Clapham Common Basketball Court reopens

Footlocker in partnership with the NBA, Hoopsfix and Basketball England has completed its refurbishment of the Clapham Common Basketball Court.

To celebrate the Clapham court's re-opening, local basketball teams and players from around South London were invited to Clapham Common on Sunday (November 7) to take part in shooting contests, competitions, coaching sessions and scrimmages.

Basketball kits designed by former Brixton Topcats player and artist Sevian Witter were handed out to local players at Sunday's launch while founder of Hoopfix, Sam Neter, led the sessions.

"I'm looking forward to Clapham Common becoming a hub of basketball activity and being able to run our own events there every summer," said Sam.

The refurbishment is part of 'Raise the Game', an international basketball community program that aims to support and fund local basketball networks.

Clapham Common's Court, which is owned and managed by Lambeth Council, joins Barcelona's Poblenou, Milan's Via Lazio and Paris court, The Baltizone, all funded by 'Raise the Game'.

Basketball England's Pete Griffiths said: "It's fantastic to see this great collaboration come to fruition in such a stunning way for the benefit of basketball.

"The courts look amazing and will be a huge asset to the community and the sport. The great work done here by all involved sets the bar really high for what can be achieved through partnership, hard work and imagination."

Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth Council's Cabinet Member for the Voluntary Sector and Leisure, said: "This is a great project that we have wholeheartedly supported and we thank all involved for their efforts here because this council owned and managed site is incredibly popular among local young people.

"The design by the former Brixton Topcats player and artist Sevian Witter is brilliant, and I'm glad Lambeth Council was able to play its role in seeing this exciting piece of work completed."

Susie Kuhn of Foot Locker commented: "Basketball continues to be a key pillar – it represents community, inclusivity, hope and empowerment."

You can follow the courts on Instagram at @claphamcommoncourt.

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