Basketball camp is a huge hit with Dunton Green youngsters

A NEW basketball camp that bounced into Dunton Green earlier this year attracted a large following of 11-14 year olds in the area. The camp takes place on Monday nights from 5-6pm at Dunton Green recreation ground and is run by The Sevenoaks Suns, Sevenoaks’ only premier level basketball club.

Coach Pawel and some of the young players at the Basketball Camp in Dunton Green. They are holding the grant cheque awarded to them by Kent Sport.

The hour-long sessions cost £2 and not only teach the children the basics of basketball but also include team building and self-confidence exercises. The positive feedback from the local community has encouraged Sevenoaks District Council and The Sevenoaks Suns to look into extending the project and delivering the sessions again next summer.

Cllr Lesley Dyball, the Council Cabinet Member for People and Places, said: “Basketball is becoming increasingly popular with young people so it’s great that we can offer this camp in Dunton Green. It is a fun and enjoyable way to exercise and make friends.”

The sessions have been funded by Kent Sport and on 29 July 2019 a cheque for £427 was presented to Coach Pawel of The Sevenoaks Suns.

To find out more about Kent Sport visit www.kentsport.org/sports

To register your interest in next year’s basketball camp email: communities@sevenoaks.gov.uk

Founded in 2005, the Sevenoaks Suns is run by volunteers who offer coaching to players ranging from five years old through to men and women. Their goal is to help young people develop into mature, confident and self-reliant individuals.

In the club’s 13 years, they’ve built a tradition of excellence across all age groups. The girls programme has won 20 junior national league titles and the women’s team have won back-to-back Woman’s British Basketball League Playoff Championships in 2017 and 2018.

To date, 43 Sevenoaks Suns female players have represented England, 15 have represented Great Britain and 17 have received scholarships to continue their basketball careers and education in the United States.

To find out more about the Sevenoaks Suns visit www.sevenoakssuns.com