A Newport basketball club that coaches over 150 young people every week has been given a £2,005 grant.
VIDEO: Watch club coach Asa Waite chat at a training session
Newport Aces run eight different team and provide six hours of community sessions each week for youngsters to enjoy the sport.
Club coach Asa Waite applied to Newport City Homes’ community benefit scheme and the housing association was happy to help. The cash came from the landlord’s work with the Jehu Group who are building 76 one and two-bed apartments across two blocks on Coverack Road in the city
He said: “Basketball is great, mainly for our players’ mental health and confidence because you haven't got to be skillful to come to our sessions. As long as you are willing to communicate, work hard, play a bit of defense, take a couple of shots, you leave feeling better about yourself.
“I truly believe that basketball helps young people along their pathway.”
The grant will help the club get more members through its community sessions. During the summer the Aces plans to hold open days at locations across the city to make it easier for new players to try out the sport.
Laura Palfrey, development partnerships coordinator for Newport City Homes, said: “Asa is well respected in the communities and the young people love him. You only have to watch one of the club’s community sessions to see how much good it does for their wellbeing. They love learning and supporting each other on the court. We are so proud this money will help the club grow throughout 2022.”
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