A basketball community project set up in Ipswich has seen great success and been able to limit anti-social behaviour. 

At the start of the summer break, Sport Sense, Community Praxis and Aspire Basketball Club came together to organise free coaching sessions at Chantry Library, funded by Suffolk Libraries and Suffolk County Council.

Their collaborative effort has now seen great success, with over 20 children coming to their under-13 and over-13 sessions to learn the team sport, every week. 

As a result, the project has grown to the level that organisers have been able to buy new hoops for the court and resurface it. 

They also aim to engage with students on a deeper level. 

The success of the project has helped them buy new hoops and resurface the court.The success of the project has helped them buy new hoops and resurface the court. (Image: Sport Sense)

Anton Dixon, director and head coach of Sport Sense, said: "It’s inspiring to see how the community has rallied behind this project, with many people offering their time, services, and skills to help make our sessions a success.

"The impact extends beyond the court as well. The local police have reported a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour and related calls in the area.

"We’ve also seen more older kids, who may have initially stayed on the sidelines, getting involved in the sessions. The positive influence these sessions have had on the community cannot be overstated."

The sessions have had over 20 students regularly attend it.The sessions have had over 20 students regularly attend them. (Image: Sport Sense)

He added that all partners wish to continue this project into the term time, to allow students to step out of their house and relieve some stress. 

Organisers said they believe that sports can be a great avenue through which students can de-stress during exam season as well. 

"We’ve built strong relationships with the children and their families, creating a supportive environment that goes beyond the sport itself," Mr Dixon added.