Sports clubs must continue to help communities directly address social and economic issues and enhance the well-being of the next generation, according to British basketball player Patrick Whelan.
A recent survey by the British Basketball League found that 36% of 16-24-year-olds admitted that a lack of motivation affects their participation in sports.
Of the 2,000 respondents nationwide, 58% agreed that access to sports helps solve social and economic problems within their local communities.
(Sports England/BBL graph)
Last month, the BBL Ambassadors Community Schools programme, funded by Sport England, was launched.
BBL players and staff visit 1,000 schools in local club communities, with the aim of inspiring 150,000 young people across the UK, promoting the importance of an active lifestyle and the positive impact that sport can have on mental health.
Whelan, 25, helped the Leicester Raiders win the treble in his first season after joining Spanish club Real Murcia, defeating the London Lions in the final to add to the success of the BBL Cup and the 2022 tournament.
The Warrington-born ranger, who averaged 15.2 points per game, feels that initiatives like the BBL Ambassadors Program can only help build better prospects for underserved communities.
“I think it inspires them a little bit to have that motivation to get involved in different sports groups,” Whelan told the Palestinian News Agency.
“They can see a positive impact on someone’s life, and I think that’s definitely key – especially in areas where the money may not actually be there.
“Sports, especially basketball, is something you can do with just one ball, and it doesn’t take a lot of money to invest – just go out there and play, so, especially in these communities, it’s great.”
Whelan, who made his GB debut in the 2023 Basketball World Cup qualifier matches against Greece and Turkey, added: “Kids only see success – they want to know how many trophies you have and how many points you score per game.
“But just seeing someone who looks like them, whether black or brown or from a[racial]minority, be able to succeed in ways they would never have thought of, I think is definitely an essential part of our engagement with them.”
The BBL survey also found that respondents with mental health issues (44%) would benefit most from increased access to and opportunities for sports.
“Basketball has always been a way to meet people outside of school, people from other backgrounds, and from other places. That sense of belonging has been great for me and my family too,” said Whelan, whose older brother Jordan plays for the Manchester Giants.
“To this day, playing basketball is one of the happiest moments of my life.
“When I was a kid and had to give up basketball for a week, I definitely felt like there was definitely a drop in my mood.”
