Inaugural 3x3 School Hoops Festival in Manchester, 12th July 2019
MANCHESTER - Manchester is set to host the first official 3x3 Basketball Schools Festival this July as part of a new pilot program targeted at high school students.
MANCHESTER - Manchester is set to host the first official 3x3 Basketball Schools Festival this July as part of a new pilot program targeted at high school students. The event, which is organized in partnership between Manchester City Council, FIBA Academy, World Academy of Sport, and Basketball England, will welcome over 100 Year 7 and 8 students to the Etihad Campus on Friday 12th July.
For the last 3 months, 3x3 has been introduced into 18 Manchester schools, with PE teachers across the city completing training courses in the different elements and tactics within the fast-paced version of the sport. Schools are now expected to show off their 3x3 skills in the shadow of the Etihad Stadium in a boys and girls festival on the doorstep of Basketball England’s headquarters.
“3x3 is a great way of engaging basketball fans in the community in a manner which is both modern and fun. We are very excited about this promising FIBA 3x3 School Hoops initiative and about the Festival coming up in Manchester.” Florian Wanninger, Director of the International Basketball Foundation (IBF).
As home to the National Governing Body for Basketball, Manchester is keen to play a big part in the global growth of 3x3 in the build-up to Tokyo 2020 and Birmingham 2022. The School Hoops programme aims to drive 3x3 engagement from the grassroots level by giving young people across Manchester knowledge of the fast-paced discipline and a working understanding of the bespoke digital tools developed by FIBA.
“Our schools have been very active with 3x3 basketball over the last 6 months and everyone has shown great spirit and interest in this growing version of the sport. This Festival is part of our strong relationship with partner organisations within Basketball locally and worldwide such as FIBA and Basketball England, will promote the game in an iconic location.” Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Executive Member for Skills, Culture & Leisure, Manchester City Council
Following the School Hoops Festival, Basketball England are hosting the first City Square 3x3 Event with senior and junior teams from across the country involved on Saturday 13th July, meaning there are 2 busy days of 3x3 action to look forward to.
"The 3x3 game is dynamic, fun and very fast paced!” Basketball England’s Gail Richards said. “It keeps the players engaged and allows everyone to be part of the action.”
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