East Cleveland Basketball Club has received a £7,500 boost to help grow the game.

The cash, from the Active Living Fund and awarded through Sport England's You’ve Got This local delivery pilot, will support the club's Couch 2 Courtside initiative.

The programme, which began last month, is designed to make basketball more accessible to the community.

(Image: East Cleveland Basketball Club)

It offers an inclusive environment for newcomers and returning players, providing a structured yet enjoyable route into the sport.

The funding will help the club secure venue space and qualified coaches for the year, ensuring the continuation of the weekly sessions.

These sessions, held at Eston Leisure Centre in Middlesbrough, focus on 3x3 basketball, a faster-paced, inclusive version of the game.

(Image: East Cleveland Basketball Club)

Club coach Carl Colmer said: "We opted to promote Couch 2 Courtside in a 3x3 format because it offers an extra level of inclusivity.

"This version of basketball is all about getting everyone involved."

The initiative comes as basketball sees a surge in popularity worldwide, particularly in the women's game.

The 2024 WNBA Finals attracted more than 1.6 million viewers globally, the highest viewership in over 25 years.

In the UK, Basketball England’s latest figures show that approximately 350,000 adults (aged 16+) participate in the sport at least twice a month, making it the nation’s second most popular team sport behind football.

However, while male participation increased by more than 58,000 players, female participation unfortunately declined by 7,000.

A key priority for East Cleveland Basketball Club is the development of opportunities for women and girls.

Currently, less than 10 per cent of club members are female.

Club chairman Thomas Robinson said: "We feel there is a huge potential for crossover and transferable skills and hope that our pilot encourages more females to try basketball for the first time or reconnect with it."

Women’s and girls’ sessions occur every Wednesday from 5pm to 6pm.

As part of its drive to tackle social isolation and support mental well-being, the club is also introducing men’s recreational basketball in Redcar, Cleveland, and Middlesbrough.

Mr Robinson said: "Couch 2 Courtside is about increasing basketball participation in areas that often aren’t seen as a priority."

Men’s recreational sessions occur every Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm.