicester and Leicestershire.

“The programme has enabled us to build strong relationships with young people from the Oadby and Wigston area throughout the summer holidays, seeing a group of regular attendees. Here at LRF we are excited to take the next steps in our delivery and build on these initial foundations and take the programme to the next level over the next eight weeks, where the young people will take part in a variety of workshops around hygiene, mental health and Respect. Partnership working is key, and we thank the team at Oadby and Wiston council for developing this partnership with us here at LRF.” – Laura Shephard, General Manager.

To refer a young person onto the programme email please email [email protected] for more information.

This week the Leicester Riders Foundation Academy returned for pre-season as our teams begin to prepare for the 2023/34 season. Over the course of the week we’ve welcomed over 100 players from our 13 teams to the Morningside Arena as the teams come together for the first time since squads were selected.

“It’s been great to have over 100 of our players come together at the Morningside Arena for pre-season this week. It has been the first opportunity for our teams to practice together since our trials so it has been a fantastic opportunity for the players to get to know each other and work with the coaches ahead of the new season” – Ricardo Silva, Academy Lead.

This summer we have added Sports Rehabilitation to the programme for our premier teams, this week the players have gone through pre-season testing alongside their on court workouts.

✍️ @LRFAcademy Return for Pre-season.

Academy pre-season got underway this week as we prepare for the 2023/24 @NBLengland season.

Read the full story below ⤵️https://t.co/K9ZoM4ZE5Y pic.twitter.com/yn72HoMFW8

— Leicester Riders Foundation (@RidersBF) August 18, 2023

“This week we’ve been putting the players through some pre-season testing, they’ve done vertical jumps tests, full court sprints and T tests. I’m going to analyse the results over the next week and put together some performance enhancement programmes and hopefully we can continue to push the players and improve their performance.” – Neve Considine, Sports Therapist.

The teams will continue their preparations over the coming weeks with pre-season fixtures getting underway in September before the National League season begins in October.

Last Season the Leicester Riders Foundation hosted 7 Development Days welcoming 287 children to the Morningside Arena prior to a Riders’ BBL home games. The 2023/24 BBL season gets underway in mid September and we are looking for groups, schools and parties to join us for our Development Day experience.

🤩 @ManorHighPE on court @LeicesterArena for their Development Day ahead of @RidersBball v London Lions this evening. pic.twitter.com/MBEYodJRYG

— Leicester Riders Foundation (@RidersBF) March 3, 2023

Development Days are an opportunity for large groups within the community, including schools to join our team of coaches for a 90-minute coaching clinic on court to enhance their skills, focusing on three different areas: passing, shooting, and dribbling. 

Food is provided to the participants following the coaching session, all enjoyed whilst watching the Leicester Riders Professional Team warm up. Finally, as part of the Development Day, participants receive a ticket to watch the Riders in action against another BBL team.   

If you would like to book your group onto one of our 2023/24 season Development Days CLICK HERE to express your interest.

The Leicester Riders Foundation have continued to provide opportunities for young girls and women to get involved in the game of basketball over the past year.

This summer we have hosted two All Girls Summer Hoops sessions at Broughton Astley Leisure Centre allowing girls aged 8-16 who have both played previously and never before to come along and play. Broughton Astley is also an area we haven’t previously delivered sessions in so it as been fantastic to continue to expand our reach within the Leicestershire Community.

“I’ve enjoyed learning how to play basketball over the last 2 weeks. I haven’t played basketball much before so to be coached properly has been a great experience.” – Orla, All Girls Summer Hoops Participant.

“It’s been great to deliver our All Girls Summer Hoops sessions at Broughton Astley Leisure Centre. It’s been fantastic to welcome around 60 girls over the past 2 weeks and to engage in a new area within Leicestershire” – Neve Considine, Leicester Riders Foundation Community Coach.

We plan on having many more All Girls events and sessions over the coming season, keep and eye on our website and social media channels (@ridersbf) for more information.

In 2020, our Foundation were incredibly fortunate to secure funding for 3 years from Children in Need that has enabled us to develop our partnership with Menphys. We currently deliver weekly inclusive sessions at the Menphys hub in Wigston for those children with special educational needs. These sessions are taught by our community coaches in an environment that allows the children to express themselves freely. 

Following the success of these sessions over the last couple of years, this has resulted in Menphys being integrated into 5 of our Community Camps, whereby the Foundation hosts basketball camps throughout school holiday periods, delivering key coaching and mentoring sessions. 

At our Foundation Awards Night in May, we were incredibly pleased to present Menphys with our Community Organisation of the Year award. By including basketball into their programmes, embracing our partnership and using basketball as part of their delivery model, Menphys has positively contributed to the local community and helped to proactively increase opportunities for young people with special educational needs. 

In June 2023, we are expanding our work with Menphys to promote more inclusive sessions across Leicestershire, giving more children the opportunity to get active and participate in basketball sessions. Throughout the summer, Menphys Together will reach children in areas across Leicestershire, including Melton Mowbray, Wigston and Hinckley and offer sessions at our Morningside Arena. We aim to get more children involved in sessions that teach them the fundamental basketball skills, encourage teamwork and most importantly to discover the benefits of basketball and to have fun whilst learning. Partnering with Menphys has given us the opportunity to work towards our goal of increasing the possibilities for young people with disabilities in our communities.  

“The partnership Menphys has built with the Leicester Riders Foundation has gone from strength to strength. More young people with Special  Educational Needs and Disabilities now have access to basketball, positively impacting their engagement with sport. Access to basketball is helping them to grow their confidence, Independence and build lifelong friendships, It is great to see our young people flourish.It is also fantastic to be working with a forward thinking, inclusive and engaged organisation that is working with us to make sport for all.” – Emma Sharpe, Head of Services at Menphys.

Throughout the 2022/23 basketball season, we have hosted 7 Development Days at the Morningside Arena prior to a Riders BBL home game. This is an opportunity for large groups within the community, including schools to join our team of coaches for a 90-minute coaching clinic on court to enhance their skills, focusing on three different areas: passing, shooting, and dribbling.

A selection of food is provided to the participants following the coaching session, all enjoyed whilst watching the Leicester Riders Professional Team warm up. Finally, as part of the Development Day, participants receive a ticket to watch the Riders in action against another BBL team.   

Our Development Days have been a great way for us to further develop our partnerships built through in-school coaching and intervention by enabling us to bring the students to our home and experience the energy of a Riders game day.  

🤩 @HazelSchool & @BabingtonLWLAT on court @LeicesterArena in our final Development day of the season. pic.twitter.com/1MEBasQZJX

— Leicester Riders Foundation (@RidersBF) April 21, 2023

“To have the opportunity to work with our coaches, play on court at our arena and watch the pro team in action in such a safe yet fun environment, is such a fantastic experience for the community groups to be involved in. It’s been such a success and a pleasure to be a part of!” – Damon Taylor, Community Camp Officer. 

“I really enjoyed the development day at Leicester Riders, the drills were really fun and the coaches were really positive and supportive. It was a great way to really develop my basketball skills before watching the game. I really enjoyed watching the Riders game and it was a great experience playing on court at the Morningside Arena” – Cameron, Development Day attendee.

This season we have worked with 287 children throughout our Development Days, and this has been a great initiative to get aspiring basketballers and members of the community on court to increase sport participation and facilitate the experience of a night at the Riders. 

We hope to host even more Development Days next season, if you would like to book your group onto one of our 2023/24 season Development Days email [email protected] for more information.

Leicester Riders Foundation are hosting a 3×3 Tournament at the Morningside Arena on August 12th & 13th.

Booking

Booking’s will be taken through our booking site, CLICK HERE for Junior bookings (U14 & U18) or CLICK HERE for Senior bookings (Adults). Please only book 1 place per team.

Both Male & Female teams will have their own division in the junior and senior groups.

Once you have booked on, you will receive an email linking you to a form, then please provide us with the information for your team.

At 9:00am on Wednesday 9th August signups will close and each team will receive a full timetable and itinerary.

🔥 LRF Summer 3×3 Tournament.

We're hosting our first ever Summer 3×3 Tournament @LeicesterArena in August!

Click below for more info on how the tournament will work & to book your team's place ⤵️https://t.co/ktJuqeUytH pic.twitter.com/QCttrYjlqE

— Leicester Riders Foundation (@RidersBF) July 20, 2023

The Tournament

Each age group will initally play a round robin group stage before moving onto knockout fixtures. Each game will be 10 minutes running clock or first team to 21 points.

The runner up of each age group will receive 4 tickets to a Leicester Riders game. The winners will receive 4 tickets to a Riders game and a cash prize.

Book your team now to be part of the first Leicester Riders Foundation Summer 3×3 Tournament! Let’s Go!!

As part of our on-going partnership with Leicester City Council we’re offering a number of free places on our Christmas Camp.

In order to be eligible children must live in Leicester, be aged between 8 to 16 and in full-time education are receiving benefits related free school meals.

Melton Camp – August 1st-3rd

John Fernley School, Scalford Road, LE13 1LH

Hinckley Camp – August 7th-9th

Hinckley Leisure Centre, Argents Mead, LE10 1BZ

Coalville Camp – August 15th-17th

King Edward VII Science & Sports College, Warren Hills Road, LE67 4UW

Email [email protected] to book your place.

Last season we launched the Mo-Mentum mentoring programme with Riders professional player Mo Walker. After suffering a season ending Achilles injury in October, Mo expressed his passion to get involved in the community and use his experiences playing basketball across the world to make an impact on the younger generation.  

Throughout the 6 week Mo-mentum programme Mo discusses each chapter in his professional career and uses a variety of activities to teach the students the lessons he learnt along the way. Mo works with disengaged young people and the aim of the programme is to use Mo’s experiences to get them back on track and more involved in the classroom. 

An example of a young person who has thrived on the programme is Aleks Novak. Aleks was awarded our Mo-memtum Hero award in May at our Awards night. Aleks has participated and completed the momentum programme and has shown significant growth and improvement and made great effort and dedication to be a part of the journey. 

So far we have taken our Mo-Mentum programme into 7 schools however by October 2023 we will have delivered the programme in 13 secondary schools across the Midlands.

📈 Week 2 of Mo-mentum @WigstonAcademy, @BChampCollege & @ManorHighSchool.

Mo talked to the students about his High School experiences as well as taking them on court to play some fun games. pic.twitter.com/zBXendbpl7

— Leicester Riders Foundation (@RidersBF) January 25, 2023

Mr Carton from Wigston Academy believes the programme offered his students a valuable insight into the life of a professional athlete and the life skills you need to develop in order to be successful. “Mo’s 6 week programme offered a real personal insight into his life and the life of a professional athlete, where he discussed many important life skills such as confidence, resilience and much more. Thank you Mo!” 

Mo is pleased with how his first programme has gone and hopes the students were able to take plenty away from it. “I think the first run of the program went very well. The kids at each school were all very engaged in every session by participating and asking good questions. Hopefully all the kids walked away with some valuable life lessons by listening to the trials and tribulations that basketball has put me through. They also had fun playing basketball games and having some competitions mixed in throughout the weeks. I’m looking forward to working with the next group of schools.”

Mo has re-signed for the Riders for the 2023/24 British Basketball League season and will continue to work with the Leicester Riders Foundation alongside his basketball commitments. We are looking forward to having Mo join us in continuing to grow the Mo-mentum programme, whilst integrating other players on our Men’s and Women’s teams into the programmes delivery.

“To hear that Mo is coming back to the club for this upcoming season is super exciting. Mo’s presence in the community last year set the bar really high for how professional athletes can be present in their community, were really excited to see how Mo can continue this legacy. We’re looking forward to continuing to develop our Mo-mentum programme next academic year.” – Laura Shephard, Leicester Riders Foundation General Manager.

Mo also played a major part in the delivery of our Ambassador Assembly project funded by Sport England & the BBL. Mo alongside a number of our other BBL & WBBL players delivered 87 Ambassador Assemblies to 10,216 school children. 

If you would like Mo to book either a Mo-mentum programme or Ambassador Assembly with either your school or youth group email [email protected] for more information.

 

The Leicester Riders Foundation have partnered with both De Montfort University and the University of Leicester over the past year to provide the best opportunities for their student athletes. This partnership enables students to access high quality training from our coaches and develops student athletes to reach their full potential, whilst providing our Foundation staff with further opportunities to coach.   

Our coaches worked with the University of Leicester’s Men’s Second Team and the Women’s First Team and De Montfort University’s Women’s First Team, to facilitate student team progression and aid individual player development.    

Students from both Universities have full access to train using our state-of-the-art Morningside Arena facilities as part of working with the Leicester Riders Foundation. Players also receive media coverage from our in-house marketing officer, developing high quality action shot photographs for players and teams. Students also receive additional benefits such as exclusive offers to Riders games.  

Varsity 2023 ✅

Congratulations to all of the coaches & players who played their part in 3 fantastic games! pic.twitter.com/5b2IqA536E

— Leicester Riders Foundation (@RidersBF) March 19, 2023

“Partnering with the LRF not only improved our program on court, with some of the best facilities and coaches in the country, they also offered many opportunities to improve players’ employability and comradery, with access to games and bespoke events. We look forward to growing with the Foundation.” – Alejandro Medina, Chairman of University of Leicester Basketball Society. 

“One of the key motivators for the Foundation is to provide as many opportunities as possible to people within Leicester and Leicestershire!” – Greg Ellis, Community and Education Officer. 

Tyra Atlee Kamusasa was Assistant Coach of the De Montfort University Women’s First Team last season and in June this year joined us as a full time Community Coach at the Leicester Riders Foundation.  

“Joining Coach Ricky in coaching the DMU Womens team was a great opportunity for me, I really wanted to get involved in basketball whilst at University after moving over from Sweden. The partnership between the University and LRF allowed me to gain the coaching experience I needed to transition into becoming a full time community Coach for the Foundation.” – Tyra Atlee Kamusasa, Leicester Riders Foundation Community Coach and De Montfort University’s Women’s Assistant Coach. 

Moving forward, Leicester Riders Foundation aims to further progress both relationships to provide student athletes with the facilities and coaching in order for them to continue to progress in basketball. This partnership has been essential in enabling the Leicester Riders Foundation to reach an otherwise complex age group to engage with. 

Over the past year the Leicester Riders Foundation have collaborated with North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) to provide a number of opportunities for students within the Foundation Studies department including basketball sessions, a podcast workshop and an NCS programme.

Initially the partnership started when we delivered the Mencap Around The World project at the college in 2021. The project involved 10 weeks sessions aimed at developing the young people’s teamwork and communication through the sport of basketball.

“It was great to learn basketball skills this year and helping me get fitter. It was fun to record a podcast and be interviewed, it’s something I’d like to try again in the future maybe” – George, Lifeworks Student.

“I really enjoyed all of the basketball sessions and learning how to shoot. Greg took lots of time to show us how it all works, and it was great to play some games at the end. I also really enjoyed being on a podcast and talking about things I’m interested in, really helped us.” – Charlotte, Lifeworks Student. 

In September 2022 we welcomed Reece, a supported intern from NWSLC to the Foundation for a 9 month internship. Throughout his internship Reece was able to experience working in a number of new environments such as our office, schools and out in the community. Reece has also built up new relationships with our staff, players and other members of the community which has helped him to develop key skills which he will be able to transfer into further employment. During his time with the Leicester Riders Foundation Reece became a valued member of our staff team, joining the rest of our staff in taking part in our Corporate Summer League in June which was his first experience of playing competitive basketball.

As well as delivering our basketball sessions and hosting a supportive intern from NWSLC we also hosted a podcast workshop for the students. Greg Ellis the Foundation’s Education & Community Officer hosts the Leicester Riders’ Podcast, Along For The Ride and spent a morning at the college in April passing on his knowledge to the students. As well as learning about recording a podcast the workshop brought the students out of their comfort zone and allowed them to work on their confidence and public speaking.

“The partnership with Leicester Riders has enabled our students to re-engage with sport in a supportive environment, learning a new sport in basketball and allowing them the space to get active, whilst also developing vital teamwork and leadership skills. It’s also been a great experience for them to record a podcast with Greg Ellis and develop new skills alongside developing in confidence. All of these experiences have taken their student experience to the next level.” – Rhien Shephard, Lifeworks Lecturer NWSLC.

On top of the Mencap Around the World Project and Podcast workshop we have also delivered a bespoke NCS programme for the students. The project has helped offer students access to a number of activities that they otherwise wouldn’t have exposure to. 

Over the course of the programme the students have taken part in activities such as abseiling, archery, rifle shooting and fencing and they also helped picking apples and planting onions at an allotment in Leicester. 

All students were given individual targets, though the NCS programme to develop teamwork amongst the group, as well as aiming to help their mental health and confidence, and giving them a sense of achievement. 

We look forward to work with NWSLC next academic year and continuing to provide unique learning experiences for their students.

An Education project that has been particularly successful over the past season is our Ambassador Assemblies. Ambassador Assemblies is a project funded by Sport England in partnership with the British Basketball League, that allows us to take both our men’s and women’s professional players into schools to deliver to assemblies on their journeys to where they are today, and the importance of sport and education, since all the players are university graduates. Due to the programme being funded by Sport England, it is free for the schools to book and is a great opportunity to get their students to engage with our players.

In each assembly the player talks about their path to professional basketball as well as key characteristics such as respect, resilience and teamwork that can be applied to life both on and off the court and also in school. So far this season we have delivered 87 Ambassador Assemblies to 10,216 school children. 

🙌 Another fantastic Ambassador Assembly this morning at @HinckleySchool with @BigggMo.

We're still taking Ambassador Assembly bookings, email [email protected] for more information. pic.twitter.com/f3EChC82IM

— Leicester Riders Foundation (@RidersBF) January 11, 2023

Our ambassador assemblies are free of charge so also provide an excellent way to get into schools to showcase what the Leicester Riders Foundation has to offer in schools. The assemblies have led to us providing in school coaching in 11 schools that we did not previously engage with.

“It was really interesting to hear about the pathway to becoming a professional basketball player during our Ambassador Assembly with the Leicester Riders Foundation. The children were really engaged and had great questions about Mo’s experience. – Maxine Michalowski, Headteacher at Heather Primary School.

For more information on our school packages or to book an Ambassador Assembly for your school email [email protected].

Last week we hosted our Leicester Riders Foundation end of season awards night at the Morningside Arena and welcomed 500 of our academy players, parents, project groups, schools and partners which made it our biggest awards night to date. 

This year we redesigned our awards night to represent all of the work that we have done in the community over the past year in our 3 departments; Education, Community & Academy. In addition to our usual Academy awards we also added 11 awards from the work we have done in the community and schools recognising individuals and groups who have excelled over the past year. These awards went from our Champion School award right through to our Community Organisation of the year award and there were multiple nominations for each award from across our programmes. 

The night was made possible by an extremely generous donation from Pukka Pies who have enabled us to grow our awards night into a true representation of all the work we do in the community. As well as sponsoring our awards night Pukka Pies donation will also go towards allowing us to continue to run our Positive Futures diversionary project. 

“At Pukka, we are thrilled to not only be involved with Leicester Riders but also supporting the Foundation and children in the local community.” Said Nik Jones, Pukka Pies National Account Manager. “As a Leicester business with such strong historic ties to sports we are keen to work with local sport clubs and foundations to invest back into our great city and people. It was great to see such huge support on the night and really see the scale of what the foundation does and people it reaches. A huge thank you should be given to the foundation team and volunteer coaches who make all of this possible.”

Laura Shephard, General Manager of the Leicester Riders Foundation added “We’re extremely grateful for the generous donation from Pukka Pies that has gone towards hosting our end of season awards and also continuing our Positive Futures programme at St Andrews Play Association. The awards night was our biggest yet and it was amazing to be able to fully showcase  all of our work in the community alongside, from celebrating our inclusive work with Menphys & Vista through to our Young Official of the year award, our awards night was a representation of the breadth of our delivery across Leicestershire.” 

For updates on who won all of our individual awards check out @RidersBF on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

Last Wednesday Leicester Riders Foundation delivered our first United Leicester Resilience day at Taylor Road Primary School in Leicester City Centre.

United Leicester is a partnership delivered by the community foundation of each Leicester sports club, Leicester Riders Foundation, Leicester City in the Community, Leicester Tigers Foundation, Leicestershire CCC in the Community, and Leicester Hockey Club.

The morning began with an ambassador assembly delivered by professional players Mo Walker and Kirsty Brown. Mo and Kirsty spoke to the students about their path to professional basketball as well as key characteristics such as respect, resilience and teamwork that can be related to life both on and off the court.

Following the assembly the years 3 and 4 students were split with one year group heading to the classroom for a resilience workshop and the other group heading outside for a basketball session. The resilience workshop involved a presentation, examples of resilience in professional sport and a group task on healthy eating and physical activity. We then focused on passing, shooting and dribbling in our basketball session which also put the resilience of the students to the test as they learnt new skills.

Neal Ruparelia from Taylor Road Primary believes that the resilience day left a positive impression on all of the students. “A fantastic day with inspirational, dedicated, and enthusiastic staff who truly care to make a difference to young people in the city. Thank you for leaving smiles on the faces of all children at Taylor Road Primary School.”

Darren Kay, Leicester Riders Foundation’s Head of Education and Schools Sport was delighted to see the students so engaged. “On behalf of The Leicester Riders Foundation – We was delighted to host our first United Leicester session at Taylor Road Primary School. The students was really engaged and provided much learning for our staff too with their good answers around their physical health and how to overcome challenges in their personal and school life. They showed the key skill taught of resilience in abundance. We are super proud of them!”

“I felt that both sessions were well thought out and appropriate to the ages of the pupils. I know there was much interest from the children about what you all do and this was particularly reflected in the children’s questions, particularly in the Key Stage 2 assembly.” Said Anna Grant-Thomas, Headteacher at Taylor Road “I was also very impressed by the answers from both Mo and Kirsty and felt that they did a fabulous job around the bullying question; it was answered so thoroughly and clearly, I don’t think any of the staff in school could have answered it better!”

Taylor Road Primary was the first of three resilience days, this week we visited Whitehall Primary school and in May we are at Stokeswood Primary.

Following the conclusion of the 2022/23 NBL season we’re now focusing our attending on preparation for the new season. We’re hosting trials for new players on both our boys and girls teams on the last 2 weeks of June at the Morningside Arena.

U12 & 14s – Saturday 17th June, 10am-3pm @ Morningside Arena

Successful players will be invited to attend the next stage of trials on Sunday 18th June 10am-3pm at Morningside Arena.

U16s & 18s – Saturday 24th June, 10am-3pm @ Morningside Arena

Successful players will be invited to attend the next stage of trials on Sunday 25th June 10-3 at Morningside Arena.

If you are looking to trial CLICK HERE to book your place.

On Tuesday 4th April we hosted our first inclusive schools basketball tournament of the season at the Morningside Arena. We welcomed the students from Westgate, Quorn Hall, Sketchley and Birchwood that we have been coaching at our in school sessions for the past year.

The tournament was a success with Quorn Hall coming out on top winning all three of their fixtures however, all 4 of the teams gave a great effort and had a lot of fun.

Adam Wheatcroft from Quorn Hall School thought the tournament was a fantastic experience for his students.

“This is the first tournament our students have experienced and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing on the professional court and are eager to experience this again. The staff at Leicester Riders Foundation were helpful, supportive, and engaged our students in friendly competition. I was to thank each member of staff involved for their hard work in getting the day organised and the running of the day. ”

Darren Kay our Head of Education & Schools Sport was delighted to be able to host an inclusive tournament at Morningside Arena and to continue to support the students in their basketball development.

“The Leicester Riders Foundation is delighted to have hosted our inclusion tournament. Supporting young people to take their first steps in sport but also to participate using the values that make basketball such a inclusive sporting activity. Teamwork and Equality regardless of ability. All participants upholding these values with commitment and support. A massive thank you to all our schools who participated today and my staff who supported the tournament throughout the course of the day. 

If you would like the Leicester Riders Foundation to get involved with your school contact [email protected] for more information!

The Leicester Riders Foundation is continuing to grow in stature and workforce. We are seeking a new community basketball coach to join their Community team. LRF are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about coaching and wanting to learn more about basketball and the many pathways that Riders can offer them.

Main Duties and Responsibility

• To deliver effective sessions with relevant skills, tactics and techniques for the age group or ability of the players involved
• To deliver a variety of basketball and physical activity-based programmes and sessions across a variety of settings including schools, and the community
• Deliver curriculum and non – curriculum sessions
• Working with people from the community using basketball as a tool of delivery on programmes such as NCS, PL kicks, Street Games, Carry A ball not a blade
• Planning and delivering sessions for SEN schools and targeted SEN / inclusion groups including Memphys and Vista.
• Co-ordinating participants’ attendance at meetings and other sports events
• Planning and running programmes of activities for groups and/or individuals
• Assist with the running of festival, tournaments and leagues
• Opportunities to be involved in BBL/WBBL Game days and events
• Complete all necessary reports and evidencing of the sessions and projects delivered
• Assist with the delivery of projects and satellite clubs.
• Coaching on Holiday Camps and Development days
• Opportunity to Coach within University Programmes and Junior National League Teams
• Continuous Personal Development opportunities.
• Promotion of sports events to increase participation at sessions
• Completion of Health and safety and risk assessments when applicable.
• Deliver with in school and education settings working with children of all ages and abilities
• Working across a wide variety of programmes focusing on health and wellbeing
• Delivering on programmes such as Hoops for health, Ambassadors programmes delivering assemblies within schools
• Being a leading light working with the community and developing key relationships for programmes within the community
• Travel is necessary to fulfil the role.

Essential/Desirable

• Clean Driving Licence and access to own vehicle
• Applicants must live with in a commutable distance of Morningside Arena, LE1 3UL, Leicester
• Level 2 Basketball Coach award
• Fully enhanced DBS check
• Ability to work with players from Grass Roots to Elite
• Excellent communication levels and Administration skills
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to encourage and motivate people
• Ability to be flexible and work unsociable hours & weekends
• Display a professional approach at all times, setting an example to others
• Good leadership skills
• Experience of working in a school setting or professional environment
• Ability to engage with people from all backgrounds
• Be professionally approachable
• Teaching experience within sport
• Ability to work with partner organisations such as United Leicester to design and deliver programmes.
• Be dynamic and a hard-working individual
• Up to date safeguarding / child protection certificates
• Up to date emergency first aid certificate

Job Title

Community Coach (Full Time Contract 38 hours per week)

Responsible to

LRF General Manager – Laura Shephard

Location

Leicester City, Leicestershire & Rutland

Salary

£18,525-£19,500 (depending on experience)

Closing Date

3/4/23

Interview Date

3/04/23-6/04/23

How to apply:

Please complete the enclosed application form with your CV and covering letter and email to [email protected] no later than 5pm on 3/04/23.

We are delighted to announce that the launch of our Good For The Sole programme has been a huge success. We have already had an amazing 68 pairs of shoes donated and as a result are now ready to give our shoes out to young people in the community in order to help support their basketball journey.

If you would like to apply for a pair of shoes or wish to refer another person CLICK HERE.

We are also still looking for donations and are actively seeking smaller sizes. If you wish to make a donation CLICK HERE to donate via our JustGiving page.

This week Mo Walker completed his first Mo-mentum programme after completing a 5 week block at Wigston Academy, Manor High School, Gartree and Beauchamp College.

Throughout the Mo-mentum programme Mo uses his experiences playing professional basketball to offer help and support and inspire students.

Each session involved a presentation on a different chapter of Mo’s life, activities focused on the life skills Mo learnt and some time on court playing different basketball games.

📈 Week 2 of Mo-mentum @WigstonAcademy, @BChampCollege & @ManorHighSchool.

Mo talked to the students about his High School experiences as well as taking them on court to play some fun games. pic.twitter.com/zBXendbpl7

— Leicester Riders Foundation (@RidersBF) January 25, 2023

Mr Carton from Wigston Academy believes the programme offered his students a valuable insight into the life of a professional athlete and the life skills you need to develop in order to be successful. “Mo’s 6 week programme offered a real personal insight into his life and the life of a professional athlete, where he discussed many important life skills such as confidence, resilience and much more. Thank you Mo!”

Mo is pleased with how his first programme has gone and hopes the students were able to take plenty away from it. “I think the first run of the program went very well. The kids at each school were all very engaged in every session by participating and asking good questions. Hopefully all the kids walked away with some valuable life lessons by listening to the trials and tribulations that basketball has put me through. They also had fun playing basketball games and having some competitions mixed in throughout the weeks. I’m looking forward to working with the next group of schools.”

If you would like Mo to run the Mo-mentum programme with either your school or youth group email [email protected] for more information.

We are delighted to confirm that 7 of our Academy players have made it through to the Aspire Super Camp for the central region.

Kyra Johnson, Grace Nzeakor and Hanya Correria from our Under 16s Girls, Louie Marchesi, Finley Tuck and James Hardy from our Under 16s Boys and Ike Davids from our Under 14s boys will attend four groups of sessions in Birmingham for a place on the Central team in the All Star National Tournament at the National Basketball Performance Centre, Manchester from Friday 7 July to Sunday 9 July.  

We’d like to wish all of our players the best of luck at their upcoming camps.

As part of our continued work with Leicester City Police our staff took the short trip to Mansfield House Police Station for a workshop with PC Millie Barton on Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines.

The workshop helped the team to both gain a better understanding of Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines, how to spot potentially vulnerable children and how to deal with any issues that rise when working with young people.

“Thank you to the Leicester Riders Foundation for coming to Mansfield House Police Station today to receive an in put on Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines.” Said PC Millie Barton. “The Riders do a lot of work in the community with young people involved in crime and having knowledge around CCE and CL really shows their commitment to helping young people.”

Laura Shephard, General Manager of the Riders Foundation is delighted that the Foundation’s relationship with Leicester City Police continues to go from strength to strength.

“Working with the PC Barton and the team of offficers at Mansfield house has been greatly beneficial for our team and developing the opportunities that LRF are able to offer in our community, engaging all young people. Relationships are key in working in the community and the power of working together is evident here. It’s been fantastic to learn and gain new perspectives from the officers at Mansfield house to empower our LRF team to continue to work and develop our programmes.”

Keep and eye on our social media channels (@RidersBF) for all updates on our work with Leicester City Police in the coming weeks.

Unfortunately due to an event being held at the Morningside Arena from January 21st-31st we are able to run any of our Academy or Community sessions at the venue.

Sessions will resume as normal from Monday January 30th.

Although we are unable to offer any Arena sessions during this period we are still running a number satellite sessions.

CLICK HERE to book onto our satellite sessions.

Walking Basketball makes a return in February as we launch our first 6 week block booking.

🚶‍♂️ Walking Basketball is back!

Our 6 week Walking Basketball block booking is available to book now.

Book your place now ⤵https://t.co/lvUaFLBE3X pic.twitter.com/Uu32pQZeMk

— Leicester Riders Foundation (@RidersBF) January 18, 2023

Walking basketball is fun and social session with the chance to look at playing games against other groups around the country. The session is aimed at all levels from beginners to skilled players and is perfect for players who are rehabilitating injuries and looking to get back into playing.

CLICK HERE to book onto our Walking Basketball sessions.

Following the success of our first Baby Ballers block booking the session makes a return on Thursday February 2nd as we begin another 6 week block.

👶 🏀 Baby Ballers is back!

Our new 6 week baby ballers block booking is now on sale.

Book your child's place now ⤵https://t.co/6fg19oWKU8 pic.twitter.com/3ivgun7UM3

— Leicester Riders Foundation (@RidersBF) January 16, 2023

The sessions take place 10-11am at the Morningside Arena (LE1 3UL) and our coached by our Leicester Riders Foundation coaches. Baby Ballers is a family session; you are welcome to bring family members/ friends/siblings to watch.

CLICK HERE to book your child onto our next block.

The Leicester Riders Foundation are launching the Positive Futures project in collaboration with Leicester City Police funded by Street Games.

The Positive Futures programme aimed at reaching young people at risk of involvement with anti-social behaviour crime & violence is using basketball and life skills as a tool to better their future.

The children on the programme will participate in a number of sessions involving mentoring, life skill classes and basketball sessions led by Leicester Riders Foundation staff & Riders professional player Mo Walker.

PC Millie Barton of Leicester City Police is delighted to be able to continue their work with LRF. “We are proud to be working with the Leicester Riders Foundation on the Positive Futures program, a project set up to work with young people who have been involved in antisocial behaviour, criminal behaviour or are at risk of committing crime and ASB. The Leicester Riders Foundation have been instrumental in providing a support network alongside engagements, interventions and educational inputs to assist in reducing criminal activity in the Leicester area.”

Leicester Riders’s Mo Walker added “Growing up in my community there was a lot of violence and distractions. I was fortunate enough to have positive role models and structure provided by my parents and basketball coaches. I know how important it is for kids to have positive influencers in their lives, as well as some structure or just safe place where they can have fun, interact with others, and stay out of trouble”.

Ricardo Silva the Foundation’s Community Project Officer hopes the programme allows the young people to develop skills for life.”The programme will allow all the participants to gain a variety of skills and experiences. We hope to use our knowledge and experience to help them develop their life skills. I want the Leicester Riders Foundation to be a point of contact for kids at high risk of involvement with anti-social behaviour, crime and violence. We are here to provide opportunities for young people to grow and develop.

Keep and eye on our social media channels (@RidersBF) for all updates on our Positive Futures project in the coming weeks.

If you would like to refer a young person to join the programme please email [email protected].

Join us at the Morningside Arena on Friday 20th January for our Development Day prior to the Leicester Riders BBL Championship fixture v Cheshire Phoenix.

The Development Day involves a hour and a half coaching clinic, food before the game and a ticket to Leicester Riders v Cheshire Phoenix all for just £15.

CLICK HERE to book your place!

*Minimum booking of 5 places.

Leicester Riders Foundation are proud to be working alongside SMB College Group to launch a brand new Sport programme that allows young people to combine basketball with a Level 3 college course in Sport. 

Based at the college’s 850-acre Brooksby Campus in Leicestershire, the programme will give students the opportunity to develop vital career skills through sport whilst gaining their Level 3 qualification in Sports Coaching and Development, benefitting from a specialised timetable encompassing their academic studies, basketball coaching, strength and conditioning sessions, performance analysis and more. 

Open to all students who wish to study Level 3 Sports Coaching, this programme aims to enable students to develop a wealth of transferrable skills to set them up for progression into a career within sport, or within a variety of other industries. 

When speaking about this exciting new programme, Andy Graham, Director of Curriculum at SMB College Group’s Brooksby Campus said ‘Working with such an impressive and well-established organisation enables us to broaden the student experience, increasing the breadth of learning and sports that students can get involved with.

‘Whilst students are now able to play basketball wrapped around a full time programme of study, this partnership has a particularly important focus on careers in elite sport and the transferable skills and advantages that this can give our students, no matter which industry they eventually choose to work in. Through working with Leicester Riders Foundation, we wanted to develop a course that will open the door to a career in sports for anyone, even if they have never picked up a basketball – and this programme does just that. We can’t wait to enrol our first students in September!’ 

Laura Shepherd, General Manager at the Leicester Riders Foundation, added ‘We are delighted that we are able to partner with SMB College Group to provide an alternative pathway for those to wish to excel in a career in sport.

‘It is so important to provide opportunities, and to highlight the importance of all roles and opportunities that are available within sport. The skills and attributes that can be developed by those who work in sport and coaching is a unique set of transferable skills that are valuable in a variety of roles and open the door to a wide variety of careers and opportunities.’

Students will study at the college’s £3.6million Sports Science complex at the Brooksby Campus, which includes a full-size sports hall, a strength and conditioning gym, an outdoor gym and sports science facilities with a range of performance analysis equipment.

The Leicester Riders Education Programme comes as a welcome addition to the SMB College Group’s other sports partnerships, through which they offer rugby and football programmes with Leicester Tigers and Future Elite Sports, respectively.

Applications for September 2023 are now open! To find out more and register for a Brooksby Campus Open Day, visit the college website at www.smbcollegegroup.ac.uk.

For those interested in this programme, accommodation is available on-site at the Brooksby Campus, in addition to a range of college bus routes and great public transport links across the county.

SMB College Group is a Leicestershire-based Further and Higher Education college with three unique campuses – Stephenson, Melton and Brooksby. The college offers a variety of courses for students aged 16 and over, spanning a range of subjects from Sport to Agriculture to Construction to Performing Arts, and many more.

Leicester Riders Foundation are delighted to announce that we are launching the “Good For The Sole” shoe donation programme.

The aim of the programme is to provide basketball shoes for young people in order to help kickstart their basketball journey.

Tracey Hallam a Trustee of the Foundation hopes that the Riders family will get behind the initiative. “With the cost of living putting increasing financial pressure on families, Good For The Sole is allowing children and young people to access suitable footwear to enable them to play basketball. This is such a great initiative from the Leicester Riders Foundation, I hope the community can get behind this campaign and show your support.”

To donate your shoes either come to the Foundation office and dunk them in the Good For The Sole donation bin or CLICK HERE to donate via our just giving page.

The Leicester Riders Foundation is hosting an All Girls basketball Event at the Morningside Arena on Saturday 14th January.

The event is open to girls & women of all abilities, ages 8+, providing opportunities for players to develop their game in a fun, sociable and safe environment with Leicester Riders Foundation community coaches.

CLICK HERE to book your place.

As part of our on-going partnership with Leicester City Council we’re offering a number of free places on our Christmas Camp.

In order to be eligible children must live in Leicester, be aged between 8 to 16 and in full-time education are receiving benefits related free school meals.

CLICK HERE to register.

Fixtures:

Saturday

U16 Boys II v Milton Keynes – 13:00 Tip at Morningside Arena

Sunday

U14 Girls v Encon Derbyshire Arrows – 11:00 Tip at Morningside Arena

U14 Boys Premier v Manchester Magic – 13:00 Tip at Morningside Arena

U 16 Girls Premier v Newcastle Eagles – 13:30 Tip at Vertu Motors Arena

U16 Boys Premier v York Eagles – 15:00 Tip at Morningside Arena

U18 Men v Derby Trailblazers II – 14:00 Tip at Derby College

A number of our LRF Academy players and coaches have featured in the latest episode of CITV’s children’s arts and crafts show Makeaway Takeaway.

The episode was filmed at the Morningside Arena as the players joined presenter Bec Hill in creating a piece of art using basketballs in an attempt to wow coaches Greg & Damon.

The full episode is available to watch on the ITV Hub, CLICK HERE to see what they got up to.

Fixtures:

Saturday

U16 Boys Premier at Manchester Giants – 11:00 Tip at Hough End, Mauldeth Road

U14 Girls at Nottingham Wildcats – 11:00 Tip at Nottingham Wildcats Arena

U12 Mixed at City of Birmingham Rockets – 12:20 Tip at Nechells Centre

Sunday

U13 Boys at Daventry Swifts – 10:30 Tip at Parker E ACT Academy

U16 Boys II v Northants Thunder – 11:00 Tip at Morningside Arena

U16 Girls Premier v Manchester Mystics II – 13:00 Tip at Morningside Arena

U14 Boys Premier at Newcastle Eagles – 14:30 Tip at Vertu Motors Arena

U14 Boys II v Mansfield Giants – 15:00 Tip at Morningside Arena

For updates on all Academy fixtures follow @RidersBF & @LRFAcademy on all social media platforms.

40 students from The Lancaster Academy joined us at the Morningside Arena on Wednesday morning for an aspiration day with our Foundation staff.

The morning began with a tour of the Arena followed by 3 talks from our Foundation staff on their journey to their current role within the Leicester Riders Foundation. After their talks, the students took part in an hour on court with our coaches working on dribbling and shooting followed by some game play.

Following their session on court the day was rounded off with a 30 minute Q&A with Mo Walker of the Leicester Riders men’s team. The Q&A provided a fantastic opportunity for the students to learn about his story and what it takes to be successful in your chosen field.

Baby Ballers makes a return on Thursday November 17th as we begin another 5 week block.

The sessions take place 10-11am at the Morningside Arena (LE1 3UL) and our coached by our Leicester Riders Foundation coaches. Baby Ballers is a family session; you are welcome to bring family members/ friends/siblings to watch.

CLICK HERE to book your child onto our next block.

Results

U16 Girls II 39-72 Derby Trailblazers

U16 Boys II 44-63 Warwickshire Hawks

U14 Boys Premier 89-71 Cheshire Phoenix

U15 Boys 75-24 Abingdon Eagles

U14 Girls 44-91 Sheffield Hatters

U18 Men 62-76 Sheffield Sharks

U16 Boys Premier 77-97 Trafford Magic

U17 Boys 40-38 Nuneaton Predators

Fixtures:

Saturday

Under 16 Girls II v Derby Trailblazers – 13:00 Tip at Morningside Arena

U16 Boys II v Warwickshire Hawks – 13:15 Tip at Morton Morellos College

U14 Boys Premier v Cheshire Phoenix – 15:00 Tip at Ellesmere Port Sports Village

U15 Boys v Abingdon Eagles – 17:00 Tip at King Alfred Academy

Sunday

U14 Girls v Sheffield Hatters – 11:00 Tip at Morningside Arena

U18 men v Sheffield Junior Sharks – 12:20 Tip at Ponds Forge

U16 Boys Premier v Trafford Magic – 13:00 at Morningside Arena

U17 Boys v Nuneaton Predators – 13:20 Tip at George Elliot School

It’s a quiet weekend for our Academy teams with only our U16 Boys Premier & Conference teams with fixtures. Coach Pietro and the U16 Boys Conference are taking the short trip across town to Gateway College to take on Leicester Warriors whilst Coach Mroso and the U16 Boys Premier are on the road at City of Birmingham Rockets.

Fixtures:

U16 Boys Conference at Leicester Warriors – 12:00 Tip at Gateway College

U16 Boys Premier at City of Birmingham Rockets – 12:20 Tip at Nechells Sports Centre

For updates on all Academy fixtures follow @RidersBF & @LRFAcademy on all social media platforms.

Saturday

U14 Boys II 43-44 Leicester Warriors

U13 Boys 57-46 Coventry Tornadoes

U15 Boys 56-58 Birmingham Bears

U16 Boys Premier 76-85 Trafford Magic

U12 Mixed 46-48 Coventry Tornadoes

Sunday

U16 Girls Premier 44-60 Manchester Mystics

Results:

U14 Boys II 27-86 Leicester Dynamite

U16 Girls Prem 67-77 Sheffield Hatters

U18 Men 65-99 Leicester Dynamite

U16 Boys Prem 62-46 City of Leeds

U16 Girls II 40-53 Frankley Falcons

U14 Girls 64-51 Mansfield Giants

U14 Boys Prem 51-58 Manchester Giants

For updates on all Academy fixtures follow @RidersBF & @LRFAcademy on all social media platforms.

It’s a weekend of away games for our 7 teams in action this week with U14s Boys II, U16 Girls II and U14 girls.

The U16s Boys Premier travel to play City of Leeds in their season opener. Head Coach & Head of Academy, Steven Mroso is looking forward to working with this group. They have so much more to learn but Coach is happy happy with the teams pre season preparations.

After last weekend’s Cup win the U16 Girls are back in action, this time on the road against Sheffield Hatters. The U18s Men & U14 Boys Premier are also back on court after winning their opening games of the season.

Fixtures:

Saturday

U14 II v Leicester Dynamite – 12:15 Tip at WQE College

U16 Girls Premier v Sheffield Hatters – 13:00 Tip at All Saints Sports Centre

U18 Men v Leicester Dynamite – 15:45 Tip at WQE College

U16 Boys Premier v City of Leeds – 16:00 Tip at Leeds Beckett University

Sunday

U16 Girls II v Frankley Falcons – 11:00 Tip at Bournville College Sports Hall

U14 Girls v Mansfield Giants – 14:00 Tip at Droylsden Academy

U14 Boys v Manchester Giants Blue – 14:00 Tip at National Basketball Performance Centre

For updates on all Academy fixtures follow @RidersBF & @LRFAcademy on all social media platforms.

A successful weekend for our Academy teams as 4 of our 5 teams in action picked up wins. Our U12 Boys & U13 girls both won in their first games of the season whilst the U16 Girls Premier also picked up and impressive win over Manchester Mystics II in the Cup.

Our U14 Premier Boys got off to winning ways and defeating City of Leeds 61-32 at Beauchamp College. Coach Pietro and the U16 IIs were once again in a competitive contest falling to Milton Keynes II by 8 on the road.

Results:

U16 II 53-61 Milton Keynes II

U13 Girls 20-28 Northants Lightning

U12 Boys 55-39 Northamptonshire Titans

U13 Girls 49-4 Kettering Phoenix

U14 Boys Premier 62-31 City of Leeds

U16 Girls 57-54 Manchester Mystics II

For updates on all Academy fixtures follow @RidersBF & @LRFAcademy on all social media platforms.

A busy weekend ahead as 5 of our Academy teams are in action. Our U13 Girls, U12 Boys, and U14 Boys are all in season openers with the U16 Girls also getting their Cup campaign underway.

Coach Pietro and the U16 IIs are also back in action as they look to start their league campaign with a win in Milton Keynes.

Fixtures:

Saturday

U16 II v Milton Keynes II – 13:15 Tip at Shenley Brook End School

Sunday

U13 Girls v Kettering Phoenix – 11:00 Tip at Northants Basketball Centre

U12 Boys v Northamptonshire Titans – 11:00 Tip at Northampton School for Boys

U13 Girls v Kettering Phoenix – 12:00 Tip at Northants Basketball Centre

U14 Boys v City of Leeds – 13:00 Tip at Beauchamp College

U16 Girls v Manchester Mystics II – 15:00 Tip at Beauchamp College

For updates on all Academy fixtures follow @RidersBF & @LRFAcademy on all social media platforms.

It was a positive start to the season for our U18 Men & U16 II teams. The U18 men picked up a 65-46 win over Coventry in the National Cup First Round however unfortunately the U16 IIs lost to Leicester Dynamite 68-39.

Our U14 Girls were also in action, picking up a 63-14 win on the road against Cambridge Cats in a pre-season fixture.

Results:

Riders U18 Men 65-46 Coventry Tornadoes – National Cup

Coach Fergus: “It was great to get a win in our season opener & to progress to the next round of the Cup. Myself and Coach Greg have been impressed with the effort and energy of this team in each of our games so far and we continued to build on that against Coventry. We still have plenty to work on but it was great to make a positive start to the season.”

Leicester Dynamite 68-39 Riders U16 IIs – National Cup

Coach Pietro: “The boys showed the right attitude against a Dynamite team with already a few games under their belt this year. We stayed in touch in the score until half time, but then fall short in the second half, as the team is still working to find the right team chemistry.”

Cambridge Cats 14-63 Riders U14 Girls – Pre-season

For updates on all Academy fixtures follow @RidersBF & @LRFAcademy on all social media platforms.

The 2022/23 season gets underway on Sunday for two of our teams this weekend as the National Cup begins in the Under 16s & 18s age groups. Coach Pietro and the U16 IIs take on Leicester Dynamite at WQE College whilst Coach Greg and the U18s face Coventry Tornados at the Morningside Arena. Both games tip off at 13:00.

Fixtures:

U18s v Coventry Tornados – 13:00 Tip at Morningside Arena

U16 II v Leicester Dynamite – 13:00 Tip at WQE College

For updates on all Academy fixtures follow @RidersBF & @LRFAcademy on all social media platforms.

New College PL Kicks session is a free session for kids in disadvantaged areas that could potentially not be able to afford to go to other sessions. This season we have seen 4 players come through our PL Kicks sessions to progress onto our U14s Academy team.

Alim Mayow started his basketball journey by going to our New College PL Kicks session. Alim attended the session for 6 weeks in a row, from there he then started to attend our other PL Kicks session at St Matthews which he attended for 3 sessions. He developed his ability to play whilst also improving on multiple different skills. After all the hard work he put in the Coach Ricardo Silva asked him to come to the national league trials for the Leicester Riders Foundation Academy. 

Coach Ricardo is delighted with Alim’s progression. “Alim came to New College and showed me he was ready to learn and develop his skills! I’m extremely happy that he came from our free sessions and now he is part of regular basketball every week!”

After impressing at trials Alim was accepted into our U14 Academy team. Now he practices twice a week and is working hard to prepare for the new season.

Liam Spencer attended our New College PL Kicks session. From the moment he came to the session he was ready to learn, wanted to improve and was showing promising improvements. He came to the session for 10 weeks straight. Liam started to show up to other sessions, he went to our PL Kicks at Charnwood College and to the He got game session at the Morningside Arena. 

His hard work and dedication on the court gave him the chance to try out for the Leicester Riders Academy. After performing well at the trials he was accepted into the U14 academy team! 

Coach Ricardo commented, “Liam Spencer has worked hard to be in the position where he can be in the academy. PL kicks showed me that Liam wanted to improve his basketball skills, he is a greater listener and ready to try everything you ask him to do.”

Simba Gwitirwa turned up the New College sessions and he was ready to play. He came week in and week out for 12 weeks. During those weeks he worked hard on all aspects of his game. All those skills helped him in other sessions that he went to such as St Matthew where he attended for 3 weeks. 

With such improvement he was invited to try out for the Leicester Riders Academy, working his harder everyday he managed to get into the U14s.

Coach Ricardo was pleased by Simba’s attitude & work ethic. “Simba stayed late for every session, always asking questions on how he can become better, what he needs to do and how he can achieve his goal. Now at the U14 he is showing leadership skills while still wanting to learn and become the best.” 

To join in on our PL Kicks sessions CLICK HERE & book your place.

In addition to the return of our Community Sessions the Leicester Riders Foundation will also be hosting a Central Venue League across 4 locations, Morningside Arena, Groby, Coalville and Beauchamp College for players ages 8-12.

Our Central Venue league will give players the opportunity to train weekly and then join the other locations once a month for competitive fixtures. Players will also receive a reversible jersey as part of their subscription.

CLICK HERE to book on to our Central Venue League.

It was another successful day of pre-season action at the Morningside Arena as we hosted another 5 fixtures. We finished the day with another 3 wins & 2 losses however there was plenty of valuable court time & development for our teams ahead of the new season.

Results:

U14 Boys Premier 79-54 Manchester Giants

U16 Boys II 52-70 Liverpool

U16 Girls Premier 91-22 Liverpool

U18 Men 54-57 Liverpool

U16 Boys Premier 62-51 Cheshire Phoenix

For updates on our Academy teams follow @RidersBF & @LRFAcademy on all social media platforms.

It was a successful afternoon at the Morningside Arena for our 6 teams in pre-season action. We finished the afternoon with 4 wins and 2 losses from our 6 games played across the various age groups.

Results:

U14 Girls 41-39 Bromsgrove Bears

U14 Boys II 20-88 Northamptonshire Titans

U16 Girls Premier 78-32 City of Birmingham Rockets

U16 Girls II 24-74 Bromsgove Bears

U16 Boys Premier 59-56 Stourport Spartans

U18 Men 69-67 Gloucester Saxons

We have another 6 fixtures tomorrow afternoon. For updates on all fixtures follow @RidersBF & @LRFAcademy on all social media platforms.

Our Leicester Riders Foundation Community Sessions are back ahead of the 2022/23 season.

CLICK HERE to book onto our sessions!

Monday

Loughborough PL Kicks, Ages 12-17, 19:30-20:30 at Charnwood College, Thorpe hill, Loughborough, LE11 4SQ

Late Night Hoops, 18+, 21:00-22:30 at Morningside Arena

Tuesday

She Got Game, Ages 12-17, 17:30-19:00 at Morningside Arena

He Got Game, Ages 12-17, 17:30-19:00 at Morningside Arena

Inclusive Basketball, 18+, 20:30-22:00 at Morningside Arena

Wednesday

Junior Open Court, 17:00-18:00 at Morningside Arena

Walking Basketball, 18:00-19:30 at Morningside Arena

Adult Basketball, 19:30-21:00, 30+ at Morningside Arena

Late Night Hoops, 21:00-22:30, 18+ at Morningside Arena

Thursday

Baby Ballers, 10:00-11:00, Ages 1-3 at Morningside Arena

Fundamental Hoops, Ages 8-11, 16:30-17:30 at Morningside Arena

Mini Ballers, 17:00-18:00, Ages 4-7 at Morningside Arena

Friday

Beaumont Leys Free Friday Night Hoops, 17:00-19:00, Ages 12-17 at Beaumont Leys School, Anstey Ln, Leicester LE4 0FL

New College PL Kicks, 18:00-19:30, Ages 12-17 at New College Leicester, Glenfield Rd, Leicester LE3 6DN

Saturday

St Matthews PL Kicks, 10:00-11:30, Ages 12-17 at St Mattews Centre, Malabar Road, Leicester, LE1 2PD

CLICK HERE to book onto our sessions!

Leicester Riders Foundation are hosting a Teacher Meet & Greet at the Morningside Arena on Thursday 13th October.

The Meet & Greet provides a great to explore all the great education packages and opportunities we can deliver in your school.

CLICK HERE to book your place!

We are delighted to announce our JNL Academy Coaching appointments ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Leicester Riders Foundation would still like to appoint more assistant coaches and team managers for the 2022/23 season. Please get in touch with Head of Academy, Steven Mroso via email [email protected].

Appointments:

U12s Boys – Head Coach: Tom Fairey

U12 Girls – Head Coach: Ben Loft

U13s Boys – YBL – Head Coach: Aaran Kahlon

U14s Boys II – Head Coach: Ricardo Silva 

U14s Boys – Head Coach: Damon Taylor

U14s Girls – Head Coach: Matt Barwell

U15s Boys – Head Coach: Jake Burfoot

U16s Boys II – Head Coach: Pietro Tomajer

U16s Boys – Head Coach: Steven Mroso 

Assistant Coaches: Emo Westerby & Paul Hodgkinson

U16s Girls II – Head Coach: Natalie Narrinen

Assistant Coach: Ryan Evans

U16 Girls – Head Coach: Lewis Atkins

U18 Men – Head Coach: Greg Ellis

Team will begin the preparation for the new season with pre season fixtures at the Morningside Arena on September 3rd & 4th.

For updates on all fixtures follow @RidersBF & @LRFAcademy on all social media platforms.

September 3rd & 4th will be a busy weekend at the Morningside Arena as we host Pre-season fixtures for our JNL Academy Teams ahead of the 2022/23 season. 10 teams from 7 clubs across 3 different age groups will be in attendance as teams begin their preparation for the new season.

Newly appointed Head of Academy Steven Mroso is excited at the prospect of a competitive set of pre season fixtures. “I am looking forward to see the majority of our teams in action for the weekend, We have invited some good quality teams so we should see quality competition and give myself the opportunity to see where we are as a club”

Saturday 3rd September

Under 14 Girls v Bromsgrove Bears, Court 2, 12:00 Tip

Under 16 Girls Premier v COB Rockets, Court 2, 14:00 Tip

Under 16 Boys Premier v Stourport Spartans, Court 2, 16:00 Tip

Under 14 Boys v Northamptonshire Titans, Court 3, 12:00 Tip

Under 16 Girls II v Bromsgrove Bears, Court 3, 14:00 Tip

Under 18s Men II v Gloucester Saxons, Court 3, 16:00 Tip

Sunday 4th September

Under 14 Boys Premier v Manchester Giants, Court 2, 12:00 Tip

Under 16 Girls Premier v Liverpool, Court 2, 14:00 Tip

Under 16 Boys Premier v Cheshire Phoenix, Court 2, 16:00 Tip

Under 16 Boys II v Liverpool, Court 3, 12:00 Tip

Under 18 Men v Liverpool, Court 3, 16:00 Tip

For updates on all fixtures follow @RidersBF & @LRFAcademy on all social media platforms.

Following their week long residential at Kingswood Dearne Valley our NCS Wave 1 group headed to Peter Pizzeria in Leicester City Centre on Monday morning to make Pizza’s to donate to The Bridge Homeless Charity.

The Bridge is a Homeless Charity that aims to support those in need and provide access to a range of therapeutic and empowering services such as washing facilities, food and drink and support & advice from case workers.

Our NCS Participants were split into groups and undertook a pizza making masterclass and a talk on homelessness and the work that The Bridge do in the community to provide support to the homeless. The young people then got a chance to make pizzas of their own that were then donated to the Bridge Charity.

🍕 A fun morning @PeterPizzeria making Pizzas to donate to @LeicesterBridge@NCS | #NCS pic.twitter.com/p7PilZTJAs

— Leicester Riders Foundation (@RidersBF) July 18, 2022

Rhien Shepard our NCS Wave Leader thought it was great to see the young people come together for such a good cause. “It was such an enriching and insightful day with the young people learning about the impact of homelessness.”

“It was great to see them coming together as a wave showing their creativity, dough spinning skills and making so many amazing pizzas to be donated to The Bridge. What a pure act of kindness.”

The rest of the week the young people will be working out in the local community completing social action projects , giving back and volunteering in their local areas. 

For further updates on our work with NCS check out @RidersBF on all social media platforms.

The Leicester Riders Foundation has awarded Champions Partnership Plaques to schools who have worked with us throughout the 2021/22 season.

To qualify to be awarded with a Champions Partnership Plaque Schools must have worked with LRF from September through till June of which there are four schools. The other schools who qualified for the award have either extended their primary coaching sessions or have re booked for the following school year.

It's been great visiting our Champions Schools to present them with their plaques this week 🤝

We look forward to continuing our partnerships with all 18 schools again in September! pic.twitter.com/KDRnQcERBN

— Leicester Riders Foundation (@RidersBF) July 8, 2022

Karen Burton, Schools Project Officer for the Foundation is delighted with the partnerships that the Foundation has formed in schools over the past year.

“I am really happy to be able to present something to the schools that have formed a working partnership with our Foundation throughout the year.”

“It takes a lot of commitment from both the school and Pupils to commit to sessions on a weekly basis. I am really excited that our schools projects is growing and we felt that schools that have been with us since September and other schools that have extended their original package with us needed some recognition of the work that we are undertaking together to help with sport and Education coming out of Covid.”

For more information on the work that the Leicester Riders Foundation does in schools and the packages we offer email [email protected].

Schools awarded:

Hope Hamilton Church of England

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School

St Mary fields Primary School

All Saints Church of England Primary School

St Clares Roman CAtholic Primary School

Wreake Valley Academy

Ashby Hilltop Primary School

Uplands Junior LEAD Academy

Taylor Road Primary School

Glenhills Primary School

Quorn Hall School

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College

Memphys 

Vista Children and Young people

Heather Primary School

Birkett House School

Ellesmere College

Foxfields Academy

Over the past year the Leicester Riders Foundation has also worked in the schools below and is hoping to grow our schools supervision with these schools into next school year.

Forest House School

Beaumont Lodge Primary

Wigston Academy

RavenHurst Primary

Fosse Mead Primary School

Bishop Challenor College

Foalville Primary

King Richards

Humberstone junior Academy

This summer the Leicester Riders Foundation will be hosting 4 camps in 4 different locations across Leicestershire over the months of July and August.

All camps are open to participants of all abilities, beginner to intermediate, providing opportunities for players to develop their game in a fun and safe environment with Leicester Riders Foundation community coaches.

LRF Beaumont Leys Summer Camp

Beaumont Leys School, Anstey Lane, Leicester, LE4 0FL

25th – 28th July, 10am – 4pm

8 – 16 years old

£20 per day / £60 all four days

Click here to book!

LRF Beauchamp Summer Camp

Beauchamp College, Ridge Way, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5TP

1st – 5th August, 10am – 4pm

8 – 16 years old
£20 per day / £75 all week

Click here to book!

LRF All Saints Mini Camp

All Saints C of E Primary School, Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3LB

10th – 12th August, 10am – 1pm

7 – 11 years old
£22 all three days

Click here to book!

LRF Morningside Arena Summer Camp 

15th – 17th August, 10am – 4pm

8 – 16 years old
£20 per day / £45 all three days

Click here to book!

Campaign will target 1,000 schools and inspire 150,000 young people across the UK to get involved with sport in their local communities. 

The British Basketball League has today launched its Ambassadors programme, which will see players and staff across the league promote the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle to thousands of school children in local communities across the UK.

The project has been launched as part of the BBL’s ‘Inspires’ initiative, where key members of each of the league’s 10 clubs will visit schools in their local community to tell their stories about their pathway to becoming a professional athlete.

There will be an emphasis on how participating in sports like basketball benefits youngsters’ physical health but also the positive influence it has on their mental health. The sessions will also highlight how sport plays a role in tackling various societal issues and how the next generation hold the power to be trailblazers for social change. 

Some of the key topics covered in the sessions will include; their personal career journeys, the importance of sport and education as well as the benefits of being physically active. Maintaining good mental health will also be emphasised and players will discuss the importance of being respectful and understanding of societal differences. Above all, the club ambassadors will look to inspire the next generation of young people within their respective communities. 

Players from across both the BBL and WBBL (Women’s British Basketball League) will lead the sessions when they launch across their local communities later this month. Students will get the opportunity to ask the players questions and learn more about what it takes to be a professional athlete both on and off the court.

The campaign, which has been funded and backed by Sport England in partnership with the Basketball Foundation, will see the BBL and WBBL clubs’ visit over 1000 schools and deliver school assembly sessions to 150,000 students nationwide.

The Leicester Riders Foundation will be attending a number of schools in the Leicestershire area to deliver sessions in school assemblies, where they will speak to students about some of the key topics surrounding the Ambassadors programme, the importance of a good education and how sport plays a huge part in physical and mental wellbeing.

Basketball remains the third most played team sport across the country, with 1.2 million people picking up a basketball each week, 80% of which are aged 16-34. Basketball continues to be at the heart of local communities too with 900,000 under 16s participating each week, making the sport the second most popular with 14–16-year-olds in the UK.  Additionally, The BBL is one the most culturally diverse leagues in world sport, with 70% of its players coming from ethnic minority backgrounds. However, with 13% of Brits (5.4 million) believing their ethnicity and/or culture is not represented by sporting icons around today, the campaign aims to give students role models from the league who can inspire them to get involved and actively pursue opportunities within sport and education. 

Speaking around the launch of the campaign, Chief Operating Officer at the British Basketball League, Andy Webb, said: “We’re really proud to be launching the Ambassadors programme with the support of the clubs competing in the BBL alongside their WBBL counterparts. I’d like to thank Sport England, the Basketball Foundation and everyone across the league who has been involved in setting up this programme that will benefit thousands of youngsters across the country. 

He added: “Basketball in the UK has the power to inspire the next generation and our league is very fortunate to have so many role models that young people look up to and aspire to be. Our clubs already do a great deal of work in their local communities to address a range of societal issues and we look forward to seeing the impact the sessions have as they begin to take place over the coming weeks.”

Phil Smith at Sport England said: “It’s great to see this programme launch. We all know the physical and mental benefits of being active, and how much value there is in being part of a team. We think that athletes can inspire young people to enjoy sport. It’s vital that role models are representative of communities so that young people can see themselves reflected in sport at all levels of the game. The BBL Ambassadors Programme will help to bridge that gap and inspire the next generation of young players”

Following today’s launch, the BBLs clubs will head into local schools and start delivering the inspiring and thought-provoking sessions. To keep up to date and to find out more visit www.bblinspires.co.uk.

About the British Basketball League and BBL Inspires:

The British Basketball League (BBL) has been at the pinnacle of British hoops since its inception in 1987 and represents the highest level of the professional game in the UK.

The League has a colourful history that spans over 30 years including great teams, dynasties, memorable moments, and unforgettable players and coaches. 

There are currently 10 franchises in the League. All clubs are equal shareholders in the League with a separate independent Management Board overseeing implementation of the Business Plan and day to day running of the League.

The current franchises are:

– Bristol Flyers

– Cheshire Phoenix

– Glen Luss Glasgow Rocks

–  Leicester Riders

– London Lions

– Manchester Giants

–  Newcastle Eagles

–  Plymouth City Patriots

–  B. Braun Sheffield Sharks

–  Surrey Scorchers

BBL clubs are increasingly built on the foundations of strong community programmes. Whilst providing positive role models for young people, clubs are also actively involved in developing the next generation of British basketball players and promoting the sport, and associated healthy lifestyles, to young people in their localities.

About Sport England:

Sport England is a public body and invests up to £300 million National Lottery and government money each year in projects and programmes that help people get active and play sport.

It wants everyone in England, regardless of age, background, or level of ability, to feel able to engage in sport and physical activity. That’s why a lot of its work is specifically focused on helping people who do no, or very little, physical activity and groups who are typically less active – like women, disabled people and people on lower incomes.

We’re proud to announce,  Coach Karen Burton has been selected for Hoopsfix All-Star Classic 2022 Head Coach whilst Academy and Community Coach Keenan Thomas has won Coach of the Year in the Loughborough College Sports Awards.

Next up is Coach of the year ➡️ congratulations to Keenan Thomas #loucollsportawards pic.twitter.com/s7jOWRLNKX

— Loughborough College Sport (@loucollsport) May 11, 2022

Get yourself ready for the LRF Camp!

The Leicester Riders Foundation will be running a May Camp at the home of the Leicester Riders, Morningside Arena.

Book before the 26th of May 2022 and get 10% off! Use code: EARLYMAY

The camp is available to participants of all abilities, beginner to intermediate, ages 8 – 16, providing opportunities for players to develop their game in a fun and safe environment with Leicester Riders Foundation community coaches.

Please bring plenty of water and a packed lunch with you on the day.

• Individual day tickets are available at £20 a day
• Full access (all three days) tickets are available at £45
• Dates 30th May – 1st June 10 AM – 4 PM
• Entry from 9:50 AM
• Departure 3:55 PM
• Morningside Arena 31 Charter Street Leicester, LE1 3UD

Riders U14s have reached the Final Fours after their debut season was postponed due to COVID 19. Here is what player Kyrah Johnson and Head CoachMatt Barwell had to say about their achievement.

“Reaching the finals means more than I can put into words. The stress that Covid brought to our team is crazy as it canceled our debut season not once but twice. But this group got through it together, WhatsApping and Facetiming when we trained at home and meeting up to train outside in all weathers. Going through this made us not just a team but a group of friends first, and you can see that togetherness in how we play on the court.”

Kyrah Johnson, #14

To win the league in our debut season was unbelievable enough, but progressing through the play-offs and reaching the Final Fours is beyond anything we could have ever dreamt of. It’s nothing that these girls don’t deserve though – their dedication and determination has never wavered since we set up our Girls Academy pre-pandemic and they’re now reaping the benefits of all that hard work. I feel incredibly privileged to have coached these girls throughout this journey and, whatever happens, this weekend, I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them.

Matt Barwell, Head Coach

Over the coming months, the Leicester Riders Foundation will lead a number of Premier League Kicks sessions in partnership with Leicester City Football Club.

The free basketball sessions will be held for young people coming from underprivileged areas, and people who may not have this kind of opportunity elsewhere.

The Foundation will host four sessions, with the aim of getting more young people engaged in basketball. The coaches will be aiming at getting everyone involved and having fun, and trying to build a community feel amongst the group.

Attendees will be taught by the foundation’s basketball coaches, who will teach basic skills, leading into some gameplay.

The sessions are part of the Foundation’s aims to promote basketball to people across Leicester and Leicestershire, regardless of prior experience.

You can now book on our February Half Term Camp!

The camp takes place between the 14th and 17th of February, and is held from 10pm to 4pm.

The camp is held at the Morningside Arena, and is open to anyone between the ages of 8 and 16, regardless of basketball experience and ability.

The cost is £20 per day, and there is a reduction to £65 for the full four days.

Alex, who has been at the academy since 2016, has left the Leicester Riders to move to America, where he will continue his basketball journey.

Alex has shown great commitment in his time with the Riders, playing for our U12 and U14 teams, as well as participating in our community sessions. He has always given 100% effort, and both coaches and players have voiced how Alex made a real impact both on and off the court.

He will now continue his basketball journey in America, and although he will be greatly missed by everyone within the Riders Family, we wish him nothing but success in with his future both on and off the court in America.

Coach Dom said: “Having coached Alex over the past four years it has been great to watch him develop not only as a basketball player but also as a person. Alex has been a significant contributor on every team at various age groups. He was in the first team I coached, and althoughwe are sad to see him leave the club, we are excited for the adventure that Alex and his family are embarking on moving to the USA. We wish Alex and his family the best of luck.”

Leicester Riders Foundation have led a session for the REMIT group as part of the United Leicester partnership.

The session, aimed at improving wellbeing, saw the group take a walk Abby Park, alongside Riders coaches Dom and Aaran, before stopping for refreshments. 

The session, which will now be held weekly, is aimed at helping the attendees to relax, get to know one-another, make the most of the fresh air, and feel free to talk about any issues they may be facing. In future the sessions may be paired with a sports session after.

The activity is part of the Leicester Riders Foundation’s work within the United Leicester Partnership, part of which is to provide weekly activities to help support adults with their mental and physical wellbeing.

Leicester Riders 80 – Milton Keynes 54

Leicester Riders U14 Girls are flying high in their league this season. Having finally been able to enter into their first competitive season, all their hard work and enthusiasm over the last few years is truly reaping its rewards. Sunday saw them take on Milton Keynes Basketball Club who are also new to Basketball England National League and were also 4 & 0 for the season so far.

The top of the league clash provided a scintillating first quarter where the lead swapped hands numerous times, but ended 18 -14 to the Riders. Coach Barwell kept his calm and rotated his players which made the difference as they went in 38 – 22 at the half. The game was competitive all the way through but the strength in depth of Riders squad proved to be a decisive factor with Milton Keynes tiring with only having eight players.

Coach Barwell had this to say:
“Today’s game felt like the culmination of three years of hard work for a group who have had their first season cancelled not once but twice. When we set up the girls’ programme in 2019, the dream was just to one day be able to compete in the NBL and the results so far in our debut season are beyond
anything that we could have imagined.

“I’m lucky to have a squad with such depth of talent as we’ve already had 18 different girls compete for us in the league this year. You could see that strength in depth was the key difference betweenthe teams today and I’m extremely proud of the bench for coming in and executing just as well as
our starters did. Every game, those players not selected have still been travelling to support their teammates and the support of parents and family members has been incredible too. I feel really fortunate to coach this team and we’ll be working hard to continue the great progress that we’ve made so far.“

The Leicester Riders Foundation has launched a Give To Local Hardship fundraiser in an effort to raise £4,000 to increase its reach in promoting basketball in the community. 

The aim is to raise money that can help us to support families who have been hit hard by the pandemic and break down barriers to get more people into basketball. 

Currently, the Foundation holds sessions for anyone between the ages of 4 and 17 and has links to a number of schools throughout Leicester and Leicestershire. 

The Foundation also works to bring the game to those who may not have access to it otherwise, such as working with Menphys, a charity for young people who suffer from learning difficulties. 

We have also worked with Leicester City Council, as part of their Adult skills and learning programme, which supports adults suffering from severe mental health difficulties.

Those groups, as with all community sessions held by the Riders Foundation, are totally inclusive, and cater to people regardless of age, gender, or basketball ability. 

Our aim now is to increase our reach into the community and open the game up to even more people who may not have experienced basketball before, and may not have had too many opportunities to get involved in sport in general. 

Tracey Stephenson, whose daughter Ruby is a member of the Under 14s girls’ side, and whose business Dura Sport sponsor the kit, said: “She already loved playing basketball and was successful in gaining a place in the Leicester Riders Girls Academy in 2019. Basketball has been a huge part of our lives ever since.

“It quickly became apparent to us what fantastic work the Leicester Riders Foundation does in the local community. The sessions, camps and events that the Foundation provides are fantastic and so important for both physical and mental health.

“We love being part of the Riders family and the work that the Leicester Riders Foundation does is invaluable. The Give to Local scheme is the perfect opportunity for businesses to support the charity arm of their local club in a way that’s both affordable and beneficial and with donors benefiting from some great discounts and offers.”

All of the Riders Foundation sessions are led by our expert Community Coaches, all of whom are passionate about their work, and getting people involved in sport.

One of these is Dominic McDonaugh, who is also a Leicester Riders Foundation Project Officer, and the Head Coach of the Under 16 side. He said: “As a community coach the junior academy is a great tool to help to inspire young people to become more involved with the club and to continue to encourage their basketball development. By utilising our community arena sessions, we have a stepping stone pathway that young people interested in basketball can follow.

“However, even though we have seen great growth we are still limited in our capacity and resource and cannot provide all the basketball provisions for the community that we would like. However, through the support from local donors and businesses facilitated by Give to Local, we are extremely excited to be able to enhance our current provisions and expand them further into areas of the community where we are currently less active.”

If you are a business, you can sponsor us from as little as £10 a month. This will also allow you to offer discounts to customers for your own business, and help you attract customers. 

Individuals can support us for as little as £3, either as a one-off payment, or as a monthly donation. 

You can donate by clicking here!

Thank you for all your support!

To learn more about our ‘Give to Local’ fundraiser, you can email [email protected]

On Monday, the Foundation hosted the Primary Schools Tournament at the Morningside Arena. 

The event was held for Year 5 and 6 students at Taylor Road, Richard Hill, St Mary’s, Fosse Mead and Hope Hamilton School, who bought two sides, all schools across Leicester. 

The tournament was played in a round robin format, with all teams coming up against each other once, with the team with the most points at the end of the day taking the title.

All teams gave their all throughout the day, with the red team from Hamilton Hope emerging victorious, closely followed by those from Taylor Road.

Jim Smith, a teacher from Richard Hill, said: “It’s a great opportunity for all of them. Obviously, we didn’t get to do this sort of thing last year, but it’s good to get back out, especially at such a great venue.

“None of them have actually played basketball competitively before, so it’s good to see them enjoying it and having smiles on their faces.”

Now that everything is back up and running after lockdown, this is an event that we hope to hold at the Morningside Arena every year, continuing to promote basketball to young people across Leicestershire.

On Friday night 27 volunteers on the NCS Changemakers programme attended the Riders game against Glasgow Rocks to raise money for Help the Homeless.

They collected £107 for Help the Homeless, before volunteering at the match and watching the Riders defeat the Rocks in an entertaining match at the Morningside Arena.

Leading the NCS sessions is part of the Riders Foundation’s wider aim to promote and deliver programmes that promote health and wellbeing, and develop and inspire volunteers. 

To get involved, or find out more about our NCS programmes, email [email protected]

This week, Leicester Riders Foundation have been leading an NCS session for special educational needs students from college. 

The course, which is part of the Foundation’s community action group, has helped offer students access to a number of activities that they otherwise wouldn’t have exposure to.

Over the course of last fortnight, the students, from the Foundation Studies group at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, have taken part in activities such as abseiling, archery, rifle shooting and fencing.

On Wednesday and Thursday, they were at an allotment in Leicester, picking apples and planting onions.

All students have individual targets, though the NCS programme helps to develop teamwork amongst the group, as well as aiming to help their mental health and confidence, and giving them a sense of achievement.

NCS Team Leader Richard Jones said: “The most rewarding part about it is seeing that the students can achieve anything they put their mind to, and seeing them express themselves, and bringing out their potential.

“They are a really great group, they get stuck in, and they really seem to be enjoying themselves.”

Taking NCS sessions is part of the Foundation’s targets to work within the local community and deliver programmes that promote health and wellbeing.

To get involved, or find out more about our NCS programmes, email [email protected]

On Friday evening, Leicester Riders Foundation led a coaching session for Leicestershire charity Menphys.

The session was part of a weekly one led by the Riders Foundation, for people between the ages of 12 and 25 with learning difficulties. This week, there were eight young people there learning the basics of basketball.

The group, hosted at The Menphys Hub in Leicester, allows the participants to get involved in group activity based around sport.

The course is inclusive to anyone in that age group, regardless of basketball ability, or having any experience of playing sport. The hope is to get them into sport and engaging in enjoyable exercise and returning week-on-week.

The interaction and teamwork is aimed at helping bring them out of their shells, and currently the majority of participants are returning each week.

Riders Foundation coach Dominic McDonaugh said: “They get an outlet that’s enjoyable, that gives them the opportunity to do something different, and give them a provision to something they don’t usually get. 

“I enjoy the session, I find it rewarding and hopefully they all enjoy it.”

The course is part of the Leicester Riders Foundation’s aims to promote and engage through basketball across Leicestershire.

To find out more about the Leicester Riders Foundation’s inclusion projects, email [email protected]

On Thursday, two coaches from the Riders Foundation led a coaching session for adults on Leicester City Council’s Adult skills and learning programme.

The 12-week course is for adults on the REMIT programme- a community education programme for adults with mental health difficulties. The course allows the adults to work on a range of skills across a number of sports. 

The course offers a safe space for those suffering from mental health difficulties, many of whom have also struggled with the isolation and loneliness bought on by lockdown, while others have to deal with being full-time carers as well. 

The course is inclusive for all, regardless of age and background, with the ages ranging from people in their 20s, to those in their 70s. The sessions are focussed on getting them to enjoy sport, exercising, communicating and interacting with others. 

On Thursday, they were working on various skills in basketball, including passing, dribbling and shooting. The course accommodates for those with all level of skills, including those who have never played basketball, or any form of sport before. 

The session also features parts of competition, keeping everyone engaged and involved in what is going on. 

The course is part of the Leicester Riders Foundation’s aim to offer opportunities to all, and promote and deliver sustainable programmes that promote health and well-being. 

To find out more about the Leicester Riders Foundation’s inclusion projects, email [email protected]

On Friday night, the Leicester Riders Foundation held an event for teachers prior to the Riders’ fixture against Cheshire Phoenix.

The event was attended by 40 teachers from schools, colleges and community organisations. It was an opportunity to network, and learn about the work done by the Riders Foundation, and how they could get involved.

The teachers then stayed on to watch the Riders defeat the Phoenix 94-72 in a thrilling game in the BBL Championship. 

Jo Bradley, who attended the event, said: “Thank you so much for a great teacher event and looking after us. Found out so much about the amazing schools and community work that Leicester Riders Foundation are doing.”

The Riders Foundation aims to promote basketball across Leicestershire, and through working in schools, we aim to reach as many young people as possible. 

To learn more about our work in schools, contact [email protected]