We’re on the ball – basketballs for Harrow

Hyde’s basketball donation means more ways to play in Harrow

At an event this summer, two of Young Harrow Foundation’s members, Zest of Mind and Watford FC’s Community Sports and Education Trust, received a donation of 100 basketballs from Hyde. The donation was to support play in Harrow and give a direct boost to local programmes, supporting access, inclusion and activity.

The donation was part of Hyde’s initiative to encourage better physical and mental health for young people, as well as strengthening community life. In addition to investing in play areas across communities, Hyde is also distributing over 2,000 basketballs to local partners to promote play.

Speaking at the event, Dan Burke, CEO, Young Harrow Foundation said:

“Our last HAY Harrow survey shows that only 36% of local young people are active daily. Out of the people taking part in the survey, 10% say cost stops them from taking part in active activities, and 11% say there are no suitable spaces nearby.

“Cost and lack of space are real barriers. Donations like this make it easier for providers to keep sessions going. This was a great, practical and direct way to support play in Harrow. Thank you to Hyde for supporting grassroots play in Harrow and to Zest of Mind and Watford FC CSE Trust for their ongoing work across the borough.”

Julie Costley, Hyde’s Communities Programme Manager said:

“These basketballs mean more ways to play in Harrow. The idea is simple: just give young people access to something positive and active that they can do in their neighbourhoods – and a basketball is perfect for this. This then encourages them to make use of safe, local spaces for play.

Residents and local youth groups have welcomed the basketballs - saying they’ve already brought young people together.”

The event was part of Harrow’s Holidays, Activities and Food (HAF) programme and was attended by the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel and the DVS Foundation - supporters of the HAF programme.