Canary Wharf Group is partnering with British basketball team, the London Lions, to re-launch Canary Wharf’s vibrant 3 x 3 basketball court and encourage sport within the community. The partnership will offer free coaching sessions with professional coaches to those in the local community, with free to attend sessions running every day from the 26th – 30th September.
The American sport has been steadily gaining popularity in the UK and is played by an estimated 1.18 million children and young people across the country [1]. According to Basketball England, it’s the second most played team sport amongst young people in the UK and Canary Wharf aims to encourage further play with the re-opening of its free to use court.
Following a successful stint at the 2023 EuroCup, where the London Lions made history for British basketball as the first British side to make the play-offs, the team’s skilled coaches will host free workshops for those looking to learn how to dribble, free throw and practise a jump shot.
Open to all ballers – from first timers to skilled basketball players, the sessions will cover game play positions and teach key techniques to help players win a friendly competition at the end of each session.
The one and a half hour workshops will take place on Yinka Ilori’s ‘Be The Best You Can be’ Basketball court at Bank Street Park, and will be hosted by professional London Lions coaches.
The children and teenager sessions will take place between Tuesday 26 – Friday 29 September after school at 4:30 pm, with sessions for adults happening Wednesday 27 – Thursday 28 September from 6:30 pm. On Saturday, the court will play host to a series of three 1-hour clinics between 2pm-5pm, where participants can enjoy a Q&A with the pros and the chance to win a limited-edition basketball by Yinka Ilori, designer of the Canary Wharf court.
Camilla McGregor, Arts+Events Manager at Canary Wharf Group, said: “We’re delighted to relaunch Yinka Ilori’s vibrant basketball court alongside our ever-growing sport and wellness offering at Canary Wharf. Our partnership with London Lions offers those in our local community the opportunity to learn from the best in the league and also provides a space where they can meet like-minded people whilst practising their skills on London’s most colourful court. Sports and wellness amenities are extremely popular at Canary Wharf, shown by the success of open water swimming in Middle Dock and the basketball court’s neighbour, newly opened Padium.”
Imran Sanaullah, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Foundation at London Lions, said: “London Lions are passionate about making basketball accessible to all communities across London. We are excited to partner with Canary Wharf to bring quality basketball to the communities of Canary Wharf and East London. The project brings together the best of arts, sport, and community in one space at the heart of Canary Wharf.”
Canary Wharf’s court has re-opened with its colourful design, fittingly entitled ‘Be The Best You Can Be’ by London-based multidisciplinary artist Yinka Ilori. The vibrant court has been designed using pastel colours on a 3D-printed floor for a three-a-side basketball game and those who participate in the Saturday session will have the chance to win a limited-edition basketball created by Yinka to match the court.
The basketball court will be open daily and year-round to residents, workers and visitors and can be found at Bank Street Park, by the newly-joined premium padel club, Padium. The Estate plays host to some of London’s most innovative sports, courts and clubs, offering an abundance of new ways to get active.
Over 150 spots are available for people within the local community to benefit from the free courses and coaching sessions. The free workshops are available on a first come, first serve basis, and bookings can be made through EventBrite on the Canary Wharf What’s On page.
Everyone who signs up to take part in one of the free sessions will also receive a discount code, which can be used when purchasing a ticket to a London Lions’ game.
