Young people in South Wymondham are enjoying a new community basketball facility made possible through a successful partnership between local residents, South Norfolk Council, businesses and community organisations.
The permanent outdoor basketball hoops have been installed within an existing sports area in South Wymondham owned by Saffron Housing, creating a free and accessible space for people of all ages to get active, socialise and enjoy sport close to home.
The project, led by South Wymondham Youth Basketball, received more than £1,500 from South Norfolk Council’s Community Action Fund (CAF), as well as support through the Council’s Go For It grant scheme. Additional funding came from a £200 grant from Saffron Housing, a fundraiser held by Wymondham High Academy’s Performing Arts Department, and other local fundraising activities and donations.
Local District Councillor Carmina McConnell played a key role in helping the project secure funding and also contributed £400 through her ward grant, helping turn a community aspiration into reality.
Councillor McConnell said: “It’s fantastic to see this project become a reality. These new hoops provide a free, accessible space where young people can be active, spend time with friends and build confidence through sport. In the Silfield area of South Wymondham, facilities like this are really needed, so it’s wonderful to see the community come together to make it happen.
“This has been a real team effort, with residents, volunteers, businesses and the Council all playing their part. I’m proud to have supported a project that will benefit local people for many years to come.”
Spearheading the project was local parent, basketball coach and Wymondham High Academy teacher Sue Gilmour, who said:
“Until now, apart from the excellent playgrounds for younger children, there was very little local provision for older children and teenagers to meet friends, be active and enjoy sport close to home. It’s been fantastic to see the hoops being used almost immediately after they were installed. That’s exactly what we hoped for.
“Basketball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the community and in Norfolk. These courts provide an inclusive, accessible space where young people can develop skills, stay active, build friendships and simply have fun. We hope they’ll become a real focal point for the community and encourage even more young people to get outdoors and enjoy being active.
South Norfolk Council’s Community Action Fund supports community-led projects that improve quality of life, bring people together and help create stronger, more vibrant communities. For more information about the Community Action Fund, Member Ward Funding or Go For It grants, please visit the Council’s website.
