#ProjectSwish: Amazing outdoor basketball courts are springing up all over England

Amazing outdoor basketball courts are springing up all over England.

Basketball England’s fast-growing initiative, #ProjectSwish, is improving and upgrading great outdoor spaces to play the sport across the country, and others are getting creative under their own steam through partnerships and crowdfunding.

#ProjectSwish started out as a campaign to deliver thousands of free nets to courts in need - and continues to do that.

But it has expanded, with a series of eye-catching renovations providing a shot in the arm for outdoor courts that service the grassroots of the game

Now in its third year, #ProjectSwish forms part of Basketball England’s #GameTime campaign as we look to inspire people to create great places to play in their communities, up to and beyond the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Basketball England facilities manager and acting COO, Pete Griffiths said:

"Last year we were able to invest in a number of great projects such as the renovations at Hendon Park, Leeds Mandela, Meols Parade, Chelmer Green and Rowntree Park.

"This year we have supported Bradford Council's revamp of Victoria Park and Devonshire Park with the artist Lois O’Hara and worked with the Commonwealth Games organisers and artist and basketballer Kofi Josephs to help create more fantastic places to play outdoors. In addition, Basketball England is working Hoopsfix, the NBA and Footlocker to regenerate the iconic court at Clapham Common.

"On top of that, we have been delighted to see various organisations and individuals get their own projects off the ground and we can help and advise more to do the same with our Court Renovation Guide."

Here are some of the brilliant new outdoor courts that have recently been revealed, including a number that have been supported by #ProjectSwish:

Devonshire Park, Bradford

Shaftesbury Youth Centre, Wirral

D’Eynsford Estate, Camberwell, London

Writtle University College, Chelmsford

Victoria Park, Bradford

Victoria Park, Malvern, Worcestershire

Joseph Grimaldi Park, Islington

Summerfield Park, Birmingham

Pictured above are:

• Victoria Park and Devonshire Park, Bradford by artist Lois O’Hara and Bradford Council
• Shaftesbury Youth Centre, Wirral - promoting the Primark Space Jam clothing range
• Victoria Park, Malvern, Worcestershire by the Malvern Hoops Campaign
• D’Eynsford Estate, Camberwell, London by the D’Eynsford Tennants Association
• Joseph Grimaldi Park, Islington, by London Pink Lady Apples and Project in the Paint
• Writtle University's new 3x3 courts in Essex supported by Project in the Paint and GG3x3
• Summerfield Park, Birmingham - the Birmingham 2022 court

There are more exciting projects due to come to fruition or get under way in the coming months as well, so watch this space and keep an eye on our social media channels for more.

Inspired to improve your local outdoor court? Check out the #ProjectSwish renovation guide using the button below.

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Proceeds from our limited edition Wilson #ProjectSwish balls have also been raising money towards outdoor court projects!

 

Basketball has the power to change lives. #GameTime will aim to raise awareness of the positive impact that our sport can have on people no matter who they are or where they're from.

We're aiming to engage 1 million people in basketball using the Commonwealth Games 2022, 3x3, #ProjectSwish and more.

Regardless of age, gender or background, across every part of the basketball community.... It's #GameTime!