Landmark 'Slam Jam' campaign to get 180,000 primary school kids playing basketball

A new grassroots basketball programme aims to introduce the sport to 180,000 primary school-aged children across England.

Called Slam Jam, the programme has been developed by Basketball England in partnership with basketball and educational experts and is a landmark programme for Basketball England.

Targeted specifically at 7-11-year olds, the programme will be delivered in both school and community locations with fun-filled sessions lasting between 45-60 minutes.

Slam Jam has been designed to provide children with their first experience of basketball and an achievable timescale to develop all the basic skills and techniques to both understand and enjoy the game.

With minimal equipment required – basketballs, bibs, cones – the programme can also be delivered almost anywhere.

Described as a "landmark programme" for Basketball England, it also represents a notable investment into the grassroots level of the game.

Slam Jam forms a key part of Basketball England’s strategic plan to deliver a sustainable future for the sport – Growing BasketbALL TOGETHER.

Young people and children are at the heart of the plan with a key focus on delivering accessible and positive basketball experiences from a young age.

“We believe the launch of Slam Jam is a huge step forward for the future of basketball in England,” said Stewart Kellett, Basketball England CEO.

“Slam Jam will help us reach a significant number of children who are yet to play basketball.

"Enjoyment should be at the heart of any playing experience and therefore we’ve ensured that the children themselves have been involved in its creation.

"This goes beyond any participation programme we’ve done before and we’re looking forward to creating some life-long players and fans of basketball.”