New basketball tournament in Liverpool to inspire youngsters
It's the first ever large scale 3x3 basketball tournament in the region
Last updated 19th Aug 2023
It's hoped that a new basketball tournament in the heart of Liverpool will inspire hundreds of youngsters to build a brighter future for themselves.
More than 60 teams are playing three v three, the basketball equivalent of football's five-a-side, on a purpose-built court installed on Chavasse Park.
The five-day tournament began on Wednesday and will culminate in a grand-final on Sunday afternoon.
Free open coaching and mentoring sessions are being offered alongside the matches.
The idea for the first ever large-scale 3x3 basketball tournament in the region came from Toxteth Eli8e.
Emile Coleman from Toxteth Eli8e said:
"The inaugural LVP 3X3 Tournament is set to be a ground-breaking event, bringing the first ever large-scale basketball competition right into the heart of the city, at the Liverpool ONE shopping complex.
"Prepare for some unforgettable moments, jaw-dropping skills, and the joy of uniting the city through the power of basketball! Come, play, and conquer!"
Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:
"Basketball is the second highest participation sport in the UK, but there is currently a lack of resources available for young people to get involved.
"Through the region’s first ever large-scale, free 3X3 Basketball Tournament we are trying to change that - giving more than 200 young people the opportunity to showcase their skills on a brilliant stage, while also hopefully inspiring and encouraging hundreds more to take up the sport.
"The power of sport is incredible. By providing opportunities like this we are not only keeping young people happier and healthier, we are also building their resilience and channelling their energy and abilities into positive activities during the school summer holidays. This all helps to create brighter futures and a lasting legacy for our region."
Debi McAndrew, Early Years Education Lead for the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, said:
"Becoming involved in sport is more than a mere distraction for young people. As we have seen from projects we have funded across Merseyside, fitness of body and mind improves and self-confidence grows, which makes it much easier for young people to achieve their goals.
"Other benefits include broadening the mind, becoming involved with people from all walks of life and developing respect for agencies such as the council and police, who are involved in the Toxteth project."
Ian Finlayson, estate director at Liverpool ONE, said:
"We are delighted to support the inaugural 3x3 basketball tournament at Liverpool ONE. Positively impacting the lives of young people is at the heart of our community initiatives.
"By supporting grassroots sport organisations, we invest in more than just sports, we invest in the future of the young people across the region, improving their confidence and mental health."