Mark and Gemma Stinson began working on what would become Grimsby Phoenix three years ago, with the club now about to complete its debut Jnr. NBL season at U14 and U16s.
The club's journey began from modest origins, with around ten to 15 kids turning up on a Saturday morning, to now welcoming sometimes triple digits of youngsters at Saturday's sessions, plus an expansion into Friday nights as well.
“Clubs around the area have gone, ‘if Grimsby can do this, we can as well’, and Lincoln has just set up a National League team as well," said Mark, via an interview with Grimsby Telegraph.
“Next season we are going to have all the community stuff we do, plus the under 12s, under nines 3x3s, under 14s and under 16s Jnr. NBL teams, and we are having a U18s National League team as well," added the 38-year-old.
“Everything we do is community based but you can make the full pathway with us.
"If you want to come and have some fun, make friends and bounce a ball around, you can do that but if you want to progress further you can get to elite level basketball.
"We just want to be a club for everybody.”
Their work certainly hasn't gone unnoticed, with the setup collecting the region's Community Club of the Year award from BE, whilst Gemma was also selected as the region's Table Official of the Year for her work with the Phoenix.
Humber Basketball Association also echoed that praise congratulating the club 'for their tireless work for children in our area'.
A social media post by the local association said: “Their debut National League seasons have been nothing short of amazing and the club continue to develop children of all abilities.
"Well done to Mark, Gemma, Jude, Ali, Phil and everyone else involved in the club.”
Stinson, Phoenix and all other regional award winners will now move on to be shortlisted for National honours as part of the 2023 Basketball England Awards, with those winners set to be announced next month.
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Main image credit - Grimsby Phoenix
