Singled out for their Community Hubs programme, the Hoopstars are helping aspiring players to enjoy the game across the East region.
Starting with two hubs in 2021, that number has since risen to double digits in the ensuing years, with two more additions hopefully coming by September 2025.
The hubs are located all over Norfolk with two in the city of Norwich, and 10 in more rural towns from South Norfolk such as Attleborough and Long Stratton, reaching nearer to the coast in Stalham, Aylsham and Wroxham.
The weekly sessions are aimed at children aged from five to eighteen-years-old, with a primary goal of providing grassroots opportunities for players to explore and develop their game with the support of community hub coaches, who follow a central curriculum to ensure that all players are exposed to the same elements of the game.
"Hoopstars are doing amazing things at the community level in Norfolk.
"They started with two Community Hubs in 2021, but have 12 now and are looking to add two more. The Hoopstars are building the game from the grassroots and will be a strong club for years to come."
"Coupling a community arm to their already established competitive options has made the Hoopstars an excellent addition to the basketball landscape in the East region.
"With over 600 members now attending their sessions, only a small percentage of those players have taken part in the sport before. Add in the fact that their hubs are largely in more rural areas that traditionally lack the provision of team sports, it further highlights the excellent work the club are doing.
"The hubs are also linked to the club's foundation, offering spaces for a reduced fee, or providing financial support to further remove barriers into the sport for players coming from low income backgrounds.
"Well done to the Hoopstars, and congratulations on a richly-deserved award!"
The Hoopstars' recognition continues an eight-day period where national recipients of the 2024 Basketball England Awards will be announced.
Winners from across BE's ten regions were announced across April and May, with those recipients then shortlisted to narrow down the field for each national winner.
The Hoopstars and others will be recognised for their achievements over the coming days, leading up to another cohort of selections being celebrated with their "Services to Basketball" awards on Monday, 7 July 2025.
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