TUF*C Future Ballers – Nov 2025
Young people in Old Trafford told TUFC they wanted more opportunities to play basketball. Through its work in the area, TUFC heard repeated concerns about the lack of affordable, structured sessions, particularly those reflecting the street-based basketball young people enjoyed. Conversations with schools, youth workers and community organisations reinforced that demand. Some young people were playing on outdoor courts with poor lighting and no coaching support.
Through Trafford Council’s Build My Bid contract, TUFC received support to develop its Future Ballers proposal for Sport England’s Movement Fund. The application was successful, securing just over £14,000 to turn that local demand into a year-long programme.
Future Ballers will deliver 42 structured sessions over 12 months for young people aged 11–24. It will begin with around 30 participants and aims to reach more than 100 by the end of the year. The sessions will offer a safe, inclusive place to play regularly, develop basketball skills and build confidence.
The project also looks beyond the grant period. TUFC plans to support eight older participants to gain coaching or officiating qualifications, creating a route for local young people to help lead future sessions. A £3 participant contribution per session will help sustain the programme.
Future Ballers shows how listening to young people can shape a funding application: TUFC identified a clear gap in local provision and secured the resources to create a regular basketball opportunity in response.