Part of Life in the Old Dogs, an organisation dedicated to recreational team sports for older adults, the team's numbers have grown to just under 30, with some participants picking up a basketball for the first time in decades.
Adhering to The Old Dogs’ belief of inclusion, the more experienced players go out of their way to help others who are restarting their basketball journey.
Led by local Aussie expat coach, Kevin Maxwell, his focus has been on coaching skills in a fun way before ending the weekly session with a lung-bursting scrimmage.
"While we take the scrimmages and friendlies serious – everyone wants to get better and win – we’re in it for the fun and exercise. The banter on the court and in our WhatsApp group is out of this world.
"On the other side of the coin, one of the hardest challenges is finding a court to practice on. Up until recently, we could only hire a half court which presented a real challenge when 20 people would turn up for practice.
"Another hurdle is finding similar veteran teams for friendlies. No offence to those of you aged in your 40s, but you’re just too damn quick for us! Having said that, after three earlier losses in our season, we notched up our first victory against a newly discovered veterans team in nearby Bristol. Apparently, they’re now out for revenge in our next clash."
Following the euphoria of that win, The Old Dogs basketball team are now looking into the possibility of hosting a low key, one-day veterans’ tournament next summer in Bath.
Life In The Old Dogs was set up in April 2019 by David James after he missed the banter and comradery of being part of a team and was fed up of going to the gym on his own.
His hunch was if he was still able to kick a ball around, other 50-year-olds would also welcome the chance to meet up and play sport with like-minded people of a similar age.
After a few Facebook/Twitter posts and flyers placed at the local sports centre, The Old Dogs was up and running, offering football and netball matches.
It’s now expanded to include tag rugby, cricket, a running club and basketball and with over 300 individual registrations, more than 100 Old Dogs take part in an activity every week.
“All players have to be over 50, so games are played at an over 50s pace,” said James. “The point is that it's not about winning and being great at the sport. The success of the Old Dogs is that everyone is welcome no matter what their previous experience or fitness levels.”
“The Old Dogs mission is to help the over 50s get fitter both physically and mentally."
Find out more about the organisation via the link below.
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