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23 June 2026  4 min read

'The kids love it': Pinehurst Primary flying the Slam Jam flag for basketball - get your school involved

Look no further than Pinehurst Primary School in Anfield, Liverpool. They have embraced Slam Jam – BE’s official junior programme designed for children aged between five and 11 years old - thanks in part to the school’s administrator, Emmett Cain.

He heard about the initiative last year via Basketball England’s social media channels and, as a player for Liverpool Basketball Club in NBL Division 1, thought it would be something the school kids would enjoy. And midway through last year, they signed up as part of the project's pilot.

“I really just wanted to bring basketball to my place of work,” said Cain. “I'd started working where I am now when I was 18, so about three years ago.

“My headteacher and our PE lead loved it when I turned up because they like sport away from the typical football you find all the time in Liverpool.

“From the first few sessions, the kids loved it. They loved the equipment, the brand-new basketballs, bibs, T-shirts, and hats we had got at the time. They were really excited to see that.

“From a content perspective, what I was able to deliver alongside some of the other teachers meant they were getting access to a sport that most of them had probably seen a lot on social media or heard their parents talk about, but they'd never actually played it.”

*Check out our special offer to schools at the foot of this article

Continuing from strength-to-strength

From being eager to get the project off the ground, Cain and Pinehurst Primary’s Slam Jam adventure has grown in popularity.

It has expanded to 400 kids over two years, with years two to six either taking part in or having access to Slam Jam, and Cain just enjoys seeing the pupils take up a sport he fell in love with as a youngster.

“We just use it as an introduction to basketball for our school,” Cain explained. “Our school is in a very deprived area with lots of families who struggle.

“So being able to just give them access to something that they can maybe take and do something outside of school is brilliant. We have looked into using Slam Jam for some fun competitions and, maybe in the future, to signpost any good players to local clubs. But right now, we’re happy to let the kids enjoy basketball in a fun environment.”

And the impact that playing basketball has had on the youngsters reflects on how eager they are to play the sport after school, with Cain saying that he has seen a rise in kids bouncing a ball rather than kicking one.

“It’s been great to see, and it kind of follows my path into basketball when I was a kid,” said Cain, a lifelong Everton fan.

“I started out as a mad football fan, and then I went to watch the Everton Tigers in the old BBL, and that’s where my journey into basketball started, and it’s gone from there and now, I’m proud to play for Liverpool Basketball Club.”

About Slam Jam and how it can benefit youngsters

Designed for children aged five to 11, Slam Jam introduces young people to basketball in a fun, safe and inclusive environment, helping them develop confidence and enjoyment through physical activity.

While basketball is at its core, the programme places equal emphasis on building physical literacy and fundamental movement skills, providing children with a strong foundation for lifelong participation in sport.

By embracing the Slam Jam principles, activators can deliver age-appropriate sessions that support each child’s individual development, allowing them to learn and progress at their own pace.

Schools nationwide are already experiencing the benefits, with pupils staying active, developing new skills and discovering the excitement of basketball.

Creating positive first experiences of sport and physical activity is vital in helping children build healthy habits and maintain an active lifestyle throughout their lives.

Until 15 July, schools can sign up for Slam Jam for the low price of £195, down from the original £225. Benefits include a full equipment pack, two curriculum-aligned resources with lesson plans and activities, access to face-to-face teacher training and exclusive discounts on Basketball England’s member platform.

Find out more about slam Jam for Schools

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