Christians in Action (aka The C. I. A!) runs a Basketball club ministry as part of the outreach of their church. Established in 1965, the club was birthed from a vision to reach and develop young men at street level and, through the medium of basketball, to develop discipline and teamwork, as well as provide positive male role models within the local community.
The first basketball clinics were held at Crystal Palace sports centre during the summer of 1996, attracting between 25 to 50 young men each time. With such a response, they searched for a regular venue which could be used each week for practice and scrimmages and training began. As numbers grew and skills improved, the decision was taken to compete in local league competition and to become more structured. A leadership team of 5 was established that included two coaches, two table officials and a treasurer. In 1997 they seized an opportunity to take their young club to National League level and played division 3 Basketball which gave great exposure and experience as they travelled to away games in various parts of the UK.
More expansion followed with the addition another local league squad and training schemes for coaches and table officials. Today they have several grade 2 and 3 coaches on board as well as table officials and many volunteers. In recent years CIA have sent coach/mentors to local schools and have set up after school clubs. They are currently coaching in over 25 schools in Sutton and Merton and have established an inter-school league. They are also working with Merton Council to coach their teams for the London mini games and London Youth Games
Almost all of their players have been recruited locally and have had no experience of organised basketball before coming to the club. They usually come by word of mouth as one friend tells another. The philosophy of working along side the youngsters and using encouragement and example rather than excessive shouting and foul language causes a positive environment in which skills can be developed and self esteem can increase.
“It definitely helped me, and if it can help me it can help anyone!” These are the words of “Babs” Maye, a British youth of African parentage who has been involved with the club from early days. Babs is now one of their top players and also coaches the kids during after-school sessions. With help and mentoring he was able to graduate from Croydon College and now works as a top graphic designer.
Freddie C Roberson Jr.
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