History

Greater Manchester Community Basketball was established in 1997, based at Trafford Basketball Centre in Sale, and is a not-for-profit organisation that has charitable status. It is dedicated to provide basketball opportunities for all sections of the community, to achieve their own potential, regardless of ability, ethnic background, socio-economic background, gender or age.

The Club originally consisted of two cadet teams and a small training, practice, development activity programme, managed and co-ordinated by Joe / Maggie Forber and Graham Williams.

From 1997 to 2000, there was significant investment into the development of the Club, expanding the programme to provide more opportunities for young people across Greater Manchester to have access to and become involved in basketball.

During the period 1999 to 2001, the Club recognised the importance of building relationships with local authorities and the National Governing Body, respectively Trafford, Manchester City Council and England Basketball, to work towards establishing the Club in the North West as one of the hubs for the sport. 

By 2001, the Club had developed significantly, outgrowing Trafford Basketball Centre. During this period, the Club had established a close relationship with Manchester City Council (Manchester Leisure) working in partnership to develop the sport across the City as part of Manchester’s sports policy.

Following discussions with Manchester City Council (MCC), Whalley Range 11 - 18 High School (WRHS) and Manchester Leisure, a site was identified within Manchester which could accommodate a purpose-built basketball Centre to support City-Wide and Regional basketball development.

In 2001, the Club submitted a DFEE application for a capital investment of £1.6 million, with support from MCC and WRHS. Vida, the operators of the site, contributed £550,000 and John Amaechi kindly donated £250,000 to build the only 3-court facility in the UK, specific for basketball. The total cost of Amaechi Basketball Centre and associated facilities was £2.1 million. 

In July 2002, Amaechi Basketball Centre opened, consisting of - a 3-court basketball hall, ten outdoor 5-a-side football pitches, health and fitness suite, dance activity studio, office accommodation, reception, conference room, cafe bar area and associated changing facilities.

The National Governing Body, England Basketball, recently identified clubs within the whole sport plan, as the vehicle to deliver structured development opportunities for the sport and activity, in line with National policy, targets and sport in general.

Greater Manchester Community Basketball has developed considerably over the past 12 years and, has established a firm platform to build upon, delivering success at each level of the sport. 

The Club which has the highest number of participants involved in programmes nationally, also achieved the Five Star Standard Award from England Basketball for demonstrating the wide range of development opportunities, becoming involved in player development, structured pathways, volunteering, coach education, training, officiating, competition and performance.  The Club is recognised by the National Governing Body, England Basketball, as a National model of good practice.

The document will emphasise the importance of continuing to develop the Club and associated opportunities, provided by working closely with other agencies within the City / Region. Most importantly, the Club is to agree a three year partnership arrangement with Manchester City Council for a joint vision with the Club in the City, and recognise the important role it will play in connecting to the wider Manchester community and other Clubs. The aim is to see that all the partners’ aims, objectives and outcomes are achieved.