'It has had a big impact' (From Enfield Independent)

Enfield Truth Basketball Club head coach Michelle Brown believes the club has made a 'big impact' in it's first year

11:57am Tuesday 17th July 2012 in Sport

Enfield Truth head coach Michelle Brown believes the basketball club has made a 'big impact' after their successful first year.

The Enfield outfit formed in June 2011 and now runs several teams at different age categories from under-12 up to senior sides. They are also planning to create a girl’s under-14 and under-18 team in the forthcoming year.

All of Enfield’s sides play in the Reach and Teach Community Basketball League with varying levels of success in their inaugural campaigns.

The club, which holds training sessions at Nightingale Academy, will also have sides competing in the national league taking on team’s home and away. Brown hopes that by playing across the country, Enfield’s players will be noticed by the England coaches.

While Brown had an inkling that the club would be a success, she is pleased with the reaction they have received.

Brown said: "We had an idea that it was going to take off quickly because there is nothing really like it in the area. But in the space of a year we have six coaches and 140 kids that come to the sessions and the feedback from the parents has been great.

"We have also set up a study centre for the kids to use. Not only do we want them to play basketball but we also want to empower them through the sport.

She added: "They (the parents) have been blown away by the discipline and structure that the club provides. It has had a big impact."

While basketball is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, it is still far behind the coverage and financial strength in America.

However, Brown is hopeful that the Enfield club will be able to buck the trend which sees talented youngsters head overseas for advanced training.

"I played until I was 18 in this country but then I went over to America - the difference is massive.

"In the future we want to have our own facility. It does cost a lot of money to run a centre but if we did have one then we could develop players and keep them here in the UK. Our goal is to train great basketball players"

For more information on the club, contact Michelle Brown on 07545 343555 or email obrown005@yahoo.co.uk.