The Leicester Riders Foundation were delighted to visit Fosse Mead Primary Academy, delivering an engaging day of basketball, personal development, and positive messaging to pupils across the school.
Leicester Riders Foundation community coaches Conner Washington and Pak Chingombe led the visit, beginning with a whole-school assembly focused on the theme of resilience. The pair spoke about their own journeys in basketball, sharing how the sport has played a key role in helping them overcome challenges, stay motivated, and develop confidence both on and off the court.
Their stories offered pupils meaningful real-life examples of goal-setting, and maintaining a positive mindset, setting the tone for an inspiring day ahead.
Credit: Leicester Riders Foundation | Nathan Green
Following the assembly, Conner and Pak delivered two basketball sessions to Year 6 pupils, giving them the opportunity to learn and develop key skills through a fun, active, and structured programme. Each session introduced the fundamentals of the game, with pupils rotating through activities focused on:
- Dribbling – improving ball control and coordination
- Shooting drills – developing confidence and technique
- Core fundamentals – understanding movement, spacing, and teamwork
Through initiatives like this, the Leicester Riders Foundation continues to use basketball as a powerful tool to educate, motivate, and empower young people, supporting schools in promoting resilience, wellbeing, teamwork, and ambition both on and off the court.
Credit: Leicester Riders Foundation | Nathan Green
Alex Baines, Head of PE at Fosse Mead Primary Academy, praised the impact of the visit:
“We were so lucky to have Conner and Pak from the Leicester Riders Foundation come in for an assembly and PE taster session. The kids had the best time, they got stuck in, learned new skills, asked loads of questions, and honestly haven’t stopped talking about it since.
Connor and Pak were brilliant with the children as well as inspiring for them. Hearing their personal stories about resilience and seeing their passion for basketball firsthand was incredibly motivating for our pupils. The practical sessions were brilliantly delivered, engaging, and accessible for all abilities. It was a fantastic experience for everyone. Thank you, Leicester Riders!“
Credit: Leicester Riders Foundation | Nathan Green
We would like to thank everyone at Fosse Mead Primary Academy for their warm welcome, and we look forward to continuing to work together to inspire the next generation through basketball one bounce at a time.
To find out more about our schools’ offering, view our Education Programme Booklet or to arrange a visit, please email [email protected]
