LONDON - A significant page is about to be turned in the UK after the British Basketball Federation (BBF) published an exciting new 12 year vision and strategy for the sport.

'Transforming Basketball in Britain Together' has been developed off the back of a wide reaching consultation process that has involved more than 1,000 contributors, alongside representatives from the respective Boards of Basketball England, Basketball Scotland and Basketball Wales, as well as the Basketball Foundation, British Basketball League (BBL) and Women's British Basketball League (WBBL).

The BBF will formally take over FIBA membership of Basketball England, Basketball Scotland and Basketball Wales later this year and has as stated it will take several Olympic cycles to build the GB teams to where they aspire to be – as well as building the sport from the grassroots upwards to create a stronger fan base, a bigger and better pool of players and officials –as well as increasing the awareness and profile of the sport across all age groups.

The document identifies six interlinked strategic outcomes, the strategic objectives that underpin that and also 10 immediate strategic priorities. Six new advisory working groups will develop the action plans required to deliver these - including the milestones and targets against which progress will be measured.

The BBF has expressed its gratitude to FIBA and Sport England in particular for their support in developing the vision and strategy.

It is one which should support the successful transformation of basketball in Britain and also contribute to wider sporting goals of the UK government, which is being led via the DCMS (Department for Culture, Media and Sport).

It will have an impact on targeting the inactive (especially in under 25 and over 50 age groups), in developing the women's game, increasing the capabilities and enjoyment of children and young people in sport, in supporting the many volunteers who make sport happen and developing a core of regular and talented players. This will be enhanced by investing in facilities at the heart of communities and joining up the work and activity of basketball groups in those communities.

"The time is right to be taking on the challenge of transforming basketball in Britain with the coming together of the three home nations and in the context of the new DCMS led strategy for Active Nations," said BBF Independent Chairman, Nick Humby.

“We have made the first steps in building the relationships to foster belief and confidence in our sport - Humby.

"We look forward to making progress in the months and years ahead."

Meanwhile speaking for the pro-game in the UK, Kevin Routledge added: "On behalf of the British Basketball League (BBL) and Women’s British Basketball League (WBBL) clubs, I welcome the new vision for the sport.

"Our clubs have an important role in the talent pathway, in the local communities and in supporting the profile of the sport.

"We have plans around many clubs for new arenas that will sit at the heart of these local basketball communities."

The new vision and strategy is available at www.gbbasketball.com

FIBA