Ahead of International Women’s Day (8 March), Deignan has written an open letter to encourage all women and girls to give basketball a try.
This International Women's Day, I'm writing this open letter with a simple invitation that could change your life: Try basketball.
Perhaps you've watched from the sidelines. Maybe you've convinced yourself that sports ‘aren't your thing’, or that it’s too late to learn a new skill. Maybe you think basketball is too fast or too athletic.
Basketball is more than just a game. It's a journey of self-discovery, a vehicle for empowerment, and a community waiting to welcome you.
Everyone belongs in our community, no matter your ability.
Join the near 400,000-strong group of women and girls across England who are playing basketball on a regular basis.
Confidence. There's something transformative about making your first basket or successfully defending against an opponent. These small victories can build a bank of self-belief that spills into every aspect of life.
Community. Basketball teams become families. You become part of a community. The women who you share the court with understand your struggles and celebrate your victories. These are friendships forged in our beautiful game.
Physical strength/mental resilience. The conditioning, the drills, and even the muscle soreness are reminders of your body's capabilities. You build physical strength. as well as translating mental resilience in basketball.
Leadership skills. Whether calling plays, organising team strategy, or simply finding your voice to communicate on court, basketball cultivates your leadership skills in many organic, practical ways.
Movement and play. In a world that constantly demands productivity, basketball offers the pure pleasure, no, the pure joy of play. A feeling that we feel removed from as we grow older.
This International Women's Day, as we reflect on the progress women have made and the challenges we still face, I invite you to claim your space on your basketball court.
Why not start with a simple shoot-around at a local park, use our court finder to find your local court and get involved with our #ProjectSwish campaign and order some free nets to put up.
Why not join a beginner's class. Gather friends for a casual game. The beauty of basketball is that it meets you where you are. There's no ‘right age’ to start, no required level of fitness, and no standard body type for success.
So, pick up that ball. Feel its texture beneath your fingertips. Experience the satisfaction of a perfect pass or the thrill of watching your shot fall through the net.
The court is calling. Your journey begins now.
Brandie Deignan, Non-Executive Director, Basketball England
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