Youngsters can basket some free fun

And they are hoping the free of charge sessions will help attract youngsters to a new basketball club starting at Belper School in September.

During the holidays, coaching will be on offer in Whitemoor Rec, every Friday between 5pm and 8pm and at Kilburn Welfare site each Friday from 2pm to 4.30pm.

Similar sessions are also taking place in Ripley, Langley Mill, Somercotes and Ironville on a weekly basis and it is hoped that some of these will encourage more young people to join an existing club at Alfreton Grange School which will restart on Friday evenings in September.

The Ripley coaching is in Porterhouse Rec every Tuesday between 2pm and 4.30pm, from 5pm to 8pm in Queen’s Street Rec, Langley Mill each Tuesday, at Somerlea MUGA in Somercotes from 2pm to 4.30pm on Thursdays and at the MUGA in Ironville between 5pm and 8pm on Thursdays.

Posters and flyers advertising the sessions went into schools in the borough and to existing young people’s groups. Police, youth workers and PCSOs working in the areas will also make groups of young people that they see aware that the free coaching is available.

Organised by Amber Valley Community Safety Partnership, the basketball is being paid for by the partnership, Amber Valley Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council Youth Services, police and the School Sport Partnership.

Commenting on the sessions, Assistant Community Safety Officer Vicki England said: “As well as providing those taking part with some great activities and high level coaching we hope the basketball will help prevent young people getting involved in anti-social behaviour.

“It will also provide them with a chance to see if they fancy joining the new or existing clubs when they are operating in September.”