PickUp Basketball Initiative

Back in October of 2017, basketballscotland launched an exciting new initiative aimed at getting the nation more active through basketball in a fun and affordable way.

The PickUp Basketball initiative was designed to give an opportunity to those who want to play basketball in a friendly non-competitive environment. Whether you are returning to the game after some time away, or unable to commit to attending a weekly session, the PickUp sessions are open to everyone of all abilities.

The Pay-As-You-Pay set up means that you are in control of when you attend. Therefore, if you get caught up at work one week, or have a prior commitment, you don’t have to worry about losing money – you are in charge of when you play. Whether you are playing basketball noughts and crosses at the Dunfermline Reign session or working on your layups with the Dundee Madsons, you are guaranteed to do it while having fun at the PickUp Basketball sessions.

Due to the success of the PickUp Basketball initiative, in September 2019 basketballscotland, in partnership with clubs and local authorities, introduced Female PickUp Basketball sessions to be delivered across the country for both women and teenage girls. Starting at just seven sessions across Scotland, over the next few months that extend to 20. Since then the initiative has become inclusive for all, with the introduction of wheelchair PickUp and walking basketball sessions.

 

Amy Kirkhouse, basketballscotland Participation Manager, said that “It has been great to see how popular the PickUp sessions have been, especially the sessions for women and teenage girls. Creating new opportunities for females to participate in basketball at a recreational level is a focus for us and the PickUp sessions have really allowed clubs and local authorities to cater for a new group of females. We have seen the benefits the PickUp sessions have had on participants from both a physical and mental health point of view with many reporting they feel fitter, more energised and more confident as a result. It has been good to see some of our PickUp sessions start back in an outdoor setting over the past few weeks, in line with government guidance, and we hope this will continue where it is safe and practical to do so.”

 

See where your local PickUp Basketball session is here. *Please note that some pickup sessions may not have restarted yet due to covid, however please do get in touch with the session leader to check.*