Leicester Riders Foundation is launching Slam Jam Intro, a beginner basketball programme for children aged 5 to 11, starting at Mattioli Arena in January 2027. Through our partnership with Basketball England, we are offering a limited number of funded places, so families can take part completely free of charge.
Slam Jam Intro is built for complete beginners. Maybe your child has never picked up a basketball before. Maybe they have watched a game and want to give it a go, or they are simply looking for a new way to get active and make friends. Either way, Slam Jam is the perfect place to start, and no previous experience is needed.
Over six weekly sessions, children will learn the basics of the game through fun, fast-paced games and activities. Every child also receives their own Slam Jam kit to take home, so they can keep playing long after the programme ends.
Slam Jam usually costs £50 per child. Thanks to our partnership with Basketball England, we can remove that cost for a limited number of families, helping more children in Leicester take their first step into basketball.
What is Slam Jam?
Slam Jam is Basketball England’s official grassroots programme for primary-aged children. It is designed to give young people a great first experience of basketball in a fun, safe and engaging atmosphere.
For 2026, Basketball England has renewed and improved Slam Jam and opened it up to children aged 5 to 11.
As well as basketball skills, Slam Jam aims to improve children’s physical literacy and fundamental movement skills, giving them the confidence and competence to enjoy being active for life.
What happens at a session?
Every Slam Jam session is packed with games, competitions and activities, led by coaches trained by Basketball England to deliver the programme. Children learn the basic skills of the game, such as catching, throwing, running and dribbling, through play rather than drills.
Sessions are all about learning new skills, making friends and, most importantly, having fun.
Who is it for?
Slam Jam Intro is for children aged 5 to 11 who are new to basketball. It is ideal for children who:
- have never played basketball before
- want to try a new sport or activity
- are looking to build confidence and make new friends
- enjoy being active and want to have fun with others their age
Children of all abilities are welcome. Nobody needs to know the rules or have played before, as everything is taught from the very beginning.
What’s included?
Each child taking part in Slam Jam Intro will receive:
- 6 weekly coaching sessions
- Their own Slam Jam T-shirt
- A Slam Jam bag
- Their very own basketball to keep
The kit is theirs to keep, so children can carry on practising at home, in the park or at school once the six weeks are over.
Where and when?
Slam Jam Intro will take place at Mattioli Arena on Monday evenings from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, running from 11th January to 22nd February 2027.
There is no session on Monday 15th February, as it falls during half term. The six session dates are:
- Monday 11th January 2027
- Monday 18th January 2027
- Monday 25th January 2027
- Monday 1st February 2027
- Monday 8th February 2027
- Monday 22nd February 2027
Why funded places?
We believe every child should have the chance to try sport, and cost should never be the reason they miss out. By offering funded places, we hope to reach families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to try basketball.
For many children, Slam Jam will be their very first experience of the sport. We want it to be a positive one that gives them the confidence to keep playing, whether that is at school, with friends or in one of our regular junior sessions.
Aaran Kahlon, Head of Community Engagement at Leicester Riders Foundation, said:
“Basketball is seen as a sport that requires a lot of experience or equipment before you can take part. We believe that isn’t the case, and Slam Jam will allow us to give that opportunity to young people in our community.
“Slam Jam is a project that gives young people new to the sport the tools to experience and learn basketball, even if it’s the first time they’ve picked up a ball.
“We are looking forward to starting in January and adding to the ever-growing number of basketball fans and players in the UK.”
How to apply for a funded place
Slam Jam registrations are usually made through Basketball England’s PlayHQ website. For our funded places, families need to register their interest with us first.
- Complete the short online application form.
- Funded places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- If your child is offered a funded place, we will be in touch with the next steps.
Places are limited, so we encourage families to register their interest as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Register your interest for a funded place: Slam Jam Intro Funding Application
Know a family whose child would love to give basketball a try? Please share this news with them, or pass it on to your school or community group.
