Rossendale Raptors have been running coaching session in local schools to improve the accessibility of basketball and encourage local competition.

Along with Rossendale Schools Sports Partnership, Raptors have spent several months coaching in schools and hosted the Rossendale Schools Year Nine boys’ basketball tournament.

All Saints, Fearns and Haslingden High School all entered teams into what turned out to be a fantastic tournament.

All the boys demonstrated good basketball skill and knowledge and, to the credit of the clubs coaches and the PE teachers across the Valley, the overall standard was high.

There were three close games with All Saints beating Fearns in a sudden death free throw shootout following a 10-10 draw in the first game.

Haslingden then beat Fearns 18-5 which meant the final game between Haslingden and All Saints would decide the winner.

Haslingden played well throughout the whole game and despite a spirited effort by All Saints, Haslingden won the game 26-12 and were the overall tournament champions, led by top scorer and captain James Robinson.

The basketball club’s coaching program in the schools has been a great success and they will soon be starting sessions in schools for year seven boys with a tournament to follow later in the year.

The Rossendale Raptors have worked closely with the Rossendale School Partnership and benefited from their great support in developing the coaching and tournaments.

The success of the schools tournaments and the continuing growth of the club have resulted in the Raptors being chosen to be part of the new Asda Sporting Chance Scheme which offers children a chance to a free taster session at the basketball club with the appropriate Asda voucher, subject to availability.

Please see the website, www.asda-sportingchance.co.uk for further details.

http://menmedia.co.uk/rossendalefreepress/sport/s/1407807_hassy_are_champs