The young official and Jnr NBL player was presented with the award by the Mayor of Brent Cllr. Tariq Dar MBE at a prestigious awards evening held at the Grand Hall in Brent Civic Centre, Wembley on the 3 February 2025.
The Foundation was set up by Sir Jack Petchey to inspire and motivate young people across London and Essex to do their best and reach their full potential.
London Basketball Association (LBA) CEO Tony Lazare and Head Community Coach Lukas Cato nominated the 16-year-old for the award, whose recent achievements include being an active Basketball England Level 2 referee, playing for West Herts Warriors in the National Basketball League U16 Boys Eastern Premier and representing Hertfordshire at county level for the past four years, including winning the 2024 East Region inter-county tournament against teams from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Amrania also represented the LBA at an U19 tournament at the Copper Box Arena arranged in partnership with charity London Youth, scrimmages and tournaments at The Regal in Lambeth, all whilst studying for his GCSEs.
“We are super proud of Ricky,” said mum, Priti.
“His basketball passion began as a young boy with Russell Hoops and then with our local NBL club Hemel Storm and their weekly coaching sessions, and he also had a stint with Hemel Sharks. We wanted to maximise every available opportunity, and so he also attended basketball sessions at his school hosted by Hemel Storm players Aaryn Rai and Veron Eze, and played for Oaklands Wolves for two seasons..
“Ricky progressed rapidly, earning success in basketball through self-discipline, determination and hard work. He is not work shy and demonstrates a strong work ethic, self-motivation and a strong drive to improve himself when playing in games for his team, or at scrimmages above his age group with the London Basketball Association.
“Ricky continues to officiate games to a high standard at Aylesbury Dux Basketball Club, building up his experience level and setting a great example for those young adults who may be considering doing an officiating course.”
“Ricky has been an excellent member at our local scrimmages. He did start off shy but quickly asserted himself as a reliable and capable player despite the physicality from the older players. He has been an excellent helper to the game in general, he recently qualified as a Level 2 referee and is always asking staff and the older players for advice on how to improve. We have continued to see his confidence grow.”
“I have had the pleasure of mentoring Ricky on his officiating journey from a rookie to having the confidence and ability to manage senior games.
“Ricky has always been receptive to learning and developing his talents on and off the basketball court. Well-deserved recognition.”
“Hardworking, polite, respectful, reliable and coachable are just some of the words that come to mind when someone mentions Ricky.
“We have had the pleasure of knowing this young man and his family for several years and Ricky is a great ambassador for the game not only as a player but as a young official too. He understands what it means to give back to the sport he loves.
“Ricky first came to us when he started to play at Oaklands Wolves. He trialled for the Herts county teams, making the U13A team, who won the East Region inter-county tournament for their age group that year.
“This year, his hard work paid off as he made the county's U15A team and celebrated with a fantastic squad of young men as they triumphed at the inter-county tournament once again. He attends as many different training sessions and camps as he can to give him the very best understanding and experiences of different styles of coaching.”
“Having known Ricky and his family for the last three years. His development and attitude towards playing basketball has been amazing.
“Receiving this prestigious award is only the beginning for this young man.”
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