New Basketball Club

Who are we?

Black Country Basketball Club, established in November 2023, swiftly emerged as a vibrant center for basketball enthusiasts of diverse ages and skill levels within the Black Country region. The club provides comprehensive training, coaching, and competitive opportunities for players, with a focus on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Additionally, the club prioritizes community engagement and outreach to foster a strong sense of belonging among its members.

Our vision extends beyond the court, aiming to foster individual growth, sportsmanship, and physical activity that strengthens our community bonds. We aspire to provide a positive environment for all, with potential links to National League Squads for those pursuing a basketball career.

Executive Summary

Black Country Basketball Club aims to establish itself as the premier basketball club in the Black Country area, with the ultimate goal of competing in the British Basketball League. With a roster of experienced coaches and players, the club's main objective is to secure a permanent venue to accommodate the basketball community within the region. The club plans to enter the league in September 2024 with both women/men teams in the U14, U18, and Senior D3 categories. Revenue will be generated through player subscriptions and community funding, which will cover expenses such as officials, facilities, and equipment. The club plans to practice two days during weekdays and hold games on weekends.

Black Country basketball also in collaboration with Sandwell College Students Union Sports, has established a dynamic partnership aimed at enriching the lives of students through basketball and mentorship initiatives. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by students transitioning from college to the next phase of their lives, Black Country has stepped in to offer structured basketball sessions and comprehensive mentorship programs. These sessions serve as a vital platform for students who may not have access to other post-college opportunities, empowering them to develop their skills both on and off the court. Through personalized guidance and support, Black Country aims to foster not only athletic growth but also personal development, equipping students with the tools and confidence needed to navigate their futures successfully.

Why Are We Crowdfunding?

The primary focus of the club's operations is to securing a permanent venue that meets the needs of the basketball community in the Black Country area. Once a venue is secured, the club will establish regular training schedules, organize league competitions, and coordinate coaching and officiating staff. Additionally, the club will prioritize player development and wellness by providing access to strength and conditioning facilities, sports medicine services, and nutritional guidance.

The Black Country area has a growing interest in basketball, with a significant number of youth and adult players seeking opportunities to play competitively. However, there is a shortage of dedicated basketball facilities in the region, presenting an opportunity for Black Country Basketball Club to fill this void and become the leading destination for basketball enthusiast. 

The demand from the younger age group is significant, yet our ability to cater to their needs is hindered by insufficient venues and funding. Securing a permanent venue would be the ideal solution to address this challenge and enable us to offer sessions for our development squads.

How We’ll Spend the Money Raised

The funds we raise will go towards acquiring necessary equipment, securing venues, and initiating various basketball programs, including community initiatives, summer and holiday camps, elite tournaments, and strength and conditioning programs.

The club will implement a multifaceted marketing strategy to attract players, including targeted social media campaigns, local community events, and partnerships with schools and other sports organizations. Additionally, the club will host open trials and promotional events to showcase its offerings and recruit new members. Furthermore, the club will leverage its presence in local basketball leagues and tournaments to raise awareness and attract talent.

Coach Training: We will prioritize the training of new coaches to meet the growing demand. Each Level 2 coaching course costs £240, allowing for the training of 10 coaches. Currently, Black Country Basketball has 5 highly experienced L2 coaches.

Our goal is to train an additional 5 coaches this year to ensure the club's sustainability. 

Scoreboard: A new scoreboard is required for each team's "home games" in both national and local leagues. The estimated cost for this purchase exceeds £3,000.

Team Kits: To foster a unified club identity and inclusivity, new kits will be provided for all teams at a cost of £500 per team.

Training Equipment Renewal: We will regularly update training equipment, including medical supplies to manage injuries, with an estimated annual expense of at least £3,000.

Basketball Hoops: Acquiring two basketball hoops will incur a cost of £10,000.

Basketball Markings: Basketball Markings required 

Venue Hire: Black Country Basketball requires venue hire at a rate of £45-60 per hour. We need at least 8 hours of basketball per week to cover all sessions.

Officials: We will budget £40 per game for referees and £30 per game for table officials.

Development Sessions: We aim to have community sessions to develop young talents within the black Country Community.

Marketing Strategy

The club will implement a multifaceted marketing strategy to attract players, including targeted social media campaigns, local community events, and partnerships with schools and other sports organizations. Additionally, the club will host open trials and promotional events to showcase its offerings and recruit new members. Furthermore, the club will leverage its presence in local basketball leagues and tournaments to raise awareness and attract talent.

Growth Strategy

Black Country Basketball Club's long-term growth strategy involves expanding its membership base, enhancing its facilities and programming, and ultimately competing at higher levels of competition, including the British Basketball League. The club will continuously evaluate its offerings and seek feedback from members to ensure it remains competitive and responsive to the needs of the basketball community. Additionally, the club will invest in youth development programs and partnerships with schools and community organizations to cultivate a pipeline of talent and promote the sport at the grassroots level.

Community Engagement 

Black Country Basketball Club is committed to engaging with the local community and promoting basketball as a vehicle for positive social change. We will organize outreach programs, coaching clinics, and school partnerships to introduce more individuals to the sport and encourage participation from diverse backgrounds. By fostering strong ties with local organizations, schools, and community groups, we aim to create a vibrant and inclusive basketball community within the Black Country. 

 Black Country Basketball hosts the largest basketball open session for the community every Thursday from 6 to 8 PM at Sandwell College. This inclusive event welcomes individuals aged 16 and above, providing a vibrant space for basketball enthusiasts to come together, hone their skills, and engage in friendly competition while fostering a sense of c

Conclusion

With a clear vision, experienced leadership, and a dedicated community of players and supporters, Black Country Basketball Club is poised to become a dominant force in the Black Country area's basketball landscape. By securing a permanent venue and implementing a robust business plan, the club will be well-positioned to achieve its goal of becoming the biggest basketball club in the country and competing at the highest levels of the sport.

How You Can Play Your Part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Black Country Rewards. Free Hoodie for anyone who makes a video supporting our campaign.